Regarding the combination method being a matter of Thai law, since when does that matter? A personal friend, one who would have absolutely no reason to make it up or lie, recently asked a Pattaya immigration retirement visa officer about using the combo method and was told they will not accept that. He then went to the immigration chief who told him the same thing. He pointed out that it is a matter of law. Again he was told "no combo!"Dodger wrote:Traveler Jim is always a very reliable source of information and I don't question that he received the information as posted above, although I question the reliability of the individuals who described these encounters at immigration.
With all the focus and uncertainty surrounding visa renewal changes you would think that anyone with half a brain would at least carry their bankbook with them when applying (or re-applying). That, in-and-by-itself leaves me with a sense of doubt.
The "Combination Method" is clearly posted on the Royal Thai Embassy Website listing the combination method as being acceptable. This is Thai Law.
I will make sure to have a copy of this with me when it's my turn to re-new....along with my bankbook...duh!
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Again, I suggest going to immigration and asking - well before your visa is about to expire. I, for one, would not want to rely on anything other than what I hear first hand from immigration or anything I am merely assuming.
You seem totally convinced that the combo method will be acceptable. All I can tell you is you better go to immigration, show them how you intend to use the combo method, and find out - unless, of course, you are willing to deal with an unpleasant surprise when the time comes.
Meanwhile, this came today - also from Travelerjim:
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Robert Lagas....I was too late to chime in into the post about letters from the embassies, but I assure you immigration DOES turn down the affidavits. I had a letter from our Consulate (American) that I got last December, and was turned down by immigration for retirement visa just last month. Luckily we had enough money in the bank to satisfy immigration requirements.
And from Chiang Mai.
A friend of mine was turned down as well last week here in Chiang Mai. He had a valid affidavit.