Retirement extention refuse in Bangkok CW

[andybangkok]

I am a french Canadian from Montreal living in Bangkok for the last 9 years. Today, Monday Nov. 30 I went to CW to renew my extention who will end December 16 , 2015. I have a combination of pension & money in the bank. I have every papers in order as it is my 4 extention in Bkk. Everything was in order but... they refuse my extention . Why ? they said that i have to be money 3 months in the bank. I said they never ask that before. This is the regulation, the girl said. I said it's not necessary as i have a combination and not 800,000 . Even that i have the 3 months deposit already. But i withdraw 5,000 b 5 days ago. But i replace immediately the next day. They said it have to be consecutive without any withdraw for 3 months. I said you're wrong and I want to speak on your supervisor. Needless to say the supervisor tell me the same thing. I was a little frustrated but was polite all the time.

My questions is: has the rule change? do you have any text in the immigration website that the seasoning no need to stay 3 months in the bank? If yes i will go back and show them the regulation

What will I do next ? I have an apartment here and i buy all my possessions. Does i have only 16 days to sell everything.

What is my option ?

Thanks

[elviajero]

The IO is correct.

Your only option is to go to a neighbouring country and get a new non 'O' visa. You can then apply for the extension again within the last 30 days of the the new entry.

You only need the funds in your account for 2 months for the first extension of a new entry.

Edited November 30, 2015 by elviajero

[JoeW]

Using a combination of income and bank balance, no time requirement on how long funds should have been in bank.

The monthly income shown in the Embassy letter x 12 months added to the bank balance should total 800,000 Baht or more (remember, exchange rates fluctuate, Immigration uses the rate in effect on the date of application).

That's what I found...

[andybangkok]

Using a combination of income and bank balance, no time requirement on how long funds should have been in bank.

The monthly income shown in the Embassy letter x 12 months added to the bank balance should total 800,000 Baht or more (remember, exchange rates fluctuate, Immigration uses the rate in effect on the date of application).

That's what I found...

Exactly what i told them.

I will very happy if i see a text in the website mentionning that

[elviajero]

Using a combination of income and bank balance, no time requirement on how long funds should have been in bank.

The monthly income shown in the Embassy letter x 12 months added to the bank balance should total 800,000 Baht or more (remember, exchange rates fluctuate, Immigration uses the rate in effect on the date of application).

That's what I found...

That is no longer the case at most offices. They require the funds to be in the account for 2/3 months.

[JoeW]

wow rules have changed. My bad then. Please ignore my reply.

[ubonjoe]

The rule does not state seasoning is needed for the combination method. See clause 2.22 of Police Order 327/2557 basis for extension of stay.

Some immigration offices insist that it be seasoned though.

No need to pack up and leave. Just make a trip to Vientiane to get a single entry non-o visa. Show them your income letter and bank book totaling 800k baht. The money only has to be in the bank on the date you apply. Then apply for your extension during the last 30 days of the 90 entry the visa will allow.

[elviajero]

Using a combination of income and bank balance, no time requirement on how long funds should have been in bank.

The monthly income shown in the Embassy letter x 12 months added to the bank balance should total 800,000 Baht or more (remember, exchange rates fluctuate, Immigration uses the rate in effect on the date of application).

That's what I found...

Exactly what i told them.

I will very happy if i see a text in the website mentionning that

You could appeal but I doubt it will be successful. They have been moving towards seasoned bank deposits for the last couple of years.

Immigration website Q&A. http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/base.php?page=faq

22. Question : What is the required age of the alien wisthing to stay in Thailand with the reason of Retirement?

Answer : For reasons to stay of Retirement, the alien must be 50 year of age or older and must have been granted a Non-Immigrant visa, firstly. More over, the said alien must have evidences to verify his/her financial status of not less than 65,000 Baht per month or 800,000 Baht per year. Evidences showing financial support are as follows;

1. In case of having money in the bank account (Saving/Fix deposit) of any bank located in Thailand.

- The updated bank passbook on the date of application submission showing money in the account of not less than 800,000 Baht which has been deposited and consecutively held of such amount for 3 months. ( Except the first application for this reason, that such amount should be deposited and held for 60 days)

- Letter from the bank certified the current account in the bank of not less than 800,000 Baht; or

2.2 In case of having any other income from abroad such as pension, social welfare

- Letter from the applicant’s Embassy or consulate in Thailand verifying their pension or other income of the applicant which must not be less than 65,000 Baht per month. Or;

2.3 In case of a combination of having money in the bank account and income from pension, with total amount of not less than 800,000 Baht per year, the required documents are the same as mentioned in 2.1and 2.2

[andybangkok]

Using a combination of income and bank balance, no time requirement on how long funds should have been in bank.

The monthly income shown in the Embassy letter x 12 months added to the bank balance should total 800,000 Baht or more (remember, exchange rates fluctuate, Immigration uses the rate in effect on the date of application).

That's what I found...

Exactly what i told them.

I will very happy if i see a text in the website mentionning that

You could appeal but I doubt it will be successful. They have been moving towards seasoned bank deposits for the last couple of years.

Immigration website Q&A. http://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/base.php?page=faq

22. Question : What is the required age of the alien wisthing to stay in Thailand with the reason of Retirement?

Answer : For reasons to stay of Retirement, the alien must be 50 year of age or older and must have been granted a Non-Immigrant visa, firstly. More over, the said alien must have evidences to verify his/her financial status of not less than 65,000 Baht per month or 800,000 Baht per year. Evidences showing financial support are as follows;

1. In case of having money in the bank account (Saving/Fix deposit) of any bank located in Thailand.

- The updated bank passbook on the date of application submission showing money in the account of not less than 800,000 Baht which has been deposited and consecutively held of such amount for 3 months. ( Except the first application for this reason, that such amount should be deposited and held for 60 days)

- Letter from the bank certified the current account in the bank of not less than 800,000 Baht; or

2.2 In case of having any other income from abroad such as pension, social welfare

- Letter from the applicant’s Embassy or consulate in Thailand verifying their pension or other income of the applicant which must not be less than 65,000 Baht per month. Or;

2.3 In case of a combination of having money in the bank account and income from pension, with total amount of not less than 800,000 Baht per year, the required documents are the same as mentioned in 2.1and 2.2

Last year i had no problem. But i think the girlis very strict. I have the 3 months in my bank but only withdraw 5,000b 2 days ago that i put back the next day. .

If i go by air in Cambodia the 16 & return here after 3 days , does i can have 30 days like before

Thank you

[elviajero]

Last year i had no problem. But i think the girlis very strict. I have the 3 months in my bank but only withdraw 5,000b 2 days ago that i put back the next day. .

If i go by air in Cambodia the 16 & return here after 3 days , does i can have 30 days like before

Thank you

I agree that penalising you for 2 days is harsh.

As long as you qualify for visa exempt entry you would be given 30 days on entry if you don't have a visa.

You don't need to have the money in your bank for two months to get the non 'O' visa. So you could apply now.

[andybangkok]

Last year i had no problem. But i think the girlis very strict. I have the 3 months in my bank but only withdraw 5,000b 2 days ago that i put back the next day. .

If i go by air in Cambodia the 16 & return here after 3 days , does i can have 30 days like before

Thank you

I agree that penalising you for 2 days is harsh.

As long as you qualify for visa exempt entry you would be given 30 days on entry if you don't have a visa.

You don't need to have the money in your bank for two months to get the non 'O' visa. So you could apply now.

Thanks, i will do that

[andybangkok]

Ok now we know. Everybody have to have a 3 months deposit in the bank without any withdraw. Any method: 800,000 or combination pension & money in bank

[elviajero]

Ok now we know. Everybody have to have a 3 months deposit in the bank without any withdraw. Any method: 800,000 or combination pension & money in bank

Yes but it's only 2 months for the first years extension.

If you get a new visa you'll only need the money in the bank for two months prior to doing the extension.

Edited November 30, 2015 by elviajero

[expatbrit]

Last year i had no problem. But i think the girlis very strict. I have the 3 months in my bank but only withdraw 5,000b 2 days ago that i put back the next day. .

If i go by air in Cambodia the 16 & return here after 3 days , does i can have 30 days like before

Thank you

I agree that penalising you for 2 days is harsh.

As long as you qualify for visa exempt entry you would be given 30 days on entry if you don't have a visa.

You don't need to have the money in your bank for two months to get the non 'O' visa. So you could apply now.

Thanks, i will do that

Do not forget that if you get a visa exempt entry you must first " convert" that entry to a non "O" entry (2000 Bht) before an extension of stay based on retirement can be applied for.

[yimlitnoy]

Come on, simply have a vacation for a few days then come back with a non 0 visa. Next time leave 800,000 Baht at all time for 3 months in your account without going under this amount then go for your extention without mentioning your past experience.

[DogNo1]

A lot of people have reported problems if they withdrew and replaced money in their bank accounts inside of the two- or three-month limit. The money must sit UNTOUCHED for the two or three-month deposit period prior to the application for the extension. I realize that it would be tedious to read through previous threads but the information is there. Other people have been denied because they touched their money. May your future extensions go more smoothly!

[SheungWan]

Last year i had no problem. But i think the girlis very strict. I have the 3 months in my bank but only withdraw 5,000b 2 days ago that i put back the next day. .

If i go by air in Cambodia the 16 & return here after 3 days , does i can have 30 days like before

Thank you

I agree that penalising you for 2 days is harsh.

As long as you qualify for visa exempt entry you would be given 30 days on entry if you don't have a visa.

You don't need to have the money in your bank for two months to get the non 'O' visa. So you could apply now.

Harsh? I think not. If there is a required 'no touch', then a rule is broken whether money is withdrawn whether for 20 days, 2 days or 2 minutes.

[IMA_FARANG]

I don't usually say this as advice, because I still am not sure about the program and it's long term prospects.

But anyhow you might CAREFULLY look into the Thai Elite card program to see if that is a way for you to get a visa.

If you have 500K Thai Baht available, and a pension to help you pay the bills also the Thaai elite card program night be something for you to look at.

If you got a 5 year visa from the Thai Elite card program, then you could tell CW and it's 800K combo rules to fork themselves, politely of course, with their retirement extension for another 5 years.

By that time, if your still getting a pension your Thai Bank account should be enough anyhow.

At least I would look at the possibility.

[DisparateDan]

Although I already have about 10 extensions, and hopefully understand the current requirements, the OP's scenario is something I dread, and always feel excessively anxious at each renewal, Wondering what would be involved as a consequence of refusal.

[andybangkok]

Thanks for all advices.

But it is the nail in the coffin for me. I quit Thailand after 9 years.

I have spend the last 4 months in Cebu , Philippines and this will be my new home now. I have already rent a condo there.

In Philippines you can be on a tourist visa for 3 years, extention every 6 months & no problem. Retirement visa is about half money put in the bank then Thailand.

I have travel many time in all Southeast Asia country and i can tell that the Philippines people are the most friendly.. And everybody speak english there.

That was my mistake to withdraw some money but I was sure that the 3 months does not need to me seasonned for combination . The rules have changed

[shirtless]

Thailands rules are really harsh , What a hassel for the OP for a minor infringement, I hope it all works out mate .

[Suradit69]

Thailands rules are really harsh , What a hassel for the OP for a minor infringement, I hope it all works out mate .

The problem is that for a long time many of the rules were not strictly enforced and many people gamed the system and bent the rules at their convenience and now things have become less flexible as a consequence.

Everyone is all for strict enforcement of the laws for other people, as long as it doesn't effect them, but then they want flexibility if it creates an inconvenience for them personally.

[BlindMagician]

Thanks for all advices.

But it is the nail in the coffin for me. I quit Thailand after 9 years.

I have spend the last 4 months in Cebu , Philippines and this will be my new home now. I have already rent a condo there.

In Philippines you can be on a tourist visa for 3 years, extention every 6 months & no problem. Retirement visa is about half money put in the bank then Thailand.

I have travel many time in all Southeast Asia country and i can tell that the Philippines people are the most friendly.. And everybody speak english there.

That was my mistake to withdraw some money but I was sure that the 3 months does not need to me seasonned for combination . The rules have changed

Should have mentioned this in your original post. Would have saved everyone a lot of time.

[soalbundy]

They do seem to be getting strict at everything. For my extension this year i got an ''under consideration'' stamp, i have been here for 10 years. They came to my house yesterday to verify that i really live there, i thought they would just come, look at my passport and go again but the whole procedure was an hour long. Two immigration officers came that i recognized from the office,they knew me to. They called in two neighbours as witnesses who had to fill out forms and who were consequently questioned, they asked them what they did for work,what they thought of me as a person, did i behave well in the village,they asked me how much income i had in front of my neighbours even though this was known to them through the paper work in the office last week. They came fully equipped with lap top and printer and all forms were scanned many times. They were polite and friendly but very exact and strict. Is this the new normal?

[bbi1]

What will I do next ? I have an apartment here and i buy all my possessions. Does i have only 16 days to sell everything.

What is my option ?

Thanks

[\quote]

That's why I always say never buy anything here or keep anything of value or much cash here. Best to always rent & keep any assets/investments/cash in your home country as you never know when you will need to leave quickly due to circumstances here.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Unfortunately, there is nothing new here.

Bangkok Immigration at CW has been enforcing the seasoning of funds requirement for retirement extensions for combination applications using bank funds and monthly income for more than the past year. And, there have been lots of past posts and threads here on that very topic involving CW, including by me.

As Joe mentioned above, requiring seasoning of funds for combination retirement extension applications is not part of the current WRITTEN Immigration regulations, but that hasn't stopped them from enforcing the seasoning requirement, at least at BKK CW, nonetheless.

Not surprisingly, Immigration has done a very poor job of informing people about this "off the books" rule at CW, because up until one to two years ago, they certainly weren't enforcing it there.

[andybangkok]

Thanks for all advices.

But it is the nail in the coffin for me. I quit Thailand after 9 years.

I have spend the last 4 months in Cebu , Philippines and this will be my new home now. I have already rent a condo there.

In Philippines you can be on a tourist visa for 3 years, extention every 6 months & no problem. Retirement visa is about half money put in the bank then Thailand.

I have travel many time in all Southeast Asia country and i can tell that the Philippines people are the most friendly.. And everybody speak english there.

That was my mistake to withdraw some money but I was sure that the 3 months does not need to me seasonned for combination . The rules have changed

Should have mentioned this in your original post. Would have saved everyone a lot of time.

I am not a regular poster here ,but a very regular reader.

I really want to have a retirement extention for another year because not sure 100% if i will like to stay in Philippines.

I tell my experience to be sure that other people are aware of the CW very strict rules, and I agree with that. And no make the same mistake i do.

I

[Ando62]

So what happens then if I have say 1million B in account. Can I still make withdrawals as long as the balance doesn't go below 800k for the 3 months?

[theoldgit]

Post suggesting illegal activity and corruption removed.

[technologybytes]

Honestly, forget what the written rules say. Its what the immigration officer says on the day that matters and you cannot change that so its better to just accept it.

As others have said its not a big drama, go get a singe entry O visa and apply in 60 days.