Got screwed one year. Thankfully had 2 accounts over 800,000 baht.

Closed an account at SCB when they stopped allowing online banking from my desktop. Walked downstairs to Branch Bank B and opened the account with a certified check over a million baht. SCB wouldn't give me cash.

Bank Branch B did not show the deposit made the same day despite it being a certified check from SCB. Bank Branch B showed the deposit as being 2 days later when the certified check cleared. Udon immigration would not honor the bank account because of the 2 day lapse. However, they would accept a letter from the bank verifying my deposit.

The new bank admitted the mistake when I went back to the branch, but their local main office in Udon would not allow them to write a letter explaining the mistake for me to extend.

So next day I went to the other bank where I had an account and got the letter and statement.

1. Get cash when you close your account with the idea of opening another account for visa purposes.

2. Had I expected this mess, I easily had 400,000+ baht cash that I could have deposited in the new account to get me over that 2 day hump.

3. To this day, I still have 2 accounts to extend my stay -- just in case. Glad I don't need it to live.

Good luck to all.

Just now, Ricohoc said:

Got screwed one year. Thankfully had 2 accounts over 800,000 baht.

Closed an account at SCB when they stopped allowing online banking from my desktop. Walked downstairs to Branch Bank B and opened the account with a certified check over a million baht. SCB wouldn't give me cash.

Bank Branch B did not show the deposit made the same day despite it being a certified check from SCB. Bank Branch B showed the deposit as being 2 days later when the certified check cleared. Udon immigration would not honor the bank account because of the 2 day lapse. However, they would accept a letter from the bank verifying my deposit.

The new bank admitted the mistake when I went back to the branch, but their local main office in Udon would not allow them to write a letter explaining the mistake for me to extend.

So next day I went to the other bank where I had an account and got the letter and statement.

1. Get cash when you close your account with the idea of opening another account for visa purposes.

2. Had I expected this mess, I easily had 400,000+ baht cash that I could have deposited in the new account to get me over that 2 day hump.

3. To this day, I still have 2 accounts to extend my stay -- just in case. Glad I don't need it to live.

Good luck to all.

Forgot to mention.

I had my deposit slip showing that the deposit was made on the same day; but when I updated my passbook, the funds didn't show up on that day.

16 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

What an arrogant post.

You won't get me losing £700 on dead money.

16 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

What an arrogant post.

You won't get me losing £700 on dead money.

16 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

What an arrogant post.

You won't get me losing £700 on dead money.

How is it arrogant? In my opinion it's stupid to take out money of that account when you know perfectly well that this might potentially cause problems with the visa renewal because it's simply not worth it to take that risk! So, I'd just play it safe and have that money in a savings account, at least then you'll get a miniscule interest rate on it, which if course will be eaten up by inflation. But I guess, there's some price to pay either way when you want to live in Thailand and don't have a pension to qualify for the visa without a deposit!

Also if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing with the 800K for the rest of the year after you got the visa?

And what do you mean with losing 700 pounds?

Just now, pacovl46 said:

How is it arrogant? In my opinion it's stupid to take out money of that account when you know perfectly well that this might potentially cause problems with the visa renewal because it's simply not worth it to take that risk! So, I'd just play it safe and have that money in a savings account, at least then you'll get a miniscule interest rate on it, which if course will be eaten up by inflation. But I guess, there's some price to pay either way when you want to live in Thailand and don't have a pension to qualify for the visa without a deposit!

Also if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing with the 800K for the rest of the year after you got the visa?

And what do you mean with losing 700 pounds?

I am not using 800k for visa extension purposes, it is earning me money in my ISA....(£700 - £800 before the dip in interest rates).

Just now, hotandsticky said:

I am not using 800k for visa extension purposes, it is earning me money in my ISA....(£700 - £800 before the dip in interest rates).

Just now, hotandsticky said:

I am not using 800k for visa extension purposes, it is earning me money in my ISA....(£700 - £800 before the dip in interest rates).

Alright then, but that still doesn't explain why you think my initial comment was arrogant...

14 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Most of your post is irrelevant.

Banks have zero to do with immigration.

Also for extension retirement the 800k is not required all year round.

Would be impossible for banks to so what you outline.

DIdnt say that. YOU as visum holder has to deal with both, For renewing retire visum, you need to have 800 kbaht.

In a specific time period it is possible to redraw money from it to a min limit of 400kbaht.

In a specific time period it MUST be 800 kbaht

Again limits.

I wouldnt know any reason why a bank couldnt make it, other then it cost to make it. It would be service from bank.

Banks and immigration dont have any link , but only YOU, do have the link! That is what i said.

It is possible fi to limit your card on how much money you spend or withdraw with the card/day.

You can even set that in a time period and even where.

I HAD to put card on global if I want to use it outside country and again even to be set on time period.

The thing is worthless abroad if I didnt .

And then I checked today the bank site to see what would be more possible.

Then I had a mind correction, it has been lifted ! I dont have to set it anymore. Good to know now.

I knew there were coming some other changes, but now even more. As the card is now permanently set on global.

So changes are possible as they are changing all. So a tiny service as account limit alarm would, could be handy.

Especially in Thailand where you NEED the 800 kbaht remained or in using to lower to 400 kbaht. and even hold.

But ok services today are a PITA.

The OP described the mistake he made, after all we are human and can and do make mistakes.

Just now, xtrnuno41 said:

I wouldnt know any reason why a bank couldnt make it, other then it cost to make it. It would be service from bank.

Frankly post is ridiculous.

For money in bank retirement the financial obligations are 800k two months prior to application.

Maintained for 3 months after application and not below 400k in other months.

To think that banks could monitor that and set some sort of limits is bizarre at best.

Nor would they have any interest in ridiculous idea.

Hi DrJack, pls let me tell you this:

When I went to the Bank to ask for a bank letter, the bank spotted my mistake.

They said they would issue the bank letter only when I agree that they freeze my 800.000 Baht for 4 months.

I gladly agreed.

Do you think this will change anything if I go immigration tomorrow.

I also got bank statement from Bangkok Bank (where my account is) the next day after I applied for it.

It arrived per email 1 May as promised, which really impressed me.

Just now, nofarang said:

They said they would issue the bank letter only when I agree that they freeze my 800.000 Baht for 4 months

The "freeze" 4 months is a BBL thing and has nothing to do with immigration. Just a rogue act.

The bank letter just shows you as the owner of the account and balance at time of issue.

It's, the 12 month Bank Statement that is used to verify financial compliance.

Just now, nofarang said:

I also got bank statement from Bangkok Bank (where my account is) the next day after I applied for it.

It arrived per email 1 May as promised, which really impressed me.

So this emailed bank statement has bank stamps.

Some folk report having use bank app to obtain 12 month bank statement and furthermore accepted by immigration.

They shouldn't be accepted.

Just now, nofarang said:

Do you think this will change anything if I go immigration tomorrow.

Dont think it matters when you go.

I doubt immigration will make it an issue over such small amount and corrected quickly.

Last Nov at CW, I was 2k short for two days. The io let it slide.

Thank you Dr. Jack for yr profound answer.

Unfortunately I realized when getting the bank statement that the mistake I made was something over 1000 Baht and the 1000 Baht I provided immediately did not heal it. I was still short for about 12 Satang for this day. But the next day some big transfer healed everything.

Let me say I learned something from this unfortunate experiance and as soon as the bank freeze is lifted I will open a second account to keep these 800.000 untouched troughout the year.

Just now, nofarang said:

as soon as the bank freeze is lifted I will open a second account to keep these 800.000 untouched troughout the year

...... In fact many folk doing extension retirement just use a dedicated bank account and leave 800k + untouched. Some even use FD account.

In future you could consider income method if suits your circumstances.

Unrelated on matter of principle personally I would be switching from BBL.

Please report back what transpires re your extension application

"So this emailed bank statement has bank stamps."

Bank statement came as email attachment in pdf form.

No stamps

Just now, nofarang said:

"So this emailed bank statement has bank stamps."

Bank statement came as email attachment in pdf form.

No stamps

As I posted... Some immigration have accepted this "bank statement"

(based on couple of reports)

In reality should not be accepted for obvious reasons

On 5/2/2026 at 12:46 AM, pacovl46 said:

How difficult is it to deposit 800K into a separate bank account from which you never withdraw any money????

Nowhere near as easy these days as you seem to make it out to be, I would venture to suggest, in view of the increasingly insurmountable roadblocks which Thai banks collectively are gleefully placing in the way of foreigners wishing to open new accounts with them - even where a foreigner already holds an existing account with the particular bank in question.

Edited May 4May 4 by OJAS

Hopefully, the OP will post back what happens, with details about which immigration office, and any "special actions" that may be required to smooth things over. Or don't work- sometimes that's good info, too...

In any case, I wish him/her well.

On 5/1/2026 at 3:49 PM, DrJack54 said:

Seems to me that immigration will eventually move to 12 month bank statement instead of bank book + photocopies

But you'd still need a passbook to prove that you'd made a transaction on the day you applied for a retirement extension if this is what your office requires, would you not?

Just now, OJAS said:

But you'd still need a passbook to prove that you'd made a transaction on the day you applied for a retirement extension if this is what your office requires, would you not?

Goes without saying that you provide the bank book in addition to the 12 month bank statement.

Previously I used FD account + savings account with same bank Kasikorn.

When I was in the 400k window .. I cancelled the FD account and put dosh into the savings account.

I foolishly let the teller keep the closed account bank book.

Next extension I provided bank statements for both accounts at CW.

IO was very unhappy that I could not provide the bank book.

In the end the head io let it slide.

Just now, OJAS said:

Nowhere near as easy these days as you seem to make it out to be, I would venture to suggest, in view of the increasingly insurmountable roadblocks which Thai banks collectively are gleefully placing in the way of foreigners wishing to open new accounts with them - even where a foreigner already holds an existing account with the particular bank in question.

May that be as it is, but my point was, if you have to go down the 400K or 800K route then deposit the money in a savings account and never take it out and you'll never have a problem with the money not having been in the account for long enough before you apply for the visa. Also, I find it hard to believe that one won't be able to open a bank account for a visa application....

Just now, pacovl46 said:

Also, I find it hard to believe that one won't be able to open a bank account for a visa a application

News flash. If you enter Thailand with tourist status and plan to obtain a Non O using TM86/87

you won't be able to open a Thai bank account.

Previously yes. Now no.

BTW: your post earlier in thread words to effect how would someone fail to maintain required funds.

Happens all the time.

Happened to myself year back as Thai partner misunderstanding.

So yes it was arrogant.

Just now, DrJack54 said:

Previously yes. Now no.

Those were the good old days.

Just now, impulse said:

Hopefully, the OP will post back what happens, with details about which immigration office, and any "special actions" that may be required to smooth things over. Or don't work- sometimes that's good info, too...

In any case, I wish him/her well.

I will report back tomorrow after having been at the immigration

Just now, Ricohoc said:

Those were the good old days.

Yes: just to emphasize.... Anyone that does not have an existing Thai bank account and has plan to enter Thailand as a tourist with intention of obtaining a Non O..... Do Not do that.

Obtain the Non O eVisa prior to entering Thailand.

Just now, nofarang said:

I will report back tomorrow after having been at the immigration

Please do. Would be helpful.

Hi Jack, I am located in Hua Hin and used immigration there

I am wondering if I can use any other immigration nearby

Edited May 4May 4 by nofarang

Just now, nofarang said:

Hi Jack, I am located in Hua Hin and used immigration there

I am wondering if I can use any other immigration nearby

No you must use the local Immigration within the same Province as where you are registered as living.

Just now, pacovl46 said:

May that be as it is, but my point was, if you have to go down the 400K or 800K route then deposit the money in a savings account and never take it out and you'll never have a problem with the money not having been in the account for long enough before you apply for the visa.

It's keeping that 800K in a Savings account that's caused issued.

You'd be better depositing such funds in a Fixed Term Deposit account, offering a better interest rate, and no debit card, preventing an accidental withdrawal.

Any withdrawal must be in person at a branch counter.

Just now, pacovl46 said:

I find it hard to believe that one won't be able to open a bank account for a visa application....

Since the scamming scandals, banks have introduced more stringent requirements to open new accounts.

The days of just supplying your passport and proof of address are now often insufficient.

The banks aren't interested in your reason for opening accounts.

Edited May 4May 4 by Liquorice

Just now, OJAS said:

...placing in the way of foreigners wishing to open new accounts with them - even where a foreigner already holds an existing account with the particular bank in question

Not related to the recent era difficulties of bank account openings, but illustrative of the banks' mindset of 'roadblocks'. Years ago went into a branch of a bank, with which I held an account at a different branch, and inquired about opening an account there.

So I'm already a 'customer' of the bank; passport and bankbook presented, confirmed, I'm in their system. Told I could open an account there but I would first need to have my passport 'certified' by my embassy (U.S.) here. What?

That meant presenting your passport at the embassy, and they issue a letter certifying it as legit. But you do have to pay for that, think it was $50 at the time, same cost as an affidavit one could aquire there. I didn't need the account that bad, no.

Thanks, but no thanks.

Edited May 4May 4 by rwilem

Just now, rwilem said:

Told I could open an account there but I would first need to have my passport 'certified' by my embassy (U.S.) here. What?

That was lost in translation.

Some banks would require a COR or letter re address from embassy.

Sounds bit like BBL to me.

In any event some banks would accept other proof of address.

eg Lease or TDL etc

BTW: USA embassy no longer provide that service.

Along with UK, AU etc.

No I'm not confused with income letters from embassies

Just now, nofarang said:

Hi Jack, I am located in Hua Hin and used immigration there

I am wondering if I can use any other immigration nearby

You use the office where you are living.

If changed address from previous extension you would need to have done a TM30.

You cannot pick and choose

Just now, DrJack54 said:

News flash. If you enter Thailand with tourist status and plan to obtain a Non O using TM86/87

you won't be able to open a Thai bank account.

Previously yes. Now no.

BTW: your post earlier in thread words to effect how would someone fail to maintain required funds.

Happens all the time.

Happened to myself year back as Thai partner misunderstanding.

So yes it was arrogant.

Newsflash: You don't know me and therefore you don't know how I meant it, and if you perceived it as arrogant then that's on you!

If anyone withdraws money from the account they use as a deposit and then don't have the full amount in their account then that's on them. If pointing that out makes me arrogant in your book, then so be it!

Edited May 4May 4 by pacovl46