Just now, Liquorice said:

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.

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.

I agree with your first point.

In regards to your second point, if the Thai government offers the 400/800k route then there should also be a way how someone can open a bank account in order to make the deposit. So, how would one go about that now?

Just now, DrJack54 said:

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

Actually it never got as far as asking for a COR. I asked them, what do you mean, 'certify' my passport? They said go to the embassy and get a letter or doc from them saying the passport is legit. I knew that would entail some affadavit/notary-type service--and not to be confused with the-then income affadvit--and the U.S. embassy provides these type of verifications, but you pay for them. At that point I wasn't interested with continuing to explore opening an account there. Didn't want it that bad. Nothing ever mentioned about needing a COR. And yes, BBL was the bank.

My initial bank account opened with them back in the day only required an extension based on retirement stamped in the passport. No COR, no rental contract, maybe a second photo ID, which was my driver's license from the U.S.

Edited May 5May 5 by rwilem

2 hours ago, pacovl46 said:

In regards to your second point, if the Thai government offers the 400/800k route then there should also be a way how someone can open a bank account in order to make the deposit. So, how would one go about that now?

With considerable difficulty is the short answer to your question. The basic problem is that joined-up government is an alien concept as far as the Thai government is concerned. In 1 corner we have the Immigration Bureau and their financial requirements for retirement extensions. In the other we have the Bank of Thailand as regulators of the Thai banking sector, whose primary concern is with the scams referred to by @Liquorice . They operate independently of each other within the confines of their particular silo.

Edited May 5May 5 by OJAS

2 hours ago, pacovl46 said:

In regards to your second point, if the Thai government offers the 400/800k route then there should also be a way how someone can open a bank account in order to make the deposit. So, how would one go about that now

Already been explained twice.

You need to enter Thailand with a Non O

That is easily obtained on the eVisa platform outside of Thailand.

Entering Thailand visa exempt or tourist visa gives you visa class status and you will not be able to open a Thai bank account

What don't you understand.

I am back from Immigration.

The good news: They did NOT hang me

The bad news: Extension of stay was rejected

They offered two options: pay 12.000 Baht and get it right away or go outside the country

The young female IO was noticeably sorry that she was unable to help but she had to follow decision from big boss. Our conversation was mostly in Thai, I admitted my mistake and promised to do better in future.

All to no avail.

Just now, nofarang said:

The bad news: Extension of stay was rejected

Thanks for update.

Just one person's opinion... Go straight back to immigration with 12k as was the grease request.

Take the pill and be done with it.

FWIW: Unreasonable from immigration. Just a shake down

Just now, nofarang said:

They offered two options: pay 12.000 Baht and get it right away or go outside the country.

You opted not to clear the issue on the spot, apparently. May I ask, what is the rationale for that decision?

I mean, if you are intending to continue residing here for a year, the year, the period of the extension you're trying to get, it's going to be more costly, time-consuming and a hassle to exit the country and 'start over'. But if you're not really looking to get another full year's stay, OK, you have some options then.

I'm assuming that administrative fee also included the cost of the extension (1900 baht)? So the 'get it cleared' cost would be 10 K. Seems to be an easy way out.

Just now, nofarang said:

Edited May 5May 5 by rwilem

Just now, rwilem said:

You opted not to clear the issue on the spot, apparently. May I ask, what is the rationale for that decision?

Yes that's the $64k question.

Surely the clear option would be to pay the grease money.

I would have said... "Back in 5 mins"

As I rushed off to an ATM

Just now, DrJack54 said:

Yes that's the $64k question.

Surely the clear option would be to pay the grease money.

I would have said... "Back in 5 mins"

As I rushed off to an ATM

Never mind guys...Thanks for all your help and input

Its time for some nice travel

Just now, nofarang said:

Never mind guys...Thanks for all your help and input

Its time for some nice travel

So let's be clear here for others.

You opted to "start over" and obtain new Non O for sake of 12k.

Please don't say that was your choice.

Just now, nofarang said:

Never mind guys...Thanks for all your help and input

Its time for some nice travel

At least choose a place where you can easily get the non-O visa from the Thai embassy where you go. Vietnam would be a good choice. All done online, and saves you 2 trips to immigration by doing that instead of returning as a tourist and trying to convert to non-O at immigration.

Laos is another choice, but you have to go to the embassy to pay there, and can be a bit boring of a choice for some.

Just now, BrandonJT said:

Vietnam would be a good choice. All done online, and saves you 2 trips to immigration by doing that instead of returning as a tourist and trying to convert to non-O at immigration.

That would be my pick.

Missed OP pp country however if visa exempt for Vietnam another good reason.

OP check out flights to Saigon.

From airport to Bui Vien d1 pretty chilled place.

Mind you your choice to start over is frankly crazy

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Yes that's the $64k question.

Surely the clear option would be to pay the grease money.

I would have said... "Back in 5 mins"

As I rushed off to an ATM

I'd have deposited the funds in an FTD account in the first instance to avoid accidentally withdrawing below the financial requirement.

He's not the first, and won't be the last to learn the hard way.

Just now, Liquorice said:

He's not the first, and won't be the last to learn the hard way.

I have posted in threads that it happens.

In my case is was same day I returned from immigration with new extension.

Said to Thai partner.. "all good for another year"

She misunderstood my statement.

Next day the 800k dipped by 2k.

Mistakes happen.

Yes FD account is an option.

I'm not a fan of FD account.

Just now, DrJack54 said:

You opted to "start over" and obtain new Non O for sake of 12k.

Please don't say that was your choice

At this point, wondering if the entire story is a windup.

1 Baht and 12 cents says it all

On 5/5/2026 at 9:11 AM, OJAS said:

With considerable difficulty is the short answer to your question. The basic problem is that joined-up government is an alien concept as far as the Thai government is concerned. In 1 corner we have the Immigration Bureau and their financial requirements for retirement extensions. In the other we have the Bank of Thailand as regulators of the Thai banking sector, whose primary concern is with the scams referred to by @Liquorice . They operate independently of each other within the confines of their particular silo.

That's unfortunate, but eventually they'll have to sort it out. Either way, thanks for the information.

On 5/5/2026 at 9:41 AM, DrJack54 said:

Already been explained twice.

You need to enter Thailand with a Non O

That is easily obtained on the eVisa platform outside of Thailand.

Entering Thailand visa exempt or tourist visa gives you visa class status and you will not be able to open a Thai bank account

What don't you understand.

Thanks for the information

no problem

bank Statement at end of that day will not show less than 800k as you credited funds

or even safer use agent this time....all sorted

Edited May 6May 6 by poohy2