Retirement extension funds seasoning error - what options?

[PBob]

Hi

My retirement extension comes to an end later this month, problem is that due to my own stupidity and a error at the bank the 800k baht will not be seasoned until three days after the extension ends.

Advice from immigration is...

1. Get non-O visa from outside country and start the process again.
2. Have a three day overstay, pay the fine & get new extension.

I am going for option one (less risk) unless someone can suggest another option.

Anyone know of any changes to non-O visa requirements in Penang or Vientiane. Penang currently favourite for the food.

Cheers Bob

[AyG]

What exactly was the error?

In my case, on my first extension, the money was automatically moved between two accounts within the same bank during the seasoning period. The immigration officer's assistant (trainee?) noticed this but the immigration officer said it wasn't a problem. It may well be worth giving it a try - you might get away with it.

[PBob]

I left the overseas transfer till the last minute, but was just within time, then the girl at the bank transferred 450k from account 'B' to 'A', rather than 'A' to 'B'. Was not corrected until after the weekend.

Its good excuse to take the Mrs away.

[Jingthing]

I think you need to show proof of your funds at those places to get the new O. Of course full seasoning won't be needed at that time.

I wonder if go in about two weeks before expiration and just try out the application and hope for a mercy case, then, if not, you can still go for the new O.

I also wouldn't want to go on overstay so I understand your reluctance on that.

[nzexpat]

What is the perceived problem associated with the immigration officers offer of fixing the problem but at the same time having to charge a small overstay fine ?

Guess some will always prefer to take most difficult solution to a problem

[Jingthing]

What is the perceived problem associated with the immigration officers offer of fixing the problem but at the same time having to charge a small overstay fine ?

Guess some will always prefer to take most difficult solution to a problem

That's a very good question.

Personally, it would just freak me out to be on overstay even if an officer told me beforehand, don't worry.

I would feel vulnerable.

[Mario2008]

Plan B can be using the combo option of showing income and money in the bank. If you have any kind of income, you can have it certified by your embassy and go for the combo option.

[PBob]

Thanks for all the advice...Mrs is sorting out a trip to Penang.

Overstay is too big a risk, drove through 3 police checkpoints on the way to immigration this morning. Who knows how they will treat overstays in the future...could get three strikes and your out.

Income insufficient, looking forward to my 12 baht rebate from the UK tax man.

Thought re-entry permit and a quick out/in would give me the extra time, but apparently.

Cheers Bob

[jwdub]

So is the full seasoning of 800K baht in funds for 60 days prior required for renewing an existing retirement visa?

I've lived here for 3 years and didn't have to worry about my bank balance until now. Mine is up the end of July

and I was hoping I could wait to do it for a while to see how currency fluctuations turn out with the USD.

I'm currently about 600K in the bank here in T'land.

[skatewash]

Thanks for all the advice...Mrs is sorting out a trip to Penang.

Overstay is too big a risk, drove through 3 police checkpoints on the way to immigration this morning. Who knows how they will treat overstays in the future...could get three strikes and your out.

Income insufficient, looking forward to my 12 baht rebate from the UK tax man.

Thought re-entry permit and a quick out/in would give me the extra time, but apparently.

Cheers Bob

If you have any income at all then you would be eligible to use the combination method of satisfying the retirement extension financial requirement. If my understanding is correct, those using the combination method (income declaration from embassy + money in the bank = 800,000 Baht) do not need to have the money in the bank seasoned for three months. The seasoning requirement is waived for those using the combination method.

So for example, if you received a small amount of income, say equivalent to 100,000 Baht per year, then you would need to have 700,000 Baht in the bank. But that 700,000 Baht in the bank would not have to be seasoned for three months.

I could still see where it might be less hassle for you to leave the country and get a new non-O, then to obtain the income declaration from your embassy), but nice to know about the other option in any case.

[skatewash]

So is the full seasoning of 800K baht in funds for 60 days prior required for renewing an existing retirement visa?

I've lived here for 3 years and didn't have to worry about my bank balance until now. Mine is up the end of July

and I was hoping I could wait to do it for a while to see how currency fluctuations turn out with the USD.

I'm currently about 600K in the bank here in T'land.

Actually, for renewing an existing retirement extension the seasoning required is three months (not two). Two months is the seasoning requirement for your first retirement extension.

I think immigration is a stickler for the full amount (800,000 Baht) and the full three month seasoning period (for renewals).

Maybe you might be able to take advantage of the combination method mentioned earlier. My understanding is that if you can show income and get it certified by your embassy in Bangkok, any remaining bank balance required (to get to the 800,000 Baht total required) does not have to be seasoned at all.

[Mario2008]

Thanks for all the advice...Mrs is sorting out a trip to Penang.

Overstay is too big a risk, drove through 3 police checkpoints on the way to immigration this morning. Who knows how they will treat overstays in the future...could get three strikes and your out.

Income insufficient, looking forward to my 12 baht rebate from the UK tax man.

Thought re-entry permit and a quick out/in would give me the extra time, but apparently.

Cheers Bob

As others said, the income method means that your yearly income plus the money you have in the bank in Thailand equal 800,000 baht. A small income will do just fine. You just check with your embassy what they require to issue an income letter and present it to immigration.

No seasoning required for the combo method.

[PBob]

The combi method may be the solution. I will check with the UK embassy what proof of income they will accept.

Many thanks again.

[nzexpat]

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Thanks for all the advice...Mrs is sorting out a trip to Penang.

Overstay is too big a risk, drove through 3 police checkpoints on the way to immigration this morning. Who knows how they will treat overstays in the future...could get three strikes and your out.

Income insufficient, looking forward to my 12 baht rebate from the UK tax man.

Thought re-entry permit and a quick out/in would give me the extra time, but apparently.

Cheers Bob

As others said, the income method means that your yearly income plus the money you have in the bank in Thailand equal 800,000 baht. A small income will do just fine. You just check with your embassy what they require to issue an income letter and present it to immigration.

No seasoning required for the combo method.

Unless your immigration office is one of the rogues who insist on the "bank" portion of the combo method being seasoned

[TerryLH]

"That's a very good question."

You really think so? The OP had already said why he didn't like one of the options (overstay).

Maybe the person who said that was too quick on the 'post' button to read the whole post.

[Jingthing]

"That's a very good question."

You really think so? The OP had already said why he didn't like one of the options (overstay).

Maybe the person who said that was too quick on the 'post' button to read the whole post.

Whatever. I still think its a good question.

Nobody rational wants to go on overstay but if an immigration officer suggests it, it's a good question, why not?

[nzexpat]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

"That's a very good question."

You really think so? The OP had already said why he didn't like one of the options (overstay).

Maybe the person who said that was too quick on the 'post' button to read the whole post.

I did note the irrational rejection of couple of days "overstay " and just asked a simple question.

Maybe some are to quick to criticise and press "post buttons" without reading the whole thread and its context ?

[PBob]

Update to my extension application.

After speaking to a different immigration officer who has given good advice in the past I went for the overstay option. Process went smoothly and took as long as it did last year. Paid the fine, signed the forms as the 'offender' and got overstay stamp in the passport.

I will be more mindful next year.