6 hours ago, Olmate said:

Childish, can't u read, I just did agent extension to OA via that bank, no diff, same fee, no bank or IO visit, why do I need to research, your flaming as you do.

You seem to be the one that cant read. I never said what you claim. Go back and read what i wrote.

2 hours ago, khunPer said:

They (the government) likely wont, because they don't want to lose all those retirees that spends in average 65,000 baht a month, but might leave, if they cannot raise their deposit.

That's, "the Thai's would never do that, they would lose too much money" theory. It's never stopped them before. Money today, don't think about tomorrow.

In any case, many are invested in Thailand emotionally and financially. The Thai government says "jump" and this demographic asks "how high?"

It hasn't stopped the Thai's reclaiming land in the recent Thai company nominee crackdown.

2 hours ago, khunPer said:

We don't seem to know the exact number, but one news article mentioned 80,000 persons as a part of the total number of retiree residents. If you take just that figure of 80,000 x 800,000 baht in average spendings, then it is 64 billion baht — might be more, some retirees use quite a lot of extra money when investing in car and home — and a similar amount in bank deposits if all use the deposit-method.

As I alluded to, it's that investment in Thailand that makes them ripe for the picking. Many of these people can't leave, even if they wanted to. They are at the mercy of the Thai government.

2 hours ago, khunPer said:

And by the way; tourism is up several hundred percent since the 800k baht deposit began, and the general economy has grown a lot after 1998.

You do know that's nearly 30 years ago, right? In 2026, tourism is down 7%, and for a country where tourism is around 20% of GDP, that is not good.

2 hours ago, khunPer said:

Thailand is actually doing quite well.

There will be a flow on effect from Thailand's record household debt, and declining housing / construction market, and slowing tourism.

2 hours ago, khunPer said:

Last time the retiree deposit raised four fold; so, when looking at the new type of LTR-retiree visas, in future a deposit could be equivalent to around the $100,000, which is also in level with the newer health insurance requirements of 3 million baht, which is close to four times 800,000.

When they do raise the amounts, it will be interesting to see by how much. The amount, if significant, could be part of a broader policy.

5 hours ago, NanLaew said:

They changed their policy regarding accounts held by foreigners, but foreigners using immigration agents was not the reason why they changed them. That's just collateral damage.

Bangkok Bank's revised policy regarding funds held in accounts owned by foreigners being used for immigration purposes is being applied nationwide.

Not in Rayong, I think it is all in Chonburi, have not heard of anyone in another province having this issue, unless they had the money in their account for possibly less than four months to start with.

6 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

My prediction has a 5 year window and I thought the topic was relevant because there has been chatter that a raise will happen soon because of the attitude of the current government. That's all. Nothing more.

Sure, I get that.

If I had to place a bet on it, I would say it will be this side of 5 years, rather than the other side.

In other words, the increase will come from 0 to 5 years, not 5 years to 10 years.

It's nearly 30 years since the 800k / 65k. For some perspective, someone retiring now at 65, they would have been around 35 years of age when the 800k / 65k came in.

4 hours ago, TimBKK said:

It was the thousands of mule accounts laundering gains from criminal activity, I believe. Agents “issues” are a pittance, comparatively speaking.

And the agents got caught up in that and their clients paid the price. All part of the big problem

1 minute ago, KhunHeineken said:

Sure, I get that.

If I had to place a bet on it, I would say it will be this side of 5 years, rather than the other side.

In other words, the increase will come from 0 to 5 years, not 5 years to 10 years.

It's nearly 30 years since the 800k / 65k. For some perspective, someone retiring now at 65, they would have been around 35 years of age when the 800k / 65k came in.

I have an international POV on such matters.

How long a number has been in effect and whether the number actually tracks with the current typical cost of living is not necessarily at all relevant.

A great example in Panama ( a dollarized country).

It's been 1000 USD a month (includes PERMANENT residence for that) for almost 40 years. Often rated best retirement offer in the world.

1000 USD does not even begin to buy a decent retirement life in Panama.

You're using logic based on your values. You have no idea about the thinking behind foreign governments.

Edited August 30Aug 30 by Jingthing

11 minutes ago, flexomike said:

And the agents got caught up in that and their clients paid the price. All part of the big problem

I’m not aware of any significant client problems in using an agent - sure, the price maybe went up a bit; maybe had to open an account at a different bank etc. - minor issues, relatively. The big “problem” is not really a problem as the only place that people moan and bitch about the use of agents are falangs, online. Thai people could care less IMO and thus agents aren’t going anywhere.

Just now, TimBKK said:

I’m not aware of any significant client problems in using an agent - sure, the price maybe went up a bit; maybe had to open an account at a different bank etc. - minor issues, relatively. The big “problem” is not really a problem as the only place that people moan and bitch about the use of agents are falangs, online. Thai people could care less IMO and thus agents aren’t going anywhere.

The biggest problem for clients in using agents is by doing so they create a dependency which becomes a problem if they chose drop agents later.

3 minutes ago, TimBKK said:

I’m not aware of any significant client problems in using an agent - sure, the price maybe went up a bit; maybe had to open an account at a different bank etc. - minor issues, relatively. The big “problem” is not really a problem as the only place that people moan and bitch about the use of agents are falangs, online. Thai people could care less IMO and thus agents aren’t going anywhere.

Hey it doesn't bother me one bit with people using agents, as the say in Thailand up to you. By Thai people you obviously are speaking of government workers. Normal Thai people don't even know what is going on.

9 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

The biggest problem for clients in using agents is by doing so they create a dependency which becomes a problem if they chose drop agents later.

True, that can be a problem in certain circumstances but the cycle can be broken with a fairly low level of time, effort and money, IMO.

Just now, TimBKK said:

True, that can be a problem in certain circumstances but the cycle can be broken with a fairly low level of time, effort and money, IMO.

Generally, a new visa needed.

That's a hassle.

13 minutes ago, TimBKK said:

The big “problem” is not really a problem as the only place that people moan and bitch about the use of agents are falangs, online. Thai people could care less IMO and thus agents aren’t going anywhere.

That's the standard Thailand Visa Agent Chamber of Commerce answer. It is easy to identify those who like the agent 'cover' visa extension of stay status quo. Not so easy to identity -- and not those who are online farangs -- who don't.

Edited August 30Aug 30 by JerryM

45 minutes ago, Dan O said:

You seem to be butt hurt that im pointing out facts about agents that provide finances for visa approval are doing so illegally. They provide false documents and you also are. You arent meeting the regulations requirements.

While imm officers can approve extensions using their discretion falsely providing the documents to obtain that extension isnt part of the equation. Im done with explaining the issue with you. You have a great day.

How can I be "butt hurt" about my statements and opinion that are based on fact?

You on the other hand, floundering and flouncing away...

1 minute ago, JerryM said:

That's the standard Thailand Visa Agent Chamber of Commerce answer. It is easy to identify those who like the agent 'cover' visa extension of stay status quo. Not so easy to identity thos who are not online farangs who don't.

That's an interesting question for me that I haven't thought about before.

Even though I don't use agents and advice against using them, do I support the continuation of the status quo with agents or favor that they be banned?

I support the status quo for two reasons --

I don't have Thai flavored Stockholm Syndrome so I side with expats. Thai authorities don't need the help of f-rangs.

Banning the agents would hurt a lot of my fellow expats very deeply.

They were led to believe that using agents was normal even quasi legal here and then to have the rug pulled out under their feet would be a massive shock.

Indeed it would literally lead to the deaths of many older expats.

I want expats to be happy when possible.

Also a little bit of self interest.

Maybe some day for some reason I will feel a personal need to use agents.

Not likely to happen but never say never.

So I want them to still be there in case that happens.

Edited August 30Aug 30 by Jingthing

24 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I have an international POV on such matters.

How long a number has been in effect and whether the number actually tracks with the current typical cost of living is not necessarily at all relevant.

A great example in Panama ( a dollarized country).

It's been 1000 USD a month (includes PERMANENT residence for that) for almost 40 years. Often rated best retirement offer in the world.

1000 USD does not even begin to buy a decent retirement life in Panama.

You're using logic based on your values. You have no idea about the thinking behind foreign governments.

I accept what you say. Like I said, it could change next week, or remain the same for years.

As for what foreign governments think, I think most people have a fair idea of what the current leader of the Thai government thinks about foreigners. On that basis alone, anything is possible here under his tenure.

5 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Like spelled and spelt then.

I grew up on a wheat farm... spelt means a type of wheat to me.

4 minutes ago, gamb00ler said:

I grew up on a wheat farm... spelt means a type of wheat to me.

I grew up in SoCal, wheat means a type of grass to me.

4 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

That's an interesting question for me that I haven't thought about before.

I often hear as you did above: If it doesn't concern you why are sticking your nose into other person's business -- HUH? If it's illegal how come no one is busted for it and I just got my agent covered extension yesterday HUH? And one of my favorites: The expat gives his passport and money to the agent and what happens between the agent and Immigration is nobody else's business.

I really don't care what other people do and it wouldn't make any difference if I did.

Just as a long time legal wonk, I get unnerved when someone insists something is legal when all one has to do is read the statutes to know that isn't.

Just now, Yellowtail said:

I grew up in SoCal, wheat means a type of grass to me.

I grew up in Hawaii, bamboo means a type of grass to me. Also grass is an herb yet some bamboo species have nearly a tree appearance.

37 minutes ago, flexomike said:

.... unless they had the money in their account for possibly less than four months to start with.

That's the key right there. If the required amount of money has been in the foreigners Bangkok Bank account less than the preceding 2 or 3 (?) months, the funds will be locked for the subsequent 4 months before they will issue the letter for immigration. It has already been reported in several other provinces, including Korat and up here in Udon Thani. It is not unique to Pattaya/Chonburi/Jomtien and nothing whatsoever to do with immigration. Maybe the rule has had the greatest impact and blowback there? No need to guess why.

Bangkok Bank have also been freezing foreign-owned accounts unrelated to any pursuit of a letter for immigration. This is part of the due-dilligence that's been forced on them by the Bank of Thailand after senior staff at a branch on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya got busted for opening mule accounts for Chinese. If a foreigner hasn't recently updated his immigration status, passport and contact information, the account is/was locked until they visited their home branch and complied with these KYC (know your customer) rules.

4 minutes ago, novacova said:

I grew up in Hawaii, bamboo means a type of grass to me. Also grass is an herb yet some bamboo species have nearly a tree appearance.

Growing up in SoCal, bamboo means gaff to me.

4 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Good one.

I have a "better one " I predict with 100% certainty , that we will all die , many on here within a 5 year window

9 minutes ago, JerryM said:

I often hear as you did above: If it doesn't concern you why are sticking your nose into other person's business -- HUH? If it's illegal how come no one is busted for it and I just got my agent covered extension yesterday HUH? And one of my favorites: The expat gives his passport and money to the agent and what happens between the agent and Immigration is nobody else's business.

I really don't care what other people do and it wouldn't make any difference if I did.

Just as a long time legal wonk, I get unnerved when someone insists something is legal when all one has to do is read the statutes to know that isn't.

Well, whether the agent game is criminal or not, if a crime i consider it a victimless crime for the most part.

Also I'm not Thai and I accept it's up to Thais whether to continue with it or not,

7 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Well, whether the agent game is criminal or not, if a crime i consider it a victimless crime for the most part.

Under Thai law, all public corruption and official malfeasance crimes are offenses against the state, meaning they never require a formal private complaint (คำร้องทุกข์) from an injured individual to be investigated or prosecuted.

Section 148 & 149: Abuse of power to extort or compel property, and demanding or accepting bribes to perform or not perform a duty.

10 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Well, whether the agent game is criminal or not, if a crime i consider it a victimless crime for the most part.

Also I'm not Thai and I accept it's up to Thais whether to continue with it or not,

It's victimless in the same way that prostitution is victimless.

4 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

That's the key right there. If the required amount of money has been in the foreigners Bangkok Bank account less than the preceding 2 or 3 (?) months, the funds will be locked for the subsequent 4 months before they will issue the letter for immigration. It has already been reported in several other provinces, including Korat and up here in Udon Thani. It is not unique to Pattaya/Chonburi/Jomtien and nothing whatsoever to do with immigration. Maybe the rule has had the greatest impact and blowback there? No need to guess why.

Bangkok Bank have also been freezing foreign-owned accounts unrelated to any pursuit of a letter for immigration. This is part of the due-dilligence that's been forced on them by the Bank of Thailand after senior staff at a branch on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya got busted for opening mule accounts for Chinese. If a foreigner hasn't recently updated his immigration status, passport and contact information, the account is/was locked until they visited their home branch and complied with these KYC (know your customer) rules.

They are certainly applying the 4 month rule here in Surin, but I keep my balance well above the 400k required

Interestingly I opened my account 30+ years ago in Khon kaen, visa exempt. I have not been back to my original branch in over 10 years and any updating of my passport has been done either in my local high street branch here. or at the branch in the local "robinsons" when an ATM gobbled my card on a friday night and I needed cash on the saturday

They don't even have my phone number , they have never asked for it and appear happy to just have the wife's phone number on record, I have a yellow book and a current UK driving licence neither of which I have ever produced as they have never asked

I can't believe I have slipped through the net, but It might be because I don't use ether the "app" or internet banking just my ATM and / or passbook. Obviously , my fingers remain firmly crossed , seems to have worked so far, long may it continue .

48 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

I think most people have a fair idea of what the current leader of the Thai government thinks about foreigners. On that basis alone, anything is possible here under his tenure.

Most people ? or just a few over sensitive souls who are still crying about his throw away comments regarding some foreigners not showering as often as Thais. Comments that were and remain not far from the truth

Anything is possible under any administration here , as an example the legalisation of cannabis happened whilst Prayut was PM who would have expected that ?

Do you have a plan B ?

Edited August 30Aug 30 by Bday Prang

20 hours ago, Dan O said:

the bank statements for your extension are false, but ok you go with that.

Here's a quirk of Thai law involving the 800K baht bank letter:

The bank letter says 800K because at the moment it was issued there was 800K in the account. The letter itself does not indicate that deposit lasted only 5 minutes.

But the legality of the letter under fraud and forgery statutes involves intent: Was the letter issued to fool someone into thinking that the 800K was a year long issue and have the letter recipient acted upon as if it was?

The thing here is: Everyone in the chain in this instance who might receive and act upon and/or use the letter KNOWS that it is phony as to the year long deposit.

Edited August 30Aug 30 by JerryM

15 minutes ago, JerryM said:

Here's a quirk of Thai law involving the 800K baht bank letter:

The bank letter says 800K because at the moment it was issued there was 800K in the account. The letter itself does not indicate that deposit lasted only 5 minutes.

But the legality of the letter under fraud and forgery statutes involves intent: Was the letter issued to fool someone into thinking that the 800K was a year long issue and have the letter recipient acted upon as if it was?

The thing here is: Everyone in the chain in this instance who might receive and act upon and/or use the letter KNOWS that it is phony as to the year long deposit.

That only applies if the letter is required or even issued. Maybe someone who actually uses an agent for a "full service" extension renewal has an insight on this?

50 minutes ago, JerryM said:

Section 148 & 149: Abuse of power to extort or compel property, and demanding or accepting bribes to perform or not perform a duty.

Once again, maybe a member using this option can advise if anyone on either side was extorted or compelled, and if anything was demanded.

4 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

That only applies if the letter is required or even issued. Maybe someone who actually uses an agent for a "full service" extension renewal has an insight on this?

Once again, maybe a member using this option can advise if anyone on either side was extorted or compelled, and if anything was demanded.

It's two sections, the second is "demanding or accepting bribes to perform or not perform a duty."