Renew My Friend'S 1-Year Extension Of Stay

[help]

My friend got his extension of stay last March. He used a bank account of 800,000 baht and never touched that account, except adding a few more thousands. So, basically the total amount never gets lower than 800,000 baht. Within next 3-4 months, he needs to renew his 1-year extension of stay. He plans to use the same bank account. His question is whether he needs to proove any money flow from his country during previous period of his stay?

Please help.

[InterestedObserver]

NO. Immigration has not asked for source information in quite some time. 800,000 baht cash in a Thai bank, period.

[Mario2008]

Not needed. But they might want to see a bankbook with some money flow (or alternatively ATM receipts).

[help]

Thanks all. Mario, are you suggesting he should make some moves of his money in the account? I knew he kept his money there steady and didn't move it much.

[Mario2008]

If he uses a foreign bank, some ATM receipts will do. It is just to show he has and is spending some money.

[help]

He uses Thai bank and sit money there separated from what he has spent during the year. Is it ok not to move in and out? or should he?

[NancyL]

The answer may vary, depending upon the immigration office your friend plans to use.

Here in Chiang Mai, I opened a 800,000 baht bank account three years ago and haven't touched it, except for annual passbook update just prior to doing my retirement visa extensions. During my last extension visit, the immigration officer asked what was my source of funds for living expenses since there was no activity in my 800,000 baht account. I replied that my husband has sufficient pension income for both of us and I pulled out the blue Bangkok Bank passport for our joint account and offered to show it to him. In truth, that account doesn't have 1,600,000 baht (or even 800,000 baht) per year flowing thru it because we have one of Hubby's pensions deposited to a U.S. bank account and one to the joint account here in Thailand. Also, that passbook hadn't been certified by the bank. The immigration officer just motioned for me to put the blue passbook away and never looked at it. I think he just wanted to see if I could tell a credible story for my source of funds for living expenses.

He also asked how I spent my time in retirement. He did this casually, while stamping papers, almost as if he was just making conversation to fill the time. Again, I had a credible story of days filled with Thai lessons, shopping and having lunch with friends, visits to my dressmaker, traveling within Thailand and going to the fitness center. All stuff they think retired ladies should be doing.

[Mario2008]

He should take proof with him he has money to spend and is spending money.

It doesn't have to be the same bankaccount as where he keeps his 800,000 in.

[merlen10002]

If he uses a foreign bank, some ATM receipts will do. It is just to show he has and is spending some money.

The money can not be in a foreign bank, must be in a Thai Bank, can be a fixed deposit or he can use the account, must have 800,000 Bath or more in a Thai bank for three months if it is for extension of stay for retirement, must have a letter from the bank to verify the account. there is no requirement for him to spend money.

[lopburi3]

But they may request to see how you support your retirement here and that is where ATM slips or an account with activity would come into play (when you do not use the 800k account for such expense).