Buriram Expats
Buriram Province - General Category => Isaan Thai Visa => Topic started by: alans on October 13, 2019, 07:33:55 PM
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In August of this year I closed my Kasikorn bank account and opened an account with the Bangkok Bank, at the same time I stopped using Bahtsmart for my monthly pension transfers and now use Transferwise. I did this for a couple of reasons, the main one being that Kasikorn/Bahtsmart did not show the transactions as international transfers in my account statements, where Bangkok Bank/Transferwise does.
Between August and March next year, when I am due to seek a Visa extension, I would have transfers totalling in excess of 400,000 Baht, will this satisfy the financial aspect of seeking an extension of my O-A Visa, based on marriage?
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I cannot answer that question, but from all accounts come next March you will need to have 400,000/40,000 health insurance in place as you are extending on an O-A visa.
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Thanks for the reply, hopefully someone else can advise re finances. BTW, I have the insurance already in place, so all good on that front.
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So much misinformation online right now especially regarding insurance. Since so many offices and officers are interpreting things differently, your best bet is to go to the immigration office that you will do the extension at and ask what they require. You have plenty of time to get the 400k into an account if that is what they demand and they will tell you what is needed today regarding insurance. Tomorrow may be different!
When I went I was told 400k in bank. Others have reported they want a full year of transfers into the same account and they must be coded international. I was also told averaging the amount per month is not permitted. Not saying the above is correct but this is why I say check for yourself.
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So much misinformation online right now especially regarding insurance. Since so many offices and officers are interpreting things differently, your best bet is to go to the immigration office that you will do the extension at and ask what they require. You have plenty of time to get the 400k into an account if that is what they demand and they will tell you what is needed today regarding insurance. Tomorrow may be different!
When I went I was told 400k in bank. Others have reported they want a full year of transfers into the same account and they must be coded international. I was also told averaging the amount per month is not permitted. Not saying the above is correct but this is why I say check for yourself.
+1
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So much misinformation online right now especially regarding insurance. Since so many offices and officers are interpreting things differently, your best bet is to go to the immigration office that you will do the extension at and ask what they require. You have plenty of time to get the 400k into an account if that is what they demand and they will tell you what is needed today regarding insurance. Tomorrow may be different!
When I went I was told 400k in bank. Others have reported they want a full year of transfers into the same account and they must be coded international. I was also told averaging the amount per month is not permitted. Not saying the above is correct but this is why I say check for yourself.
You are confusing the matter by talking about 2 different issues. 400k in the bank 2 months before extension is fine. No need to prove where the money came from.
If you want to extend by monthly 8ncome, you must show 12 monthly transfers and you have to show that the money came from overseas. It is correct to say that you cannot show an average of 40k a month. Every month must be 40k or more.
The issue of insurance for extending an O-A is still vague. If in doubt, pop over to Savannakhet and get an O visa and extend that. Or, get a multi entry and avoid immigration all together.
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Starman thank you for proving my point. Lots of confusion out there so my best advice is to go to the source and ask what they want. Then, if it is not possible, certainly there are alternatives. Some very knowledgeable folks here, and their advice and experiences they share is absolutely helpful, such as yours Starman, and I?m sure many appreciate it!
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Thanks to you all for your advice, it is all very frustrating and confusing at the moment. I will pay Buriram IO a visit.
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Purely a personal view and fully appreciated that not all are able to do so.
If you are in the position to put 400k in a separate bank account and just leave it there, then it really is the simplest way to go. It removes all the hassle of income verification and the related confusion that comes about when the rules change. At time of renewal, back that up with a bank account showing monthly in/out expenditure if immigration require it.
Bangkok Banks (as others) are well set up to provide the bank verification letter so the income side of application becomes very simple.
I realize that it is predominantly dead money just sitting there but in a fixed deposit account you do get a very small amount of interest which covers a few evenings out and the big plus for me is the peace of mind it brings.
Even if you have to stretch things to get the amount deposited initially I think it?s worth it. Had my 800k for retirement visas sitting there for 5 years now so I don?t even think about it anymore.
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Thanks for your reply Freddy. I have decided to apply for another O-A (retirement) Visa when I return to Australia in December. I have an email from the Thai Embassy in Canberra stating that a letter from my Superannuation Pension company confirming that my monthly income equates to a minimum of 65,000 baht will be accepted. So, doing this will give me multiple entries and close to two years, depending on trips out of and back into Thailand and when I need to extend again, I will have the required information.
Thanks again.
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All good. Glad you?ve got it all sorted out.
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Thanks for your reply Freddy. I have decided to apply for another O-A (retirement) Visa when I return to Australia in December. I have an email from the Thai Embassy in Canberra stating that a letter from my Superannuation Pension company confirming that my monthly income equates to a minimum of 65,000 baht will be accepted. So, doing this will give me multiple entries and close to two years, depending on trips out of and back into Thailand and when I need to extend again, I will have the required information.
Thanks again.
What about the medical insurance requirment being imposed on an O-A?
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I have the required insurance with AXA Global Health Insurance.
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I have the required insurance with AXA Global Health Insurance.
Sounds great. Wish you the best.
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" I have an email from the Thai Embassy in Canberra stating that a letter from my Superannuation Pension company confirming that my monthly income equates to a minimum of 65,000 baht will be accepted."
Good luck with it mate.
But you will face a reality not emails. Embassy and a local Immigration are different departments. With their email you will get the Visa but no Extension of stay
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When it comes time to apply for the extension of stay, I will have well over 12 months of 65,000 baht per month going into my Thai bank account.
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as people said you are the best.
So what was your original question?
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It started off as a question about monthly finances, but had you read the whole stream you would have seen that. I don't try to be the best, but I try to do what's expected to stay in this country. Responses like yours aren't appreciated, didn't you like the response I gave to your "captain obvious" statement.
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I am sorry man. Please, forgive me. I am a newby here as well.
However:: you have 2 options for the extension of stay:
1) You would need to have a solid deposit (800k/400k) keep with a Thai Bank
or
2) Monthly deposits of your pension (65k baht every month)
The letters days are over.
If you have it you are good to go.
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Thank you.
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Can anyone confirm that deposits from TransferWise (from Australia) into Bank of Bangkok are still showing as an International Transfer and also is Burriram Imm accepting the deposits for an extension of Non Imm O. I am considering changing from the 800,000bht/400,000 method. I am 1.5hrs drive to the Imm office and if the above questions are accepted by them I will drive in and confirm with them. I am also looking at using the combination method of deposits and bank book balance to total the 800,000bht for the extension. I believe some IO's are accepting the combination method and I want to be clear on how to do it before I start.
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Can anyone confirm that deposits from TransferWise (from Australia) into Bank of Bangkok are still showing as an International Transfer and also is Burriram Imm accepting the deposits for an extension of Non Imm O. I am considering changing from the 800,000bht/400,000 method. I am 1.5hrs drive to the Imm office and if the above questions are accepted by them I will drive in and confirm with them. I am also looking at using the combination method of deposits and bank book balance to total the 800,000bht for the extension. I believe some IO's are accepting the combination method and I want to be clear on how to do it before I start.
Have been getting my ducks in a row on this very thing (USA). Requirements vary slightly between BI and BI-Castle offices (preferred).
Very important points - bank account in your name only (not joint). Have used TransferWise from US; excellent experience and transfers show up at BB as International Transfer. If transferring 40,000/mo., bank book must show 2 months prior to extension filing. My drive is similar, from Lahan Sai area.
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BillH, You have made my day with your reply. I am seriously looking at going down the path of monthly transfers rather than using the 800K/400k Bht locked up in the bank. I have used Transfewise before.I would not have a problem recommending them. I did an international transfer last week from my (Australian) bank (ANZ) to compare fees cross rates etc sending AUD not THB. This was on a recommendation from a friend who has been doing this for the past 7 years or so. From my comparison cash at Vasu won followed by TransferWise .025% lower and my Oz bank .3% lower than Vasu. TransferWise is only just behind bringing hard cash over here.
Just to clarify your post. Is BI-(castle) the Immigration office>> Burriram Immigration- (Stadium)? The second immigration office?
If transferring 40,000/mo bank book must show 2 months prior to extension filling. Can you explain a bit more... is this 40,000 Thai Baht THB.
I am trying to use the combination method next year (extension) as my bank book is already loaded with BHT. I just want to spend the money rather than have the money locked up in the bank.
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BillH, You have made my day with your reply. I am seriously looking at going down the path of monthly transfers rather than using the 800K/400k Bht locked up in the bank. I have used Transfewise before.I would not have a problem recommending them. I did an international transfer last week from my (Australian) bank (ANZ) to compare fees cross rates etc sending AUD not THB. This was on a recommendation from a friend who has been doing this for the past 7 years or so. From my comparison cash at Vasu won followed by TransferWise .025% lower and my Oz bank .3% lower than Vasu. TransferWise is only just behind bringing hard cash over here.
Just to clarify your post. Is BI-(castle) the Immigration office>> Burriram Immigration- (Stadium)? The second immigration office?
If transferring 40,000/mo bank book must show 2 months prior to extension filling. Can you explain a bit more... is this 40,000 Thai Baht THB.
I am trying to use the combination method next year (extension) as my bank book is already loaded with BHT. I just want to spend the money rather than have the money locked up in the bank.
If using monthly transfers of 40k, immigration will want to see a year worth of transfers.
If using marriage as a reason for an extension (you did quote 40k monthly transfers), the combination method cannot be used. If I have got the wrong end of the stick and you are extending by way of retirement, the monthly transfers must show 65k. I have heard of Buriram Immigration not accepting the combo method for retirement extensions.
The 400k for a marriage extension is not locked up for long. In most cases you only need the money in the bank for 2 months prior to application. Some offices ask for the money to remain in the bank for the duration of the 30 days "under consideration" period also. So a total of only 3 months.
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"Just to clarify your post. Is BI-(castle) the Immigration office>> Burriram Immigration- (Stadium)? The second immigration office?"
My preferred office is BI-Castle (McDonalds, KFC, Stadium) vs the Immigration office (east of Buriram on 226), 3rd floor.
My understanding is, if you are in Thailand on extensions, you must show 12 months of 40,000 deposits. Don't know anything about a possible combination system and would rely on Starman's input.
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I was at BI a week ago just to clarify if combination was acceptable. Answer: DEFINATE NO. 800K/65K or 400K/40K for one year.
However they will allow combination of 2 accounts if both are in your name only. IE: THB account and FCD. They were not very friendly about anything and the "supposed chief" spoke no English or at least claimed she did not.
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I got my one year extension on my non O visa at the Buriram B I Castle Immigration Office, yesterday. I was told that the new government policy is that every 3 months when you seek to extend you must show proof of your bank account. This used to be only once per year at the time of the yearly extension. There seems to be far too much duplication in all the Thai Immigration processes as most of the information they require is already on their computers. I really do think they are trying to get rid of expats, for what absurd reason I do not know. No Thai that I personally know receives a salary of 40,000 to 65,000 baht per month or hold 400,000 to 800,000 in a Thai bank account. Could it be jealousy, racism, stupidity?
Regards
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I got my one year extension on my non O visa at the Buriram B I Castle Immigration Office, yesterday. I was told that the new government policy is that every 3 months when you seek to extend you must show proof of your bank account. This used to be only once per year at the time of the yearly extension. There seems to be far too much duplication in all the Thai Immigration processes as most of the information they require is already on their computers. I really do think they are trying to get rid of expats, for what absurd reason I do not know. No Thai that I personally know receives a salary of 40,000 to 65,000 baht per month or hold 400,000 to 800,000 in a Thai bank account. Could it be jealousy, racism, stupidity?
Regards
I'm guessing there was something lost in translation there.
The government have made no such announcement.
There has often been a difference in when to season money with regards to extensions based on marriage. Some offices apply the general rule, 2 months, but some ask for 3 months. My guess is that he was saying the money must be kn the bank 3 months prior to extension.
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No, he spoke good English and when I asked him again he replied, yes, every three months from now on, not once a year. The definition of confusion is Thailand. He volunteered the information first as I did not have any reason to initially ask him. I do hope that there was indeed a lost in translation episode.
Regards
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I was there yesterday inquiring re extension for an O base on marriage and he insisted i get a copy of the Kor Ror 2 (proof of current marriage) on the day of application along with the bank requirements, Most likely the same IO , im going to be wasting the whole day me thinks
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I was there yesterday inquiring re extension for an O base on marriage and he insisted i get a copy of the Kor Ror 2 (proof of current marriage) on the day of application along with the bank requirements, Most likely the same IO , im going to be wasting the whole day me thinks
My extension based on marriage is due soon, I am going to get the Kr2 the day before I am going to Immigration, but the Bank Letter I will get the same day as going to Immigration. The Bank letter requirement on same day has (AFAIK) always been asked for by them.
Will see what they say about the 1 day late KR2.
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Agree , thats what I intend to do , he did give me some advice ,"start the day early" DOH!
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I think this will be the last time I am going the Marriage route, next year will be extension based on Retirement buuuuuuuuutttttttt I also said that last year.
I wonder what they think of next, Kr2 can only be 10 minutes old (you could have gotten a divorce in the mean time (555555555).
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Some questions please.
I am just short of 100k in my Fixed Deposit account to qualify for the Retirement extension (so 700k in the account instead of the 800K required)
1- I understand that the money needs to be seasoned 3 months before applying. Correct?
2- Would an option be, going across to Laos getting a Single (or ME) Entry NON-O (based on Marriage) and then when the money is in the bank for 3 months, apply for the extension (retirement)? Will that work?
3- Or?? Any other suggestions/remarks?
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Some questions please.
I am just short of 100k in my Fixed Deposit account to qualify for the Retirement extension (so 700k in the account instead of the 800K required)
1- I understand that the money needs to be seasoned 3 months before applying. Correct?
2- Would an option be, going across to Laos getting a Single (or ME) Entry NON-O (based on Marriage) and then when the money is in the bank for 3 months, apply for the extension (retirement)? Will that work?
3- Or?? Any other suggestions/remarks?
60 days seasoning if it is your first then 90 days each year after. As for for Savannakhet that a BIG 10-4. Imo get the 12 month multy based on marriage good for 15 months.
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Thx GL,
Very clear.
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@Wozza
Someone told me that you also can get the KR2 done at the (Main) Immigration Office building on the 4th Floor.
Maybe another member can confirm this?
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@Wozza
Someone told me that you also can get the KR2 done at the (Main) Immigration Office building on the 4th Floor.
Maybe another member can confirm this?
A KR2 can be had at any amphora office in Thailand regardless of where it was originally registered.
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Yep true, but if as wozza says you need to get a Kr2 on the same day as you are going to go to Immigration it?s worthwhile to check it if you also can get it at the source (read: Immigration office building)
Way easier IMHO (i am not 100% sure if you can get it there, that?s why I asked for confirmation from another member ;) )
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A
few months ago i went to Buriram castle office and go inside and no ones there ,i wait what seemed for ever then the IO comes in and apologising to have me wait , he said he went to check if a farang was still married , I didnt ask.
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Yep true, but if as wozza says you need to get a Kr2 on the same day as you are going to go to Immigration it?s worthwhile to check it if you also can get it at the source (read: Immigration office building)
Way easier IMHO (i am not 100% sure if you can get it there, that?s why I asked for confirmation from another member ;) )
Quite a few recent reports have suggested that the IO at the office by the stadium is prone to making his own rules. The post above, from Tassie, would seem to back that suggestion. There have been no announcements from any immigration office that money needs to be shown every 3 months for an extension based on marriage.
There have been reports that there is the facility to acquire a KR2 at City Hall. I do know for a fact that some departments of Amphoe Muang have moved to that building so it would seem likely.
@iammike....you say that you do not have 800k in the bank and then you speak about getting a Non O based on marriage. Why not just apply for an extension based on marriage? Your bank balance is sufficient already. No need to wait and no need to go to Savannakhet. Go to the immigration at City Hall and apply. Show them the same documents that you used last year. I think you will be fine.
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Having re read my post I may have been a little unclear. When I said "same documents as last year" I was referring to the list of documents. I obviously should have added you will need an updated bank letter and KR2. Sorry for any confusion.
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@iammike....you say that you do not have 800k in the bank and then you speak about getting a Non O based on marriage. Why not just apply for an extension based on marriage? Your bank balance is sufficient already. No need to wait and no need to go to Savannakhet. Go to the immigration at City Hall and apply. Show them the same documents that you used last year. I think you will be fine.
I am now on a extension based on Marriage, but my question was how to change to a extension based on Retirement because I am short on the necessary funds (800k) in my Fixed Deposit.
So that's why the question!
I would like to change to Extension based on Retirement, because it's lot less hassle and you don't have to wait 1 (or is it 2 months now?) for the decision to come back to you when you go the Marriage extension route.
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I can confirm that you can go upstairs at city hall and get kr2 updated within 10 minutes. Far better than waiting half day at the Amphoe which is what it takes in Lamplaimat.
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Just done the extension based on Marriage at Buriram Immigration
The KR2 can be a MAXIMUM of 1 day old, so get it today and got to Immigration tomorrow or as DD (DeputyDavid) said, you can get it on the 4th Floor of the building where the Main Immigration office is.
Please note: This is Buriram IO specific.