Questioner: Jacob
I understand (from TB Immigration Info Brief 040/20) that in addition to Baht 800.000 in a local bank, another Bath 65.000 per month (or Baht 780.000 per year) must be deposited into a local bank account to get a retirement visa.
My question concerns the last (annual) deposit, which must come from our joint overseas savings account (in Singapore) (as we do not receive a pension) and which is linked to our joint local savings account in Chiang Mai, in order to survive here.
Should that amount only be in my name? Which can/will cause various problems, especially considering our Will and our joint marriage certificate of 35 years (with a Thai) and my current residence of 30 years in Chiang Mai, with an age of 82 years. Or are they satisfied with our joint local savings account?
Reaction RonnyLatYa
1. When applying for an annual extension based on Retirement, you do not need to prove at least 800 000 Baht AND another at least 65000 Baht. It is at least 800 000 Baht OR a monthly income of at least 65 000 Baht, not both.
If one asks for bank receipts, it is in any case always from an account in a bank in Thailand.
2. Normally, most immigration offices require that any bank account you use to meet immigration requirements be in your own name only.
However, there are also immigration offices that accept a joint account. This is sometimes allowed, especially for married people, because in that case the account is in both names. In that case, only half of the amount of the bill will be credited to you. The other half is then regarded as that of the partner. I don't know if Chiang Mai will accept such a joint account.
3. But you say you have lived in Chiang Mai for 30 years. How did you do that over the past 30 years? No problem if you ask, but you would expect someone to know a thing or two after 30 years.
Regards,
RonnyLatYa