Bank statement for the new multiple tourist visa

[aneliane]

The average American savings amounts to $ 5.900.

If even the richest country in the world cannot afford the METV, who are they expecting?

I don't think that is a reasonable example. How many people did they use for the average.

Many people could not afford to to buy the ticket to here and that would be the same for all countries.

A person would not have to be all that rich to have the equivalent of 200k baht in the bank.

Americans are notorious for living on credit

76% of Americans are living from paycheck to paycheck and have zero to very little savings

http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/24/pf/emergency-savings/

75% of Americans dont have enough savings to cover their bills for 6 months - Let alone go to Thailand

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/24/americans-savings_n_3478932.html

Approximately 26% of adults have no savings set aside for emergencies, while another 36% have yet to start socking away money for retirement.

https://www.creditdonkey.com/average-american-savings-statistics.html

What's the average bank account balance?

While millions of Americans have no savings, many of them have managed to stash a few bucks in their checking account. As of 2013, the average bank account balance hovered around $4,436.

Approximately 7.7% of American households function without a bank account

An estimated 38 million households in the U.S. live hand to mouth, meaning they spend every penny of their paychecks

Almost half of Americans would not be able to cover an unexpected expense of $100 or less.

https://www.creditdonkey.com/average-american-savings-statistics.html

[jacksam]

400,000 Baht in the bank for a couple to get a 6 month visa for Thailand, someone has lost the plot.

That's only Baht 65,000 a month available for a family of 4. If you think that's excessive, someone has indeed lost the plot.

It just needs to be available, it doesn't have to be spent or sequestered.

not many folks tie up that kind of money in a bank acccount when it could be working for you

Exactly correct. I keep some debt to help against taxation on many rentals. I spend about 60k aud in los every year. My banking accounts have few line of credits well over 500k. I keep a "savings " account same bank with minimal funds. Any more than minimal would be stupid. Economics 101. Concept of opportunity cost. Someone could visit and put the whole trip on credit card. Saving accounts are thing of distant past. More lack of thinking by thai. Edited November 2, 2015 by jacksam

[AYJAYDEE]

400,000 Baht in the bank for a couple to get a 6 month visa for Thailand, someone has lost the plot.

That's only Baht 65,000 a month available for a family of 4. If you think that's excessive, someone has indeed lost the plot.

It just needs to be available, it doesn't have to be spent or sequestered.

not many folks tie up that kind of money in a bank acccount when it could be working for you

Exactly correct. I keep some debt to help against taxation on many rentals. I spend about 60k aud in los every year. My banking accounts have few line of credits well over 500k. I keep a "savings " account same bank with minimal funds. Any more than minimal would be stupid. Economics 101. Concept of opportunity cost. Someone could visit and put the whole trip on credit card. Saving accounts are thing of distant past. More lack of thinking by thai.

the time value of money is lost on most bureaucrats i suspect

[LPCustom69]

I think the Thai's are trying to eliminate a certain segment of long term "tourists."

[AYJAYDEE]

I think the Thai's are trying to eliminate a certain segment of long term "tourists."

while so many other countries court them

[oncearugge]

I think the Thai's are trying to eliminate a certain segment of long term "tourists."

while so many other countries court them

Can you please list these "many" countries.?

What are these countries visa requirements for "long term tourists" ?

[Pattaya46]

One can be worth millions (in stock, bonds, certificates,etc.) and yet only keep a much smaller amount in their banking acct.

not many folks tie up that kind of money in a bank acccount when it could be working for you

That topic seem a useless discussion to me, because I never saw that an embassy was asking for "that whole money in a saving account" for a METV. By example for USA, I read "A copy of bank statement or evidence of adequate finance for the last 6 months with a minimum balance of $7,000". That could be any kind of account or investment. You need to have money somewhere anyway if you intend to take a 6 months holidays.

[AYJAYDEE]

I think the Thai's are trying to eliminate a certain segment of long term "tourists."

while so many other countries court them

Can you please list these "many" countries.?

What are these countries visa requirements for "long term tourists" ?

do you have any idea how many canadians spend the winter in america or mexico or how many americans in mexico??

[elviajero]

One can be worth millions (in stock, bonds, certificates,etc.) and yet only keep a much smaller amount in their banking acct.

not many folks tie up that kind of money in a bank acccount when it could be working for you

That topic seem a useless discussion to me, because I never saw that an embassy was asking for "that whole money in a saving account" for a METV. By example for USA, I read "A copy of bank statement or evidence of adequate finance for the last 6 months with a minimum balance of $7,000". That could be any kind of account or investment. You need to have money somewhere anyway if you intend to take a 6 months holidays.

You're absolutely right. But don't expect those complaining to actually read whats written or understand why embassies impose rules like this!

It is obvious that they simply want to se that the person can afford to fund their stay. Not unreasonable and helps weed out those working.

[ubonjoe]

I think the Thai's are trying to eliminate a certain segment of long term "tourists."

while so many other countries court them

Can you please list these "many" countries.?

What are these countries visa requirements for "long term tourists" ?

do you have any idea how many canadians spend the winter in america or mexico or how many americans in mexico??

Or Costa Rica. I know people living there that do border hops every 90 days for a new entry.

[elviajero]

If it isn't broken, don't fix it...and that's just what Thais do time after time.

I came here first time 15 years ago when I could get Non-O just filling the paper stating my name etc. and paid about 4000 Baht at the time. Got the visa next day and on my way I was.

Instead of making it easier to visit the country shorter or longer periods, they like to rub the thing in the face of people. That will cause badwill in the long run. It is a sign saying you are not truly welcome but we want your money.

How about in the case - like mine - my personal income is pretty low but I have assets that I invest monthly (morgages outside Thailand) and I use my credit cards to pay my way and settle the amount in the end of month? I do not keep cash reserves on an bank account for obvious reasons.

I consider this to be just another example of monkeys running the shop.

It is broken that's why they are trying to fix it! Too many people that want to live here that Thailand don't want living here are using the system to achieve their goal.

15 years ago there were only far less visitors/long term stayers but now the numbers are growing to a point that they have to get tougher.

Nothing being done causes bawdily with the bread and butter tourists visiting Thailand. Most of those complaining will be long term stayers that shouldn't be here long term.

[IMA_FARANG]

I live quite well in Bngkok on my pension of 1700 USD dollars montly.

i even am able to travel to Vietnam, Laos,and Malaysia ocassionally ...... not to mention a roughly yearly trip back to thr U.S. to visit my brothers and sister there.

Does that make me a "long stay tourist"?

Edited November 2, 2015 by IMA_FARANG

[Thaidream]

The ridiculous aspect of this is that as a retired person with a retirement extension I can meet the requirements quite easily and have fully paid houses, cars and condominium in Thailand. However, I don't keep $7000 in a bank anywhere I could sell some of my property and get several millions but why would I want to that under normal conditions.?. So while I can get my retirement extension without problems- I could not qualify for the METV /visa. This makes no sense at all and will definitely turn off people who are real tourists. If I was planning a long term stay in Thailand- I could still come but I would never provide proof of employment -which makes no sense because what employer allows you to take 6 months off nor would I give my banking details to any Embassy of any country.they don't need this information. In fact, in the US for a single Tourist Visa I have never been asked for proof of anything including funds nor have I ever been asked for a Non O.except my marriage papers.

Edited November 2, 2015 by Thaidream

[oncearugge]

The ridiculous aspect of this is that as a retired person with a retirement extension I can meet the requirements quite easily and have fully paid houses, cars and condominium in Thailand. However, I don't keep $7000 in a bank anywhere I could sell some of my property and get several millions but why would I want to that under normal conditions.?. So while I can get my retirement extension without problems- I could not qualify for the METV /visa. This makes no sense at all and will definitely turn off people who are real tourists. If I was planning a long term stay in Thailand- I could still come but I would never provide proof of employment -which makes no sense because what employer allows you to take 6 months off nor would I give my banking details to any Embassy of any country.they don't need this information. In fact, in the US for a single Tourist Visa I have never been asked for proof of anything including funds nor have I ever been asked for a Non O.except my marriage papers.

If you have an extension based on retirement you may well be asked to demonstrate adequate finance either in a Thai bank or to support the "sworn" affidavit stating income.

[Lampang2]

Middle class Asians have more money.

Entrance fee to Disneyland went up.

[Mudcrab]

1. It doesn't affect the retired.

2. It doesn't affect the married.

3. It doesn't affect the vast majority of visitors who stay for their 2,3 or 4 weeks vacation who then go home and back to work.

4. It doesn't affect the people who have enough money to qualify.

5 It does affect people who don't have the money, don't have a job back home, are likely to stay continuously, border run regularly, contribute very little to the country and possibly work illegally.

Is this such a bad thing from the Thai perspective?

Edited November 2, 2015 by Mudcrab

[eaglesflight]

I think you are both missing the point, from previous postings, one of the criteria is that you have an average balance of 200,000, probably 400,000 Baht for a couple, in your bank account for 6 months before you apply for a visa.

I'm reasonably wealthy ( you can see my house on the house thread!!! ) I would never have a running balance of much more that $5,000 in my bank account.

The people this visa is designed for, won't be able to afford it.

Does being "reasonably wealthy" mean you spend less than 2000/baht a day on accommodation, food, transportation etc. when taking a holiday away from home ?

You totally missed his point. It's not about how much he spends in Thailand per day, it' about how much one normally has in their banking acct. One can be worth millions (in stock, bonds, certificates,etc.) and yet only keep a much smaller amount in their banking acct.

"stock, bonds, certificates,etc" are not cash nor can the "money" nominally represented by these financial instruments be easily accessed.

You're still missing the point, you must have a mental block. Why are you assuming that the average balance in somebody's current account is all the money they would have available to spend on a six month stay in Thailand? You're making no sense whatsoever.

You don't seem to understand the financial markets either. Stocks may not be cash but let's say somebody has a large portfolio of stocks, each of which pays them a healthy dividend twice a year. They may live (very well) on that money, but they still may not keep an average balance of 400,000 baht in their current account. Not everybody lives a humdrum, 9-5 existence in this world.

Edited November 2, 2015 by eaglesflight

[stephen tracy]

The money in the bank for that period is overkill. Don't want to go sideways but my backpacker son just did couple of months in south America . His next plan is to travel Asia and mostly in Thailand . The METV would suit him perfect. As also a lot of young people I meet in Asia . Having the bank account seasoned for that time is excessive. Maybe he is selling his car........witch he is, for next trip.

I think the concept of the METV is a good one. Would have loved to been a fly on the wall when these requirements where being drafted. Kindergarten 101

I hope for your sake he doesn't fall in love with Thailand and end up staying here on an education visa and not attend classes! Just kidding jacksam, bit of healthy ribbing mate

[oncearugge]

"You're still missing the point, you must have a mental block. Why are you assuming that the average balance in somebody's current account is all the money they would have available to spend on a six month stay in Thailand? You're making no sense whatsoever.

You don't seem to understand the financial markets either. Stocks may not be cash but let's say somebody has a large portfolio of stocks, each of which pays them a healthy dividend twice a year. They may live (very well) on that money, but they still may not keep an average balance of 400,000 baht in their current account. Not everybody lives a humdrum, 9-5 life in this world."

Most people of means would be able to demonstrate access to a miserly $7000 in cash !

[VBF]

"You're still missing the point, you must have a mental block. Why are you assuming that the average balance in somebody's current account is all the money they would have available to spend on a six month stay in Thailand? You're making no sense whatsoever.

You don't seem to understand the financial markets either. Stocks may not be cash but let's say somebody has a large portfolio of stocks, each of which pays them a healthy dividend twice a year. They may live (very well) on that money, but they still may not keep an average balance of 400,000 baht in their current account. Not everybody lives a humdrum, 9-5 life in this world."

Most people of means would be able to demonstrate access to a miserly $7000 in cash !

I don't have much in my current account but some of the funds I do have are in notice accounts, and other investments. I can realise cash from some of these by giving 30 days notice, not 6 months! This METV seems to require people to make major changes to their financial plans for a (say) 4 month holiday. That's reasonable for retirement / emigration but for a holiday!?

Edited November 2, 2015 by VBF

[Kitsune]

Ankara is accepting non-nationals

Jacob Cassidy Can any national apply at any Embassy for the new METV after 13 November? Meaning can someone from the US apply in Ankara, Turkey? Or do you have to apply at an Embassy in your home country?

Like · Reply · October 28 at 2:09pm

Royal Thai Embassy, Ankara You can apply in Ankara.

https://www.facebook.com/rteankara/posts/540784312737706?comment_id=540791786070292&reply_comment_id=541341726015298&total_comments=2&comment_tracking=%7B"tn"%3A"R2"%7D

[elviajero]

"You're still missing the point, you must have a mental block. Why are you assuming that the average balance in somebody's current account is all the money they would have available to spend on a six month stay in Thailand? You're making no sense whatsoever.

You don't seem to understand the financial markets either. Stocks may not be cash but let's say somebody has a large portfolio of stocks, each of which pays them a healthy dividend twice a year. They may live (very well) on that money, but they still may not keep an average balance of 400,000 baht in their current account. Not everybody lives a humdrum, 9-5 life in this world."

Most people of means would be able to demonstrate access to a miserly $7000 in cash !

I don't have much in my current account but some of the funds I do have are in notice accounts, and other investments. I can realise cash from some of these by giving 30 days notice, not 6 months! This METV seems to require people to make major changes to their financial plans for a (say) 4 month holiday. That's reasonable for retirement / emigration but for a holiday!?

If you are referring to the US METV criteria it doesn't say you have to have the money in your bank.

6. A copy of bank statement or evidence of adequate finance for the last 6 months with a minimum balance of $7,000 (every months) (The name of the applicant must clearly appear on it)

And you have two choices. Make the change to your financial plans and get the visa or don't and don't get the visa!

A 4 month holiday could be easily covered by a single entry tourist visa, extension of stay and a visa exempt entry.

[elviajero]

I'm sure they'd accept savings accounts too. But if not, realistically, how many people plan a long term trip anywhere with less than six months before traveling!

Incredibly obtuse post.

Of course people plan with much less lead time. Maybe not burger-flippers, who might hold such an opinion, but people with flexible working arrangements certainly do.

I have a friend who buys and sells certain collectibles. He travels SEA for six or more months a year, often returning with more money than he started with. He has assets, but travels when his finances warrant it.

He has a long history in Thailand, with extended family there. He uses Thailand as a base for his travels, using 1,2 or 3- entry tourist visas to suit his plans. The METV would hamper his lifestyle arbitrarily.

How incredibly arrogant can you be, Travel Boy?

Explain what was obtuse about my post.

Then explain how you justify calling me arrogant when I'm only offering an opinion meant to help, and an implication that most people plan holidays more than 6 months in advance, which is almost certainly true.

Finally, explain your repeated reference to me as "Travel Boy". Are you simply trying to prove you can't read Spanish?

If your traveling salesman friend can't get by with single entry TR's and visa exempt entry why doesn't he get the proper visa for visiting his family. And if a visa doesn't exist to suit his lifestyle then he clearly isn't wanted in Thailand so maybe he should move his lifestyle elsewhere.

[elviajero]

Ankara is accepting non-nationals

Jacob Cassidy Can any national apply at any Embassy for the new METV after 13 November? Meaning can someone from the US apply in Ankara, Turkey? Or do you have to apply at an Embassy in your home country?

Like · Reply · October 28 at 2:09pm

Royal Thai Embassy, Ankara You can apply in Ankara.

https://www.facebook.com/rteankara/posts/540784312737706?comment_id=540791786070292&reply_comment_id=541341726015298&total_comments=2&comment_tracking=%7B"tn"%3A"R2"%7D

I wouldn't count on it based on that. Three questions answered with an ambiguous answer.

[Kitsune]

Ankara is accepting non-nationals

Jacob Cassidy Can any national apply at any Embassy for the new METV after 13 November? Meaning can someone from the US apply in Ankara, Turkey? Or do you have to apply at an Embassy in your home country?

Like · Reply · October 28 at 2:09pm

Royal Thai Embassy, Ankara You can apply in Ankara.

https://www.facebook.com/rteankara/posts/540784312737706?comment_id=540791786070292&reply_comment_id=541341726015298&total_comments=2&comment_tracking=%7B"tn"%3A"R2"%7D

I wouldn't count on it based on that. Three questions answered with an ambiguous answer.

The 3 different questions are a clarification of the same one.

No one would count on that, and rush to the consulate from a comment on a FB page, it-s 2015.

At least I am trying to get information, as opposed to lecture people on who should stay and who should leave the country.

[JackThompson]

...

5 It does affect people who don't have the money, don't have a job back home, are likely to stay continuously, border run regularly, contribute very little to the country and possibly work illegally.

Is this such a bad thing from the Thai perspective?

Agree on #s 1-4, but #5 is a false-generalization. Those who work illegally can be caught working and turned in via a tip-line / reward system. I would add two more categories - and bear in mind, all income spent from funds-abroad adds to foreign currency reserves:

1. Those who contribute 10x the average Thai salary, and cannot justify the flight-cost and might have trouble meeting the requirements.

2. Those who contribute 20x+ the average Thai salary, DO have the money and meet the requirements, have an independent income (vs "job"), and stay "continuously." Yes, we can fly home and jump through the hoops - but how many will take a pass and live/spend elsewhere?

I know many in these categories who already left, due to the restrictions put in over the past few years (consulates limiting back-to-back TVs, fewer offering doubles (Phnom Penh no more), etc)

So, yes, this is a bad thing, from the perspective of the many Thais who suffer the economic consequences of increasing restrictions. I would ask the converse: What do Thais stand to gain by imposing these limitations? Who benefits?

[smotherb]

400,000 Baht in the bank for a couple to get a 6 month visa for Thailand, someone has lost the plot.

That's only a little over $11k for a couple over six months--what are you going to do, stay in the cheapest hostel and eat only som tom? Actually it's cheap, considering a retirement visa for one person requires B800k a year.

[eaglesflight]

"You're still missing the point, you must have a mental block. Why are you assuming that the average balance in somebody's current account is all the money they would have available to spend on a six month stay in Thailand? You're making no sense whatsoever.

You don't seem to understand the financial markets either. Stocks may not be cash but let's say somebody has a large portfolio of stocks, each of which pays them a healthy dividend twice a year. They may live (very well) on that money, but they still may not keep an average balance of 400,000 baht in their current account. Not everybody lives a humdrum, 9-5 life in this world."

Most people of means would be able to demonstrate access to a miserly $7000 in cash !

It's not about demonstrating access to a "miserly" $7,000 in cash, it's about having to ensure that your current account balance never dips below that amount over the six months prior to applying for a multiple-entry tourist visa. What is it that you are finding so difficult to understand about this? Most people of means will not want to be told what to do with their money for a period of six months either.

Edited November 2, 2015 by eaglesflight

[Seizetheday]

400,000 Baht in the bank for a couple to get a 6 month visa for Thailand, someone has lost the plot.

That's only a little over $11k for a couple over six months--what are you going to do, stay in the cheapest hostel and eat only som tom? Actually it's cheap, considering a retirement visa for one person requires B800k a year.

Sorry, I should have written 400,000 in the bank for six months, before you apply for the visa, then you would understand

[elviajero]

"You're still missing the point, you must have a mental block. Why are you assuming that the average balance in somebody's current account is all the money they would have available to spend on a six month stay in Thailand? You're making no sense whatsoever.

You don't seem to understand the financial markets either. Stocks may not be cash but let's say somebody has a large portfolio of stocks, each of which pays them a healthy dividend twice a year. They may live (very well) on that money, but they still may not keep an average balance of 400,000 baht in their current account. Not everybody lives a humdrum, 9-5 life in this world."

Most people of means would be able to demonstrate access to a miserly $7000 in cash !

It's not about demonstrating access to a "miserly" $7,000 in cash, it's about having to ensure that your current account balance never dips below that amount over the six months prior to applying for a multiple-entry tourist visa. What is it that you are finding so difficult to understand about this? Most people of means will not want to be told what to do with their money for a period of six months either.

Which embassy is it that is insisting your current account balance never dips below 7k? I have a feeling you are the one misunderstanding.