This morning I renewed my Retirement Visa at Suan Plu immigration office.

I gave them a standard Embassy letter, a Bank letter & statement showing 800K, plus application form, photo, copy of passport (every page) and fee. No questions asked, no requests for ATM or Credit Cards, or for anything else. All done in less that 20 minutes, and the staff polite as always.

I was asked to sign a legal document stating that I had been informed that 800K must be in the account for three months prior to applying each time.

I've read all kinds of stories about wanting ATM cards, credit cards, maps etc. None of this was suggested or asked for.

One question - why did you bother with an Embassy letter if you were using the 800k method?

Good question l3

Good question l3

I have always done it, and take the view that if I have more documents than needed, its better than being suddenly asked for something I don't have. My understanding is that it is required - i.e. a letter verifying my passport and that I am a citizen. The immigration officers certainly seem to expect it.

What exactly does your letter say? The embassy letter is expected to be used when you have income from your home country and only should advise the amount of that income. There is no need to verify your passport or citizenship.

How many years have you been doing this? Have you always used the bank deposit method?

What exactly does your letter say? The embassy letter is expected to be used when you have income from your home country and only should advise the amount of that income. There is no need to verify your passport or citizenship.

How many years have you been doing this? Have you always used the bank deposit method?

I've been doing this for at least 5 years. The letter states that I am a citizen and holder of passport number xxxx and registered with the embassy living at XXX address.

And yes I have always used the bank deposit method

OK. That is not the normal Embassy letter that people talk about. It is normally used for obtaining drivers license and such. It is not required for TM.7 extensions of stay. Thanks for clearing up.

You don't need that letter.