Date: August 12, 2026

Retirement visa: can I use the monthly income method instead of 800,000 baht in the bank?

Yes, if the minimum requirements can be satisfied. Instead of maintaining 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, eligible applicants may be able to qualify by proving a monthly income of at least 65,000 THB.

What We See In Practice

I'd rather show my pension than keep 800,000 baht sitting in a bank account. Can I do that?

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

Often, yes. Many retirees prefer the monthly income method because it avoids tying up a large amount of money in a Thai bank account.

Thailand offers three ways to satisfy the financial requirement for a retirement visa or annual extension. The first is maintaining 800,000 THB in a qualifying Thai bank account for the required period. The second is proving a regular monthly income of at least 65,000 THB, usually from a pension or other retirement income. The third is the combination method, where your Thai bank savings and annual income together meet the 800,000 THB requirement.

Before relying on the monthly income method, it is important to confirm what supporting documents your local immigration office will accept. Requirements can vary depending on the office and whether your embassy issues income certification letters. If the necessary evidence cannot be provided, applicants may instead need to satisfy the financial requirement using the bank deposit method. Checking this before applying can help avoid delays or unexpected requests for additional documentation.

Author: Vincent Birot

Vincent Birot is a French-trained international business lawyer based in Bangkok. He holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from La Sorbonne and an LL.M in International Commercial Law from the University of Exeter (UK), and has passed the Paris Bar examination. He is the Founder of Belaws, a one-stop platform for legal and corporate matters, facilitating access to trusted legal and business professionals who deliver compliant, practical solutions aligned with local laws and on-the-ground realities. He has advised foreign investors for over 10 years on corporate structuring, BOI promotion, cross-border tax, and regulatory compliance in Thailand. He previously served as Vice President of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of French Tech Bangkok.