My friend went along to Phuket Immigration the other day, to collect a notification certificate, and was told at immigration that his visa was about to expire and he should apply for a retirement visa. So he went along to see the Vice Consul in Phuket and was told by him that because he did not have the required amount in the bank for 3 months he will not be approved for his visa. Like myself he has part pension and part cash to qualify for the 800k.

In the past I have had no problem with this ruling and have always had a 'working account' with cash amounts coming in and out of my bank account but not as in my case about 350,000 baht in my account for the required 3 months.The rest is in pension payments. I have the amount in my account when I apply for my retiremant visa and at immigration they have never told me I must have this amount for 3 months in my account and have given me my visa with no problem. My visa is due for renewal next month and I was wondering if they are now enforcing this ruling. If they are I am in trouble. I have the required amount in the bank at this moment, but not been there for 3 months. Any advice please! Has anyone been recent to renew under simular circumstances and been refused? I have been here 6 years and they know my face in immigration, but that may not help!

Since October 2007 the 3 month rule has been strictly enforced. My last application in December 2007 was rejected as I only had the money on deposit for 2 months (after I found out about the new rule). That was my 7th year extension and I am well known at Phuket Immigration. Solution from officer, leave Thailand. Don't care that I had never left Thailand for 7 years, no compassion, just too bad !!

I have also heard that a combination of pension and money in the bank is no longer accepted by Phuket Immigration. Has to be either 65,000 baht/month OR 800,000 baht in bank. Seems to be the individual officer discretion.