New rules suck

Immigration’s directive has caused a great degree of confusion among the expat community and so many may be unable to meet the new requirements, which differ from one source to another, and may have to leave the Kingdom. The sticking points seem to be as to what constitutes “acceptable” income. Many say that the word income is now considered to be only pensions and eliminates other sources. It would also appear that supporting a Thai wife and family actually saves you money as the deposit amount for married expats is

480,000 baht while the amount for others is 800,000 baht. Previously the 800,000 baht per year could be achieved through a combination of income + deposit. If you had monthly income of 50,000 baht

(600,000 baht/year) all you had to do was to have the offset, 200,000 baht in the bank and you were good to go. Now, it would seem, you not only have to have all your money go directly to a Thai bank, and remain there but if you don’t meet the 65,000 baht/month income/pension level you need to have that 800,000 in the bank.

There is also no indication that you can draw down your deposit for living expenses even though this supposedly represents your income for year.

It would appear the goal here is to create a huge influx of money into the Thai banking system, which pays little or no interest and is not insured by any government or commercial institution.

FRED PRAGER