Imigration police strikes agian, or not?

[aussieinthailand]

Ye'p that time of the year again make the one year visa,   not to difficult right,  ahhh not so.  

Previously assured by the head Immigration guy the year before it is ok no problem

OK I applied for the a one year married visa again,   I had all the stuff done, photo's various required document's, bank statements, bank letters, three copy's of everything, two for them and one to burn so the Russians don't get them, so all's well,     NO!!!   Immigration lady say's I don't have required money in the bank long enough,   What the???    I explained to her that the money was 2 days ago in a THAI bank term deposit account for nine months and the term finished so an automatic bank  transfer too a regular Thai bank account with the same bank and branch,  also showing the 9 month bank book dates amount, and the new one, the money still a thai bank for 9 months.   

The rule is money in a Thai bank  for 2 months,   so if the bank transfers money too another account it is still in a Thai bank for 9 months just a different account Which was also well lined out by the bank letter,   Is that just nit picking, or serious or is this lady well known by many for her attitude striking again? 

So now I need to start a new married visa app

So are these guy's all reading from the same rule book?   AS ANOTHER Imm, guy told me it had to be in bank for 3 months, and the two months is for first time applications

[metisdead]

Not related to General topics and now moved to the Visas forum.

[paz]

You tried to apply Western logic to Thailand, you lost.

 

If you want your extension approved,  leave the money alone in a regular deposit account without not even the slightest movement for three months before applying. No big deal really.

 

If you want to try again, go there again, with a Thai "fixer".

[TerryLH]

You're talking about an extension, not a visa.

You can get a 60 day extension to visit your wife. That might or might not allow your funds to stay in one account long enough to re-try for another one year extension.

[enuff said]

.

 

I think it is 2 months for the first extension and 3 months for further extensions.

 

 

~

 

[rwdrwdrwd]

You tried to apply Western logic to Thailand, you lost.

 

If you want your extension approved,  leave the money alone in a regular deposit account without not even the slightest movement for three months before applying. No big deal really.

 

If you want to try again, go there again, with a Thai "fixer".

 

I've heard of complaints when there's no movement :) supposed to have activity but never go below 400k (or 880k retirement). Also have to be very careful that the bank book doesn't end up in a situation where one could theoretically have gone below between entries, which can happen if you only update once a month and the entries are aggregated.

 

My approach is keep above 400k at all times for the 3 - 4 months before renewal, use the account regularly and update the book before large incoming top up transfers.

[ubonjoe]

.

 

I think it is 2 months for the first extension and 3 months for further extensions.

That is for retirement for marriage extensions it is 2 months for every extension.

[ubonjoe]

Movement of funds from one account to another is not allowed during the two months requirement. You are not the first person to have this happen.

As said you can apply for a 60 day extension to visit your wife to finish the 2 months.

[beachproperty]

 

You tried to apply Western logic to Thailand, you lost.

 

If you want your extension approved,  leave the money alone in a regular deposit account without not even the slightest movement for three months before applying. No big deal really.

 

If you want to try again, go there again, with a Thai "fixer".

 

I've heard of complaints when there's no movement supposed to have activity but never go below 400k (or 880k retirement). Also have to be very careful that the bank book doesn't end up in a situation where one could theoretically have gone below between entries, which can happen if you only update once a month and the entries are aggregated.

 

My approach is keep above 400k at all times for the 3 - 4 months before renewal, use the account regularly and update the book before large incoming top up transfers.

 

 

No expert on the matter but I believe the amount required to be banked for a retirement visa extension is 800k and NOT the 880k you indicated (maybe a typo? and maybe the rules have changed?)

 

[camsouth]

well i was told by a phuket im that because i make so much on my 2 pensions and my bank account shows the transfers from out of country i didnt have to have the account for 2 months , 

[bigguy]

^{I always say, a "THAI FIXER", no muse no fuss, no 400,000 no 800,000.. no 2 months or 3 months,, passport in on Monday, back on Friday,, done and dusted.}

[ChiangraiTony]

It's wise to closely follow the immigration rules pertaining to the specific type extension or visa. Most here don't call it nit-picking, they are simply adhering to the rules. If there is movement of funds from one account to another and the movement is carried out sooner than required than it would not be allowed. It does not work if the funds transferred still remain in the same bank but in a different account. Keep the funds in the account for the full duration.

Also if it applies: Bank promotions differ from bank to bank. They offer different interest rates and if you take advantage of those better rates be sure to first work out the dates of maturity. In other words, when the higher interest rate promotion ends on a specific date you will no longer get that promotion rate, instead it automatically reverts to a daily interest rate which is very low. Therefore, the only way to take advantage of the banks new promotion is to open a new account. It's important to be diligently aware in coordinating the dates of your bank account and the dates of immigration where you have to provide them with your bank account information.

[Bigfarang1948]

Thai visa fixer is best advice you can give the hundreds of people needing new visas, etc., I had same problem with Immigrations officer for marriage visa two years straight so now I use the visa fixer hassle free and do not worry about the Immigration officer making up rules as they see fit to do ie 40,000 TB a month OR 400,000 in the bank  NOOOOO I needed both but not when i hired a visa fixer. They are all in on the game no doubt as you will see by the Tea Money box on the desk of the 90 day check in BIB  I wonder if he has to share the 100 baht for every 90 day check in stamp.  I saw a daily log where 330 people had been checked in the day I was there; not bad money of you get to keep your cut OH and I was late by 3 days last time and he nodded at the box and said I will give you the stamp but you need to put more money this time   I have to love Thailand, at least until I leave LOS later this year. Cheers and I hope all visa problems are  "fixed" Rao Rao

You tried to apply Western logic to Thailand, you lost.

 

If you want your extension approved,  leave the money alone in a regular deposit account without not even the slightest movement for three months before applying. No big deal really.

 

If you want to try again, go there again, with a Thai "fixer".

 

[96tehtarp]

Movement of funds from one account to another is not allowed during the two months requirement. You are not the first person to have this happen.

As said you can apply for a 60 day extension to visit your wife to finish the 2 months.

 

1900 Baht for the 60 day extension buys the OP the extra time required to season his money. Then 1900 baht again for the one year extension.

 

The problem the OP has is frequently encountered by others.

[biggles45]

"So are these guy's all reading from the same rule book? AS ANOTHER Imm, guy told me it had to be in bank for 3 months, and the two months is for first time applications"

one of the main reasons I got a retirement visa in the Philippines and now visit Thailand on a tourist visa a couple of times a year. It is a Lifetime visa, no extensions, no exit or entry permits. Had it for 4 years now and never had a problem.

[camsouth]

You tried to apply Western logic to Thailand, you lost.

 

If you want your extension approved,  leave the money alone in a regular deposit account without not even the slightest movement for three months before applying. No big deal really.

 

If you want to try again, go there again, with a Thai "fixer".

where can i get a thai fixer?

[Estrada]

Thai Immigration rule is that the money should have been in a Thai Bank for 2 months (3mths for retirement renewal) prior to you appying for an extension. However in Thai logic (T.I.T.), they mean it must have been in 1(One) Thai Bank Acccount. Transfering from a Time deposit to a savings account automatically resets the clock as far as they are concerned, it doesn't matter that the money was still in the same Thai Bank! What I do is, put B800K in a Time deposit account making sure that it is good for 3 months prior to my extension application. Last year I opened a 10 month Time deposit paying 3% designed to expire one month after getting my extension. I then put the money in the stock exchange (BTS shares which earned 22%). My next extension is due on 26th October so I opened a new 4 month Time Deposit account on 6th July so that it will be opened for 3months when i visit immigration. On 6th November the time deposit will expire and then I can put the money back in the stock exchange or mutual fund.

 

When I first came here they would only accept money deposited in an ordinary account. Later they accepted Time Deposit accounts. 3 years ago I tried using B15million in my Thai Stock Exchange Account and they would not accept that. I heard that they may accept this in the future, however I believe this will involve getting a letter from the broker with supporting evidence that the B800K(in my case) has been in the brokerage investment account for at least 3 months. So the easist way, with better interest, is the Time Deposit with a Thai Bank which has a branch at the Immigration Office at Chaengwattana Bangkok, so that you just go downstairs and get the supporting letter from the bank prior to booking in at Immgration.

[Gentmartin]

Just for your info, but i went to renew my marriage visa at the local immigration office last week. At the office i use they are helpful, the place is quiet and no hassle. Due to my marriage in April, funds are a bit light but the wife and I between us cobbled up the 400K and stuck it in my account and went down to immigration, worried a little about the 'seasoning' !! Neednt have worried, we sat down with a lovely immigration lady who went through our papers and chatted to us, My wife had the wedding photos and they chatted and gossiped for ages...anyway, they gave us the visa anyway, and said they'd make a special case for us and overlook the length of time the money had been in the account as we were being honest with them and were obviously a genuine couple. Paperwork done, and we went out and had lunch with the staff ( before you cynics ask....no i didnt pay !! lol)

They did say that they WOULD be calling at our home sometime for a check as this is a standard procedure.

 

Moral : Generally, i find that being straight up with both the police and Immigration here helps..usually, as in any country there are always 'jobsworths' but the vast majority seem to use common sense and understanding.........happy days :D

[Strangebrew]

It is called respect If given then get's returns besides merit and Karma ring any bells?

[Bazle]

I have had savings accounts with two different Thai banks for several years. I believe in not putting all my eggs in the same basket! For the last year or so, at any time, the funds in the two accounts when added together would have totalled more than 800K, but I have not had 800K in just one of the accounts.

Is this going to be OK for the retirement visa?

Thanks.

[ubonjoe]

I have had savings accounts with two different Thai banks for several years. I believe in not putting all my eggs in the same basket! For the last year or so, at any time, the funds in the two accounts when added together would have totalled more than 800K, but I have not had 800K in just one of the accounts.

Is this going to be OK for the retirement visa?

Thanks.

It can be in two bank accounts but the balance of each one must never go lower than the minimum needed to maintain the 800k total balance at the start of 60 days for the first application or 3 months for subsequent extensions.

It also gets complicated because you will need bank letters for each account. And copies of both bank books to prove the balance during the seasoning period.

[ubonjoe]

And abusive and inflammatory post has been removed.

[Bazle]

I have had savings accounts with two different Thai banks for several years. I believe in not putting all my eggs in the same basket! For the last year or so, at any time, the funds in the two accounts when added together would have totalled more than 800K, but I have not had 800K in just one of the accounts.

Is this going to be OK for the retirement visa?

Thanks.

It can be in two bank accounts but the balance of each one must never go lower than the minimum needed to maintain the 800k total balance at the start of 60 days for the first application or 3 months for subsequent extensions.
It also gets complicated because you will need bank letters for each account. And copies of both bank books to prove the balance during the seasoning period.

Thanks, Joe.

[Somrak]

 

It can be in two bank accounts but the balance of each one must never go lower than the minimum needed to maintain the 800k total balance at the start of 60 days for the first application or 3 months for subsequent extensions.

?? If you have one account with 800k, why you would need a second one??

 

Up to now i never had a problem with 1 deposit account (600k +) and a savings account (more than 200k).

Is this new, that the money can't move from 1 deposit account to a other, as it usualy does every 5-10 month?

[ubonjoe]

 

 

It can be in two bank accounts but the balance of each one must never go lower than the minimum needed to maintain the 800k total balance at the start of 60 days for the first application or 3 months for subsequent extensions.

?? If you have one account with 800k, why you would need a second one??

 

Up to now i never had a problem with 1 deposit account (600k +) and a savings account (moore than 200k).

Is this new, that the money can't move from 1 deposit account to a other, as it usualy does every 5-10 month?

 

I did not say you needed two accounts but you do for all intents and purposes. I assume you have a fixed term account and a savings account.

It your money was to move during the 90 days before you make your application you would have a problem. You have to be very careful that the term does not end during the 90 days.

[Somrak]

 

I assume you have a fixed term account and a savings account.

Yes, and it looks like the bank did know about not changing the account. 

I just saw, that they did change only the rate for the last month and opend

a new account after i was at the immigration.