buddahas
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Post by buddahas on Mar 19, 2016 13:49:56 GMT 7
Guys, I need your help.
I will be flying to Vientianne in April to get my first non-o based on marriage.
I live in Bangkok and no one would open a bank account for me, but my wife managed to open one for me in Hua Hin (SCB).
My question is for 400k visa extension does it matter where the location of bank account is?
Also, what savings account should I open with SCB to satisfy immigration?
Regards
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Post by rgs2001uk on Mar 19, 2016 14:07:59 GMT 7
Location of bank, the only problem I can think of is getting the bank letter you will be required to take to immigration when asking for the extension.
May well involed a trip to Hua Hin just to get the letter.
If you live in Bkk why didnt you open an account with one of the many banks located in the immigration building at CW, they all appear to be farang friendly.
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AyG
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Post by AyG on Mar 19, 2016 17:47:12 GMT 7
I don't think bank location will be a problem. I've certainly not had a problem getting the bank letter at different branches. The branch at Chaengwattana will almost certainly be able to provide the necessary.
Avoid the E-Passbook products since I think they may cause problems. Immigration will want a proper passbook.
Personally I'd probably go for the 36 month fixed deposit account, paying 1.8%, for minimum hassle.
Alternatively, if you want more flexibility, consider the Flexible Fixed 12 month account, paying 1.3%.
Both will be acceptable to Immigration.
Generally, I'd try to avoid having fixed term accounts which expire during the seasoning period.
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Post by Fletchsmile on Apr 1, 2016 17:27:31 GMT 7
The location itself isn't technically an issue when you go to immigration. You can go to immigration in BKK and have an account in Nakorn Nowhere or Hua Hin. That's OK
What can become a practical issue though is:
1) Getting your bank letter from the branch. You need to get this at some point. The exact date doesn't matter so you could pick it up in Hua Hin and travel to Bangkok to go to immigration next day. Immigration accepts the letter dated a couple of days before you actually do your visa extension, as long as it has all the right stamp and signature. Just factor in the time needed to get one, including asking the bank how long it takes. Plus if they make some kind of mistake on it (Doesn't happen often but hey this is Thailand) how will you get another one quickly.
2) A key issue I've found is that immigration often want your bank details updated on the date of the actual visa extension. So the update balance date matches the visa extension date. I've had issues with this in BKK as Stan Chart don't have any branches in Chaeng Wattana immigration complex, and the bank isn't open before 8.30 which is when the visa extension applications start. I usually try and get to immigration a bit before 8.30. So with StanChart you can't get your account updated before immigration opens. I've been in the queue and been sent away to get my book updated which is several kilometres away from Chaeng Wattana. They wouldn't accept last night's balance and the bank not yet open. Wastes a couple of hours
So pick a local bank such as BBL, SCB, TMB, Kasikorn that actually has a branch in or very close to whichever immigration you use. Doesn't need to be the branch where your account is held just a branch of the same bank, so you can update on the day. Most local banks are nearby.
Also an account with a passbook and ATM is useful, so you can update the passbook on the day close by. Immigration often usually accepts an ATM slip on the day as proof as well, so an account with ATM card can be useful.
Don't forget the seasoning rule also that for your extension the money must have been in your account 2-3 (forgot the exact no. offhand?) months before the extension and above the 400k at all times.
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me
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Post by me on Apr 1, 2016 18:31:35 GMT 7
The location itself isn't technically an issue when you go to immigration. You can go to immigration in BKK and have an account in Nakorn Nowhere or Hua Hin. That's OK What can become a practical issue though is: 1) Getting your bank letter from the branch. You need to get this at some point. The exact date doesn't matter so you could pick it up in Hua Hin and travel to Bangkok to go to immigration next day. Immigration accepts the letter dated a couple of days before you actually do your visa extension, as long as it has all the right stamp and signature. Just factor in the time needed to get one, including asking the bank how long it takes. Plus if they make some kind of mistake on it (Doesn't happen often but hey this is Thailand) how will you get another one quickly. 2) A key issue I've found is that immigration often want your bank details updated on the date of the actual visa extension. So the update balance date matches the visa extension date. I've had issues with this in BKK as Stan Chart don't have any branches in Chaeng Wattana immigration complex, and the bank isn't open before 8.30 which is when the visa extension applications start. I usually try and get to immigration a bit before 8.30. So with StanChart you can't get your account updated before immigration opens. I've been in the queue and been sent away to get my book updated which is several kilometres away from Chaeng Wattana. They wouldn't accept last night's balance and the bank not yet open. Wastes a couple of hours So pick a local bank such as BBL, SCB, TMB, Kasikorn that actually has a branch in or very close to whichever immigration you use. Doesn't need to be the branch where your account is held just a branch of the same bank, so you can update on the day. Most local banks are nearby. Also an account with a passbook and ATM is useful, so you can update the passbook on the day close by. Immigration often usually accepts an ATM slip on the day as proof as well, so an account with ATM card can be useful. Don't forget the seasoning rule also that for your extension the money must have been in your account 2-3 (forgot the exact no. offhand?) months before the extension and above the 400k at all times. Actually it is now, About 2 years ago Imigration changed their rules so that you must attend the immigration office in your province (I do not know about that one stop centre for the rich BOI guys. Now all immigration bussiess must be done only at your local office. |
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AyG
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Post by AyG on Apr 1, 2016 18:54:24 GMT 7
The location itself isn't technically an issue when you go to immigration. You can go to immigration in BKK and have an account in Nakorn Nowhere or Hua Hin. That's OK What can become a practical issue though is: 1) Getting your bank letter from the branch. You need to get this at some point. The exact date doesn't matter so you could pick it up in Hua Hin and travel to Bangkok to go to immigration next day. Immigration accepts the letter dated a couple of days before you actually do your visa extension, as long as it has all the right stamp and signature. Just factor in the time needed to get one, including asking the bank how long it takes. Plus if they make some kind of mistake on it (Doesn't happen often but hey this is Thailand) how will you get another one quickly. 2) A key issue I've found is that immigration often want your bank details updated on the date of the actual visa extension. So the update balance date matches the visa extension date. I've had issues with this in BKK as Stan Chart don't have any branches in Chaeng Wattana immigration complex, and the bank isn't open before 8.30 which is when the visa extension applications start. I usually try and get to immigration a bit before 8.30. So with StanChart you can't get your account updated before immigration opens. I've been in the queue and been sent away to get my book updated which is several kilometres away from Chaeng Wattana. They wouldn't accept last night's balance and the bank not yet open. Wastes a couple of hours So pick a local bank such as BBL, SCB, TMB, Kasikorn that actually has a branch in or very close to whichever immigration you use. Doesn't need to be the branch where your account is held just a branch of the same bank, so you can update on the day. Most local banks are nearby. Also an account with a passbook and ATM is useful, so you can update the passbook on the day close by. Immigration often usually accepts an ATM slip on the day as proof as well, so an account with ATM card can be useful. Don't forget the seasoning rule also that for your extension the money must have been in your account 2-3 (forgot the exact no. offhand?) months before the extension and above the 400k at all times. Actually it is now, About 2 years ago Imigration changed their rules so that you must attend the immigration office in your province (I do not know about that one stop centre for the rich BOI guys. Now all immigration bussiess must be done only at your local office. I think you're misinterpreting what Fletch wrote. Yes, you need to go to your local Immigration office. However, it does't matter where the bank account is technically held. I've done several extensions over the last few years with the bank account opened in a difference province, with the official letter provided by a different branch in a different province. The "must provide evidence of the balance on the day" is a ludicrous requirement. If I have a million baht (or more) that's been in an account for the last few months, why is Immigration obsessed with my proving that it's still there today, one day later? Am I really likely to have withdrawn all of it on the day when I have to wake up ridiculously early, driving for hours across the city and then waited 7 or 8 hours in a sweaty, overheated office with incredibly hard chairs? I'm not sure whether I'm more concerned about Immigration's lack of logic or their lack of humanity. |
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me
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Post by me on Apr 1, 2016 19:48:59 GMT 7
Actually it is now, About 2 years ago Imigration changed their rules so that you must attend the immigration office in your province (I do not know about that one stop centre for the rich BOI guys. Now all immigration bussiess must be done only at your local office. I think you're misinterpreting what Fletch wrote. Yes, you need to go to your local Immigration office. However, it does't matter where the bank account is technically held. I've done several extensions over the last few years with the bank account opened in a difference province, with the official letter provided by a different branch in a different province. The "must provide evidence of the balance on the day" is a ludicrous requirement. If I have a million baht (or more) that's been in an account for the last few months, why is Immigration obsessed with my proving that it's still there today, one day later? Am I really likely to have withdrawn all of it on the day when I have to wake up ridiculously early, driving for hours across the city and then waited 7 or 8 hours in a sweaty, overheated office with incredibly hard chairs? I'm not sure whether I'm more concerned about Immigration's lack of logic or their lack of humanity. Fine...but if I did someone else could. Best to clarify. Many of the immigration requirements are ludicrous but we still have to comply. |
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me
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Post by me on Apr 1, 2016 19:51:51 GMT 7
Guys, I need your help. I will be flying to Vientianne in April to get my first non-o based on marriage. I live in Bangkok and no one would open a bank account for me, but my wife managed to open one for me in Hua Hin (SCB). My question is for 400k visa extension does it matter where the location of bank account is? Also, what savings account should I open with SCB to satisfy immigration? Regards I suggest one with a card too so that you can get a balance at an ATM at the last minute as many want that too. They give 48 hours for the letter here same day for an atm slip. |
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Post by rgs2001uk on Apr 1, 2016 22:51:50 GMT 7
Actually it is now, About 2 years ago Imigration changed their rules so that you must attend the immigration office in your province (I do not know about that one stop centre for the rich BOI guys. Now all immigration bussiess must be done only at your local office. I think you're misinterpreting what Fletch wrote. Yes, you need to go to your local Immigration office. However, it does't matter where the bank account is technically held. I've done several extensions over the last few years with the bank account opened in a difference province, with the official letter provided by a different branch in a different province. The "must provide evidence of the balance on the day" is a ludicrous requirement. If I have a million baht (or more) that's been in an account for the last few months, why is Immigration obsessed with my proving that it's still there today, one day later? Am I really likely to have withdrawn all of it on the day when I have to wake up ridiculously early, driving for hours across the city and then waited 7 or 8 hours in a sweaty, overheated office with incredibly hard chairs? I'm not sure whether I'm more concerned about Immigration's lack of logic or their lack of humanity. Here is the answer I was given. "my boss want to see" Every year I sit in a chair dancing through hoops, I know whats coming next. I go downstairs put in 1,000 baht to my account. The bank girl without asking. updates the passbok and makes a copy. Even these girls in the bank are p**sing themselves with laughter. |
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Post by rgs2001uk on Apr 1, 2016 22:57:18 GMT 7
Woe betide you if you have an account with only 400,xxx in it.
Think yourself lucky you aint being grilled.
My mrs was grilled, why no money, why never spend money, etc etc.
This as I was downstairs updating the account.
Mrs says, this is as per your regulations, must have 400k, here is 400k.
The mrs is smart enough and switched on enough not to tell them there is another account for every day living.
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Post by Soutpeel on Apr 2, 2016 6:03:43 GMT 7
The location itself isn't technically an issue when you go to immigration. You can go to immigration in BKK and have an account in Nakorn Nowhere or Hua Hin. That's OK What can become a practical issue though is: 1) Getting your bank letter from the branch. You need to get this at some point. The exact date doesn't matter so you could pick it up in Hua Hin and travel to Bangkok to go to immigration next day. Immigration accepts the letter dated a couple of days before you actually do your visa extension, as long as it has all the right stamp and signature. Just factor in the time needed to get one, including asking the bank how long it takes. Plus if they make some kind of mistake on it (Doesn't happen often but hey this is Thailand) how will you get another one quickly. 2) A key issue I've found is that immigration often want your bank details updated on the date of the actual visa extension. So the update balance date matches the visa extension date. I've had issues with this in BKK as Stan Chart don't have any branches in Chaeng Wattana immigration complex, and the bank isn't open before 8.30 which is when the visa extension applications start. I usually try and get to immigration a bit before 8.30. So with StanChart you can't get your account updated before immigration opens. I've been in the queue and been sent away to get my book updated which is several kilometres away from Chaeng Wattana. They wouldn't accept last night's balance and the bank not yet open. Wastes a couple of hours So pick a local bank such as BBL, SCB, TMB, Kasikorn that actually has a branch in or very close to whichever immigration you use. Doesn't need to be the branch where your account is held just a branch of the same bank, so you can update on the day. Most local banks are nearby. Also an account with a passbook and ATM is useful, so you can update the passbook on the day close by. Immigration often usually accepts an ATM slip on the day as proof as well, so an account with ATM card can be useful. Don't forget the seasoning rule also that for your extension the money must have been in your account 2-3 (forgot the exact no. offhand?) months before the extension and above the 400k at all times. Actually it is now, About 2 years ago Imigration changed their rules so that you must attend the immigration office in your province (I do not know about that one stop centre for the rich BOI guys. Now all immigration bussiess must be done only at your local office. Actually that's not quite strictly true, My extension/WP is done in BKK, granted it is from the one stop, but my registered address is Rayong and have no problem doing my 90 day reports at Maptuphut, the company could conceivably do the 90 day reports for me in BKK, but means sending my PP backwards are forwards between Rayong and BKK, so told them many years ago, I will take care of the 90 day reports myself at Maptuphut, honestly never had a problem, only problem over the years was when Songkhla immigration (marine) chopped me in incorrectly and gave me visa waiver when I already had an extension for work, Maptuphut wouldn't touch or correct my pp, had to send it to BKK to be corrected. |
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Post by Fletchsmile on Apr 2, 2016 18:02:25 GMT 7
Actually it is now, About 2 years ago Imigration changed their rules so that you must attend the immigration office in your province (I do not know about that one stop centre for the rich BOI guys. Now all immigration bussiess must be done only at your local office. I think you're misinterpreting what Fletch wrote. Yes, you need to go to your local Immigration office. However, it does't matter where the bank account is technically held. I've done several extensions over the last few years with the bank account opened in a difference province, with the official letter provided by a different branch in a different province. The "must provide evidence of the balance on the day" is a ludicrous requirement. If I have a million baht (or more) that's been in an account for the last few months, why is Immigration obsessed with my proving that it's still there today, one day later? Am I really likely to have withdrawn all of it on the day when I have to wake up ridiculously early, driving for hours across the city and then waited 7 or 8 hours in a sweaty, overheated office with incredibly hard chairs? I'm not sure whether I'm more concerned about Immigration's lack of logic or their lack of humanity. Yes that's what I meant. Bank account location can be anywhere in Thailand technically. Thanks for clarifying. That same day "rule" as you say is ridiculous. For many were ok with it for me then a couple of years back someone "enforced" it. Some people say it's so people don't transfer between accounts for different people on the same day. But the seasoning rule takes care of that as measured in months. Ive raised it with immigration officers before and said I can withdraw it 10 minutes later anyway if I want. Blank stares  |
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Post by rgs2001uk on Apr 2, 2016 22:00:59 GMT 7
^^^ I remember when they used to tell you go and withdraw 100 bhat and bring back the ATM print out, havent been asked for that in years.
Depending on where you bank, you may not get the letter on the day you ask, come back tomorrow.
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AyG
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Post by AyG on Apr 3, 2016 8:54:46 GMT 7
^^^ I remember when they used to tell you go and withdraw 100 bhat and bring back the ATM print out, havent been asked for that in years. Depending on where you bank, you may not get the letter on the day you ask, come back tomorrow. I've been asked every year for the last few years to make a withdrawal on the day. One issue with banks is they have a relatively early cut off time for providing the letter. Typically you have to ask between about 9:15 and 15:00 (based upon experiences with Bangkok Bank and Krung Thai). |
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