Another Acc Vs Income Question

[niggle]

Well, just when I thought I'd got it sussed I read abount new regulations regarding amount in Thai bank for retirement visa or minimum income. Then I read about not accepting bank account money just proof of income. Can anyone lighten my darkness ?

Also, is a Thai branch of a foreign bank (Citibank) acceptable for the bank deposit regulation ?

Thanks

Niggle

[Maestro]

It’s for living with Thai wife that only income is accepted for new first-time applications for extension. For retirement, it is income or 800k in the bank (for 3 months before application) or a combination of both.

An account with Citibank is acceptable.

--

Maestro

[rogerdee123]

Hi Niggle

I know if you haven't done the retirement visa before it sounds confusing. But really it isn't and it's pretty easy. reading all the posts can lead you to some confusion ... but there's a faq here somewhere.

First of all ... you either need 800,000 baht deposited in a Thai Bank (yes Citibank Bangkok will suffice ... I use HSBC) .... OR ..... as an alternative .... a letter from your Embassy confirming your monthly income is sufficient (the monthly amount escapes me at the moment).

If you don't have the 800k in Citibank, and happen to be from the US of Amerika, all you have to do is go to the Embassy and fill in the blanks on a form (they know about the retirement visa income requirements very well and have a form just for that) and then swear before the consular officer that what you wrote on the form is true. The Consular office then puts his/her stamp on it and it's official. You can then use this declaration from the Embassy instead of the 800k baht in the bank.

The kicker is sometimes the immigration officers at Suan Plu require additional proof of your income .... and sometimes they don't. Just be ready if they ask for something more .. like bank statements or whatever. Maybe someone else can share a recent experience if this has actually happened to them.

I think everyone on the forum would agree that the main secret to having no hassles at Suan Plu is to be presentable, polite and humble ..... smile and be pleasant.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Hi Niggle

I know if you haven't done the retirement visa before it sounds confusing. But really it isn't and it's pretty easy. reading all the posts can lead you to some confusion ... but there's a faq here somewhere.

First of all ... you either need 800,000 baht deposited in a Thai Bank (yes Citibank Bangkok will suffice ... I use HSBC) .... OR ..... as an alternative .... a letter from your Embassy confirming your monthly income is sufficient (the monthly amount escapes me at the moment).

If you don't have the 800k in Citibank, and happen to be from the US of Amerika, all you have to do is go to the Embassy and fill in the blanks on a form (they know about the retirement visa income requirements very well and have a form just for that) and then swear before the consular officer that what you wrote on the form is true. The Consular office then puts his/her stamp on it and it's official. You can then use this declaration from the Embassy instead of the 800k baht in the bank.

The kicker is sometimes the immigration officers at Suan Plu require additional proof of your income .... and sometimes they don't. Just be ready if they ask for something more .. like bank statements or whatever. Maybe someone else can share a recent experience if this has actually happened to them.

I think everyone on the forum would agree that the main secret to having no hassles at Suan Plu is to be presentable, polite and humble ..... smile and be pleasant.

65,000 baht per month

[Medit8]

It’s for living with Thai wife that only income is accepted for new first-time applications for extension. For retirement, it is income or 800k in the bank (for 3 months before application) or a combination of both.

An account with Citibank is acceptable.

--

Maestro

Maestro,

What about a fool like me? Lived in Thailand from November 05 to October 06 on a Non-Imm O. Am married to Thai wife with one child and am under 50. Went back to work in HK and let my visa expire. When I reapply, will I be considered a new applicant or would some consideration be given to the fact that I previously had a Non Imm O based on a lump sum (I think I know the answer)? I obviously never should have let it lapse, but wasn't really paying attention at the time. Not that the THB 40,000 income is a particular issue, it is more having to involve my Embassy/Consulate in my finances.

[lopburi3]

You are not grandfathered. But the 40k income can be your wife. Even if you use your income the only Embassy involvement is as witness to your signature and review of the papers you may be asked to present. It is not exactly an IRS audit (for those familiar with the US tax system).

[Medit8]

You are not grandfathered. But the 40k income can be your wife. Even if you use your income the only Embassy involvement is as witness to your signature and review of the papers you may be asked to present. It is not exactly an IRS audit (for those familiar with the US tax system).

Thanks lopburi3. That's the answer I expected. I am not American, but nevertheless, involving any quasi-government institution in personal financial matters sits badly with me. I assume they won't blindly authenticate that I have the requisite income (from investment vehicles) without actually being shown proof of such.

My wife is a domestic engineer.

[niggle]

Thanks for the ghelp. Yep, I will be a 'first time@ retiree in early next year having just retired at 54. (Do I miss work - like a hole in the the head). I reckon the best way is probably to stick 800,000 in bank as a fallback and have my income (65000+) as a back up.