Retirement Visa - Balance Dipped During 3 Months - No Problem.

[buzzer]

FWIW - I know this has been a hot topic in the past, and don't want to start it again. I'm sure some will be interested in my experience, so here it is.

This is my 5th yearly check-in on a retirement visa, and my 2nd time in Samui. I put over 800K in 3 months ago as required. It dipped to 440K due to emergencies. I brought it up to just over 800K for my yearly check in today.

Two officials spent quite a while looking at my savings books. I'm sure they would have seen the problem. I came with documentation of the 'emergency' pay-outs but didn't need them.

Whatever they may have discussed among themselves, they didn't mention any problem to me, and I left with my visa renewed for another year - pretty much the same as any other yearly trip to immigration. The 2 people that handled my case have helped me before. I've dealt with each of them at least a few times since moving to Samui 15 months ago, so I'm sure they recognized me from previous visits.

That's all, Folks!

Buzzer

[WilliamIV]

Assuming they did recognise the "Poroblem" - this does at least prove yet again

that Immigration Officials do have quite a bit of Discretion and are ready to use it.

Although they may have had second thoughts if they new that their actions were

going to be revealed to this Forum!!!

However it proves little else.

But thanks for posting your experience.

Bill

[mcgriffith]

Just goes to show that they do have a heart.

Probably the fact that you had done 4 previous extensions, helped a lot.

Thanks for your post, and congratulations!

[buzzer]

Assuming they did recognise the "Poroblem" - this does at least prove yet again

that Immigration Officials do have quite a bit of Discretion and are ready to use it.

Although they may have had second thoughts if they new that their actions were

going to be revealed to this Forum!!!

However it proves little else.

But thanks for posting your experience.

Bill

I would say I agree almost entirely. I do believe it would be a stretch for them to not recognize the problem. In spite of rampant incompetence here, these guys have been at their job for a while. AND! They spent some time pouring over my 4 bank books (don't ask why I have 4). The previous day I went in (and THAT was already one day late). But the power was out, and they asked me to return the next day. It wasn't busy at the office. I showed up quite late in the past, and they said Mai pen drai!

Whether they interpret the "spirit" of this law the way I do, I can't say, but, if I was them, looking at more than the required amount coming in as a foreign transfer year after year, I'd probably not think it a problem. What's the law about? I believe it's to keep people from getting a short time loan making them appear to have money when they, in fact, don't. Thailand doesn't want Farang bums, only people who pull their weight. I think that was the reason for the law. I'm not an expert. If you think I'm wrong, have a differing opinion, or a comment, please send your thoughts.

I'm rarely wrong. I remember I believed I was wrong about something 30 years ago, but it turned out I was right. So I was wrong in believing that I was wrong. Right!

You are right is saying this proves little else. If they said something, like, you shouldn't do this, but we'll let it go, don't do it again, it would be more useful. I could ask them next time I go in.

Thanks Bill - I felt your comments added to this.

Likewise - From McGriffith -

Just goes to show that they do have a heart.

Probably the fact that you had done 4 previous extensions, helped a lot.

Thanks for your post, and congratulations!

I don't know about the "they do have a heart" Maybe under their surly exterior. I don't 'feel the love' at Samui Immigration at all. Samui is, by far, the unfriendliest place I've been so far in Thailand. Immigration officers here seem that they're just putting up with Farang. They were pretty abrupt a couple times yesterday - and in the past as well. But they get their job done, and I'll still be polite and jai yen, no matter how they act. It's minor. I have my extension, so, good!

I think the 4 years, and having a bank account that is clearly bringing money into the country helps.

I wish I could have provided something you could etch into stone, but I think immigration is looking for just what we discussed. They have a 'harder' law on the books in case they need to use it, but don't use it punitively. I think that Retirees may be considered as suppliers of some of the best money they get. In theory, at least, the money checks in but it doesn't check out.

Thanks for your comments,

Buzzer