Visa for Thailand: Reimbursed back to the Netherlands and 800.000 Baht on my Thai account
Dear Editor/Ronny,
Ask about a retirement visa. I have to extend it again in May, no problem, I have the 800.000 Baht on my Thai account. I think the problem is, because of the new regulation that it has to stay in my Thai account for 3 months before I can use the amount, according to the new law in Thailand. Now I have the plan to return to the Netherlands for good at the end of June, but what will happen on Suvarnabhumi if I have not complied with the new law and have already refunded this 800.000 Baht, will they let me go? That's my question.
Then I have something else. If they change the law again, and that is quite possible and the money 800.000 Baht must remain in the Thai account for the whole year. That will mean that when you return, you can forget about your money…right?
Regards,
Eduard
Dear Edward,
1. Nothing will happen at the airport other than the normal departure routine.
Renew in May. Empty your account a few days before departure (June), or transfer it, or whatever and then close your account. You will receive a “Departure” stamp at immigration at the airport and your annual extension is therefore closed, because a “Re-entry” is no longer necessary. They might ask if you don't want a "re-entry" stamp, but then you just say you're not coming back. Then on a plane and back to the Netherlands for good.
That is it. No one will stop you or hold your money.
Not in Thailand and not in the Netherlands (unless they discover that you are above the cash limit of export and / or import of course and have not declared this)
You can also do it differently. You will no longer receive an annual extension. You then make a “border run” in May. You will receive a 30-day “Visa Exemption”. If that is not enough, you can extend it for another 30 days at immigration (1900 Baht).
Should be enough until the end of June.
You no longer have to keep 800 Baht in the bank and you can start refunding or emptying earlier.
2. Then the second part of your question.
Such stories and assumptions about the future make no sense and I don't even want to answer them. They belong at the bar and will certainly be successful there. No one can forbid you to withdraw your money. Not if you stay and not if you leave. Not now and not in the future. So that nonsense that you can whistle for your money when you leave makes no sense. The money is in your account. Not on an immigration bill.
The worst that can happen is that when they check, they cancel your annual renewal, or no longer allow a subsequent annual renewal, because the money is no longer on it, or because you have gone below a certain amount.
3. An advice.
Stick to the rules that are there now and don't invent them. Let alone for the future. In your case, go back to the Netherlands calmly and for good, with your money.
And what will happen in the future? That is no longer your problem. However?
Wish you a good journey back.
Regards,
RonnyLatYa