Updated information - Income letter from British Embassy

[theoldgit]

The UK in Thailand has updated it's website to advise of the current Consular rate and the fact that you can now pay the fee by credit card, those paying by card will have the fee charged in GBP.

Pension income letter for Thai immigration

[OJAS]

About time, too! I've long wondered why we've been expected to faff around with money orders, whereas it was possible to pay by credit card in the days when income confirmation letters were obtainable in person from the Embassy.

I only hope that the amount charged to my UK credit card when I next apply for an income confirmation letter will be the actual GBP fee stated by the Embassy without any surcharge on top.

[Eff1n2ret]

About time, too! I've long wondered why we've been expected to faff around with money orders, whereas it was possible to pay by credit card in the days when income confirmation letters were obtainable in person from the Embassy.

I only hope that the amount charged to my UK credit card when I next apply for an income confirmation letter will be the actual GBP fee stated by the Embassy without any surcharge on top.

On the Payment Authorisation Form the words "charge the actual fee" are picked out in bold, which I take to mean that there won't be any further surcharge. I note that it also says you can pay by debit card.

In my mind it's a toss-up between accepting the risk of putting your credit card details and signature on paper and the very minor procedure of buying a money order at the Post Office, where I've got to go anyway to send the application.

[theoldgit]

In my mind it's a toss-up between accepting the risk of putting your credit card details and signature on paper and the very minor procedure of buying a money order at the Post Office, where I've got to go anyway to send the application.

suppose that depends on the local Post Office, at my local PO it's anything but a minor procedure, I concede it should be, but locally they make it an art of making even the most simple of transactions difficult.

[true blue]

just digressing slightly ive decided this year for the first time in nine years, to go the bank route for ext of stay,instead of the income one,does my money 80000bht have to be in the bank for 2 months or 3 months???? or because im just renewing no time limit.thanks

[ubonjoe]

just digressing slightly ive decided this year for the first time in nine years, to go the bank route for ext of stay,instead of the income one,does my money 80000bht have to be in the bank for 2 months or 3 months???? or because im just renewing no time limit.thanks

The 800k baht will have to be in the bank for 3 months on the date you apply.

[expatbrit]

just digressing slightly ive decided this year for the first time in nine years, to go the bank route for ext of stay,instead of the income one,does my money 80000bht have to be in the bank for 2 months or 3 months???? or because im just renewing no time limit.thanks

A three month "seasoning" period is required for extensions other than the first one.

[Linesy]

For my own clarification is the seasoning period actually in 2 / 3 months or 60 / 90 days?

[OJAS]

In my mind it's a toss-up between accepting the risk of putting your credit card details and signature on paper and the very minor procedure of buying a money order at the Post Office, where I've got to go anyway to send the application.

suppose that depends on the local Post Office, at my local PO it's anything but a minor procedure, I concede it should be, but locally they make it an art of making even the most simple of transactions difficult.

Neither is it a minor procedure at my local post office where a key prerequisite to the successful purchase of a money order is a fluent knowledge of the Thai language, which I simply do not possess!

[ubonjoe]

For my own clarification is the seasoning period actually in 2 / 3 months or 60 / 90 days?

The rules state 60 days for the first extension and 3 months thereafter.

[lungbing]

I always take the customer's copy of last years money order when I order my new one each year. That shows them the form, the Post Office where's it's payable, and the payee's name. All that may vary is the amount from year to year.

[Linesy]

For my own clarification is the seasoning period actually in 2 / 3 months or 60 / 90 days?

The rules state 60 days for the first extension and 3 months thereafter.

Thank you Ubonjoe, am I correct in thinking the seasoning for extension based on marriage is 2 months for the 1st application and remains 2 months for subsequent applications?

[ubonjoe]

For my own clarification is the seasoning period actually in 2 / 3 months or 60 / 90 days?

The rules state 60 days for the first extension and 3 months thereafter.

Thank you Ubonjoe, am I correct in thinking the seasoning for extension based on marriage is 2 months for the 1st application and remains 2 months for subsequent applications?

For marriage it is 2 months for every extension.

[OJAS]

In my mind it's a toss-up between accepting the risk of putting your credit card details and signature on paper and the very minor procedure of buying a money order at the Post Office, where I've got to go anyway to send the application.

suppose that depends on the local Post Office, at my local PO it's anything but a minor procedure, I concede it should be, but locally they make it an art of making even the most simple of transactions difficult.

Neither is it a minor procedure at my local post office where a key prerequisite to the successful purchase of a money order is a fluent knowledge of the Thai language, which I simply do not possess!

Might also be worth making the point is that credit/debit card fraudsters probably find these days that there are richer (and easier?) pickings to be had from hacking websites than stealing mail bags!

In any event, given that credit/debit card payments are taken by the Embassy in GBP, the total cost might well work out at less than 2,665 THB at present exchange rates, even if payment is made with a Thai card! Moreover, the cost amounts to more than 2,665 THB in practice in any case if payment is made by money order, thanks to the Thailand Post surcharge.

[NoshowJones]

In my mind it's a toss-up between accepting the risk of putting your credit card details and signature on paper and the very minor procedure of buying a money order at the Post Office, where I've got to go anyway to send the application.

suppose that depends on the local Post Office, at my local PO it's anything but a minor procedure, I concede it should be, but locally they make it an art of making even the most simple of transactions difficult.

"they make it an art of making even the most simple of transactions difficult". Only one thing to say here. This is typical Thailand. (TitT).

[OJAS]

In my mind it's a toss-up between accepting the risk of putting your credit card details and signature on paper and the very minor procedure of buying a money order at the Post Office, where I've got to go anyway to send the application.

suppose that depends on the local Post Office, at my local PO it's anything but a minor procedure, I concede it should be, but locally they make it an art of making even the most simple of transactions difficult.

"they make it an art of making even the most simple of transactions difficult". Only one thing to say here. This is typical Thailand. (TitT).

And not just typical Thailand, either. Typical HMPO (to name but one other) as well given their insistence on us having to subject ourselves to the rigours of the dreaded "With-It Tower Experience" these days when all we want to do is to renew our passport!

[smotherb]

In my mind it's a toss-up between accepting the risk of putting your credit card details and signature on paper and the very minor procedure of buying a money order at the Post Office, where I've got to go anyway to send the application.

suppose that depends on the local Post Office, at my local PO it's anything but a minor procedure, I concede it should be, but locally they make it an art of making even the most simple of transactions difficult.

"they make it an art of making even the most simple of transactions difficult". Only one thing to say here. This is typical Thailand. (TitT).

I use the mobile postal van which parks near where I socialize. Once in a while there is a line, so I go to have a beer and mail it when the line dissipates.

[farangmick]

About time, too! I've long wondered why we've been expected to faff around with money orders, whereas it was possible to pay by credit card in the days when income confirmation letters were obtainable in person from the Embassy.

I only hope that the amount charged to my UK credit card when I next apply for an income confirmation letter will be the actual GBP fee stated by the Embassy without any surcharge on top.

Got my letter a couple of months ago and it was cheaper than the quoted GBP cost. Only a couple of Leo's worth, but every little helps.

[Farang99]

Is it possible to use the credit card system to pay for a passport renewal? This is not listed amongthe consular services on the application form.

[ubonjoe]

Is it possible to use the credit card system to pay for a passport renewal? This is not listed amongthe consular services on the application form.

You don't apply for a passport at the embassy. You apply at VFS located in the Trendy building in Bangkok. When you apply you complete a form to pay with a credit/debit card when the application is received in the UK. A credit or debit card is the only from of payment accepted.

Go through the steps here to get info: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports/y

[sandyf]

About time, too! I've long wondered why we've been expected to faff around with money orders, whereas it was possible to pay by credit card in the days when income confirmation letters were obtainable in person from the Embassy.

I only hope that the amount charged to my UK credit card when I next apply for an income confirmation letter will be the actual GBP fee stated by the Embassy without any surcharge on top.

On the Payment Authorisation Form the words "charge the actual fee" are picked out in bold, which I take to mean that there won't be any further surcharge. I note that it also says you can pay by debit card.

In my mind it's a toss-up between accepting the risk of putting your credit card details and signature on paper and the very minor procedure of buying a money order at the Post Office, where I've got to go anyway to send the application.

No toss up for me, fairly straightforward at the Post Office, one girl does it all so I will stick with that.

I am not sure if they can actually charge in GBP here in Thailand. If it is done in baht or USD using an online processor similar to visa applications, then there will be a non-sterling transaction fee when it hits your account.

The other thing that puzzles me is how do they get around the 'Verified by Visa', unless of course it is not in play. I have recently had a go at my credit card bank for allowing non verified transactions to take place. In my view if you register for 'Verified by Visa' then it should be applied to every transaction.

[SaintLouisBlues]

I do love these Embassy letters for Thai Immigration - "Please note we will use the financial figures provided on this form and will not check or amend any financial amounts". That is, tell us any lie you like and we're happy to certify it; it's only Thailand after all. I think the Kiwis have the same "rigorous" verification according to a friend of mine. Just to be on the safe side he does get his bank account credited with 65,000 baht a month for the three months before renewal, but he's never even been asked for that!

[Red Parrot Fish]

I do love these Embassy letters for Thai Immigration - "Please note we will use the financial figures provided on this form and will not check or amend any financial amounts". That is, tell us any lie you like and we're happy to certify it; it's only Thailand after all. I think the Kiwis have the same "rigorous" verification according to a friend of mine. Just to be on the safe side he does get his bank account credited with 65,000 baht a month for the three months before renewal, but he's never even been asked for that!

The Embassy requires proof of your income before certifying anything.

[OJAS]

I am not sure if they can actually charge in GBP here in Thailand. If it is done in baht or USD using an online processor similar to visa applications, then there will be a non-sterling transaction fee when it hits your account.

AFAIK this is the first time ever that the Embassy have quoted the price of their income letters in GBP. Not sure what the point of doing this would be if they are still going to accept payments only in THB (or, heaven forbid, now the dreaded USD as well), even by credit/debit card. But I suppose that I'll only find out for certain sure whether or not my UK card will be surcharged when I apply for my next letter in 6 months time.

I do love these Embassy letters for Thai Immigration - "Please note we will use the financial figures provided on this form and will not check or amend any financial amounts". That is, tell us any lie you like and we're happy to certify it; it's only Thailand after all. I think the Kiwis have the same "rigorous" verification according to a friend of mine. Just to be on the safe side he does get his bank account credited with 65,000 baht a month for the three months before renewal, but he's never even been asked for that!

The Embassy requires proof of your income before certifying anything.

Which proof is, of course, liable - in theory at any rate - to be requested by Immigration when you submit your extension of stay application.

I strongly suspect that the Embassy disclaimer (which is a new one) relates primarily to the accuracy of one's calculations of monthly amounts based on annual or (in the case of the State Pension) weekly figures. In other words, the Embassy will, presumably, no longer unilaterally reduce my monthly calculation total by a whole penny like they did for my last income confirmation letter!

[Eff1n2ret]

About time, too! I've long wondered why we've been expected to faff around with money orders, whereas it was possible to pay by credit card in the days when income confirmation letters were obtainable in person from the Embassy.

I only hope that the amount charged to my UK credit card when I next apply for an income confirmation letter will be the actual GBP fee stated by the Embassy without any surcharge on top.

On the Payment Authorisation Form the words "charge the actual fee" are picked out in bold, which I take to mean that there won't be any further surcharge. I note that it also says you can pay by debit card.

In my mind it's a toss-up between accepting the risk of putting your credit card details and signature on paper and the very minor procedure of buying a money order at the Post Office, where I've got to go anyway to send the application.

No toss up for me, fairly straightforward at the Post Office, one girl does it all so I will stick with that.

I am not sure if they can actually charge in GBP here in Thailand. If it is done in baht or USD using an online processor similar to visa applications, then there will be a non-sterling transaction fee when it hits your account.

The other thing that puzzles me is how do they get around the 'Verified by Visa', unless of course it is not in play. I have recently had a go at my credit card bank for allowing non verified transactions to take place. In my view if you register for 'Verified by Visa' then it should be applied to every transaction.

The payment authorisation form says that the fee will be taken in GBP.

Quite clearly the 'Verified by Visa' function will not operate because the Embassy is either the end recipient of your dosh, or a conduit for some FCO bank account, and they are content to accept payment without verification, as are quite a number of businesses everywhere. I suppose there is an extra cost to businesses to install the 'V-V' system on their software, but I agree with you that in an ideal world all transactions should be verified in this way. Do you think credit/debit card companies actually have the ability to block unverified transactions as they take place?

Like you, I have found that the staff at my local Post Office are quick and competent, and I will probably continue to use the money order method. Whilst it may suit many to use a credit card it occurs to me that the change is really for the Embassy's benefit as it reduces their need to schlepp round to Nana Post Office several days a week to cash the Postal Orders (and maybe there's a security issue with the cash). But it's my security I'm concerned about, and it's not a question of "Mailbag robbery" as previously suggested, but to have a document which contains your name, d.o.b., address, phone and email address alongside all your credit card details lying around on somebody's desk or put in a file somewhere offers a great opportunity for dishonesty. Sure I use my credit card regularly and am probably as vulnerable to IT fraud as anyone else. But whilst I wouldn't have a clue how to hack into someone's computer, I sure know how to use a camera or a photocopier. The Civil Service may do the best they can to employ honest staff, but over the years there have been enough rotten apples to make one cautious.

[OJAS]

Whilst it may suit many to use a credit card it occurs to me that the change is really for the Embassy's benefit as it reduces their need to schlepp round to Nana Post Office several days a week to cash the Postal Orders (and maybe there's a security issue with the cash). But it's my security I'm concerned about, and it's not a question of "Mailbag robbery" as previously suggested, but to have a document which contains your name, d.o.b., address, phone and email address alongside all your credit card details lying around on somebody's desk or put in a file somewhere offers a great opportunity for dishonesty. Sure I use my credit card regularly and am probably as vulnerable to IT fraud as anyone else. But whilst I wouldn't have a clue how to hack into someone's computer, I sure know how to use a camera or a photocopier. The Civil Service may do the best they can to employ honest staff, but over the years there have been enough rotten apples to make one cautious.

I accept that there is always some risk involved. But whether or not the risk is worth taking is, I suspect, a matter of personal judgement on which we shall have to agree to disagree.

But your credit card concerns have reminded me of serious worries which I do have about the number of copies of my existing passport which may be lurking in unsecured storage at Maptaput Immigration, Bangkok Rayong Hospital and the main Rayong branch & Tesco Lotus sub-branch of Bangkok Bank. How can there, likewise, ever be 100% certainty of certain staff members at any of these establishments not succumbing to the temptation of handing over these passport copies to fraudsters who indulge in the practice of cloning passports for a price?

In particular, there have been a number of disturbing reports on here of certain immigration offices practising "recycling" by printing 90-day report confirmation slips on the reverse side of someone else's passport details! Thankfully, though, I have never experienced this with Maptaput.

Whilst we can elect to pay for our Embassy income confirmation letters by credit/debit card or money order, we do not, on the other hand appear to have any choice in the matter of handing over our passport details without question to every Tom, Dick and Harry in officialdom here who requests these. And that, of course, includes the Embassy who require copies of our passport page irrespective of whether we pay for our income letter by credit/debit card or money order!

[JLCrab]

Every time I check into a hotel in Thailand they make a copy of my passport --they often bark out Passport! before I can even set down my baggage.

[sandyf]

AFAIK this is the first time ever that the Embassy have quoted the price of their income letters in GBP. Not sure what the point of doing this would be if they are still going to accept payments only in THB (or, heaven forbid, now the dreaded USD as well), even by credit/debit card. But I suppose that I'll only find out for certain sure whether or not my UK card will be surcharged when I apply for my next letter in 6 months time.

The embassy consular fees have always been in GBP and THB. The GBP fee is supposed to be global. Income letters would come under item 2(i)

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/465660/FeesTable_Customer_Bt57_as_of_01_10_15.pdf

[sandyf]

About time, too! I've long wondered why we've been expected to faff around with money orders, whereas it was possible to pay by credit card in the days when income confirmation letters were obtainable in person from the Embassy.

I only hope that the amount charged to my UK credit card when I next apply for an income confirmation letter will be the actual GBP fee stated by the Embassy without any surcharge on top.

On the Payment Authorisation Form the words "charge the actual fee" are picked out in bold, which I take to mean that there won't be any further surcharge. I note that it also says you can pay by debit card.

In my mind it's a toss-up between accepting the risk of putting your credit card details and signature on paper and the very minor procedure of buying a money order at the Post Office, where I've got to go anyway to send the application.

No toss up for me, fairly straightforward at the Post Office, one girl does it all so I will stick with that.

I am not sure if they can actually charge in GBP here in Thailand. If it is done in baht or USD using an online processor similar to visa applications, then there will be a non-sterling transaction fee when it hits your account.

The other thing that puzzles me is how do they get around the 'Verified by Visa', unless of course it is not in play. I have recently had a go at my credit card bank for allowing non verified transactions to take place. In my view if you register for 'Verified by Visa' then it should be applied to every transaction.

The payment authorisation form says that the fee will be taken in GBP.

Quite clearly the 'Verified by Visa' function will not operate because the Embassy is either the end recipient of your dosh, or a conduit for some FCO bank account, and they are content to accept payment without verification, as are quite a number of businesses everywhere. I suppose there is an extra cost to businesses to install the 'V-V' system on their software, but I agree with you that in an ideal world all transactions should be verified in this way. Do you think credit/debit card companies actually have the ability to block unverified transactions as they take place?

Like you, I have found that the staff at my local Post Office are quick and competent, and I will probably continue to use the money order method. Whilst it may suit many to use a credit card it occurs to me that the change is really for the Embassy's benefit as it reduces their need to schlepp round to Nana Post Office several days a week to cash the Postal Orders (and maybe there's a security issue with the cash). But it's my security I'm concerned about, and it's not a question of "Mailbag robbery" as previously suggested, but to have a document which contains your name, d.o.b., address, phone and email address alongside all your credit card details lying around on somebody's desk or put in a file somewhere offers a great opportunity for dishonesty. Sure I use my credit card regularly and am probably as vulnerable to IT fraud as anyone else. But whilst I wouldn't have a clue how to hack into someone's computer, I sure know how to use a camera or a photocopier. The Civil Service may do the best they can to employ honest staff, but over the years there have been enough rotten apples to make one cautious.

Simple answer is No. I recently had 2 unauthorised transactions on my card because the supplier did not use the V by V. I took the matter up with card bank and the funds were returned without a problem. Regarding the V by V, as you suggest there is a charge involved and at the moment it is optional. He then went on to say that there are steps being taken to enforce it.

I would tend to agree that it may be more for their benefit but I fail to understand why they do not accept bank transfer from a Thai bank. The bulk of the income letters will be for people here on a long term basis. I am fairly certain that the cash from the money orders would be paid into a Thai bank.

[true blue]

I no it does not state it any were, but for peace of mind.you don't need a self addressed envelope when you send your application to embassy,