6 hours ago, FriendlyHorse said:

You didn't enter as a 'refugee', that's the difference.

I did say that over the phone to the benefits people. I said I bet if I had rocked up in a dinghy I would have got money and allowances . They tried to say well that's not true and I said so how are these people all managing to have food , clothes and money then after getting of a boat with nothing. They changed subject after that .

A friend of mine with a criminal record sheet as long my arm, got a visa to stay in Thailand long term.

There in lies the problem.

The previous administration, many in the property arena were dictating an immigration process designed to help with shifting condominums - NOT FOR THE THAI PEOPLE, SOCIETY.

The backdoor open border policy is an utter disgrace and has seen society collapse into drugs, crime, scams, and ironically seen a fall in tourism - as visitors seek safety not a state that is just open to the worlds criminals.

17 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

I’m similar. Visa renewal is no big deal if you have the right documents and money but for some reason, once I have the renewal I feel a huge mixture of joy and relief.

Silly really, but there we are

And then one year, I was stood in a long line halfway down soi 5 towards the beach with the sun blazing down on me, beginning to feel a bit dizzy. I walked away and went to an agent!

On 4/1/2026 at 5:15 AM, jacko45k said:

From the hap hazard way I have seen passports handled in there thousands at immigration I have to wonder.

How many p.ports have you heard about getting lost at immigration? If it should happen it would be easier to handle than chasing after an agent who is out of reach.

19 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

A friend of mine with a criminal record sheet as long my arm, got a visa to stay in Thailand long term.

There in lies the problem.

The previous administration, many in the property arena were dictating an immigration process designed to help with shifting condominums - NOT FOR THE THAI PEOPLE, SOCIETY.

The backdoor open border policy is an utter disgrace and has seen society collapse into drugs, crime, scams, and ironically seen a fall in tourism - as visitors seek safety not a state that is just open to the worlds criminals.

It’s a point I have made more than once on here. Shorter visa times don’t matter when it is so easy for criminals to get longer term visas. There are no checks. Pay your money, fill your forms and you’re in.

I have two questions regarding the 800,000 THB financial requirement for a 1-year extension of stay (retirement).

1. Is it acceptable to keep the 800,000 THB in a separate Thai bank account that is not used for daily expenses?
   For example:

• Account A: daily use (transactions, ATM, etc.)

• Account B: dedicated account holding the 800,000 THB with minimal or no movement

Will immigration accept this arrangement, provided all balance requirements are respected?

2. Regarding the origin of funds:
   Do all deposits into that account need to come from overseas, or are transfers from another Thai bank account in my name acceptable?

This question applies to:

• the initial funding to reach 800,000 THB

• any later top-ups after the balance drops to 400,000 THB

• any other deposits made during the year

In other words, is there any requirement that the money must be transferred from abroad, or are domestic transfers within Thailand acceptable?

I understand that requirements may vary by immigration office, but I would like to know what is generally accepted in practice.

Thanks in advance.