The 800,000 THB Non-OA Bank Balance — How to Manage It Correctly

The 800,000 THB must have been in the account continuously for at least 3 months before your Non-OA annual extension date. This is the "seasoning" requirement.

Practical meaning: if your extension is due on 1 November, the 800,000 THB must have been at or above that threshold continuously since at least 1 August. A drop below 800,000 THB at any point during that 3-month window is a problem.

After your extension is granted, the 800,000 THB must remain in the account for at least 3 months following the extension date.

Practical meaning: if your extension is granted on 1 November, you cannot draw the balance below 800,000 THB until at least 1 February.

Outside the 3-month pre-extension window and 3-month post-extension window, you can use the funds. The middle of your 12-month extension period (roughly months 4–9) is when you have flexibility to use the funds if you need them.

Example timeline (extension dates: 1 Nov → 1 Nov next year): November: Extension granted at 800,000 THB. November–January (3 months post-extension): Must maintain 800,000 THB. February–July (the "free" middle period): Can use funds, no minimum requirement. August–October (3 months pre-extension): Must rebuild to 800,000 THB and maintain. November: Extension applied for with certificate showing 800,000 THB maintained for 3 months.

Many Australians keep the full 800,000 THB parked throughout the year to avoid managing the timing — this is the safest approach but locks the capital.

The bank issues a certificate of balance at the time of your extension application. Thai Immigration checks the certificate and may also ask for 3–6 months of bank statements.

A single day below 800,000 THB during the seasoning window appearing on statements IS a problem at some Immigration offices. Other offices are less strict. The safe approach: never drop below 800,000 THB during the critical windows and ensure your statements show continuous maintenance.

The most widely recommended by expats for the Non-OA balance. Staff are familiar with the process and know what documentation to produce. Issues the bank letter and FET certificate without issues. Wide network. Account type for foreigners: standard savings account. May require a Non-Immigrant visa to open (tourist visa may be accepted at some branches, not all).

Second most popular. Good mobile app (K Plus). Also familiar with Non-OA requirements. Some branches easier for foreigners to open than others.

The 800,000 THB at Bangkok Bank earns approximately 0.5–1.5% interest depending on account type and period (fixed deposit vs savings).

Some expats structure this as a Thai fixed deposit to earn slightly higher rates (1.5–2%) while still meeting the seasoning requirement. The money must remain in a Thai bank account — not in a Thai brokerage or offshore account.

Instead of maintaining 800,000 THB continuously, some Australians use the combination method: - 400,000 THB in Thai bank account (half the balance requirement) - Plus monthly income of 40,000 THB/month (65,000 THB/month × 8/12 months, adjusted — rules vary by Immigration office)

This method has less consistent acceptance across Immigration offices than the pure 800,000 THB method. Confirm whether your local Immigration office accepts the combination method before relying on it.

If you accidentally let the balance drop below 800,000 THB during the 3-month pre-extension window: Option 1: Switch to the income method for this extension (if you have qualifying income of 65,000 THB/month provable with an Australian Embassy income letter or bank deposits). Option 2: Seek an agent's advice — some offices are more flexible than others about single-day dips vs sustained low balances. Option 3: If the extension date is far enough away and the dip was recent, rebuild immediately and apply for extension as late as possible to maximise the seasoning period from the rebuilt date.

At extension time, you need: 1. Bank passbook (updated at the bank on the day of your Immigration visit, showing current balance) 2. Bank letter (issued by the bank, stating average balance / balance maintained above 800,000 THB for 3 months) 3. Bank statements (3 months, showing the balance)

Request all three from your Thai bank at least 2 business days before your Immigration appointment. Some branches take 1 day to prepare the letter.

General guidance only. Rules on the seasoning and maintenance periods have varied between Immigration offices and have changed over time. Confirm current requirements with your local Immigration office or a licensed visa agent. Independent visa assistance agency; not affiliated with any bank or government body.