Confusion reigns over ‘proof of earnings’ letters for Retirement Visa

A letter crossed the desk of The Thaiger today. Not the first on this topic. Seems to be a growing chorus of concerned people on the ‘Retirement Visa’. We share this person’s despair and worries about the future and this vexatious problem. Name withheld due to privacy…

“My visa renewal date is February 7.

I inquired at the immigration office regarding and alternative to the Embassy certified letter and was told there is no alternative. The only option I have is the embassy letter.

I showed my bank book and a list indicating “automatic” monthly money transfers. I transfer 3,000 monthly (been doing so for 16 years). The agent brushed this aside and insisted I visit my embassy before the end of the year.

It seems to me the Thai immigration department needs to draft a basic SOP in this regard, otherwise they’ll be sending home a lot of legals next year.”