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Are all immigration offices in Chiang Mai able to provide the same services for non-O visa holders?
Immigration ServicesChiang Mai ImmigrationNON-O VisaBank Account RequirementsCertificate of ResidenceVisa CategoriesExpats in Thailand
Sep 27, 2025
7 months ago
Einat *******
ORIGINAL POSTER*Chang Mai immigration offices question*- are all immigration offices allowed to give all services? trying to get a letter from immigration to bank stating "its ok to open bank account for "non o" holder" and get confusing responses. please advice. thank you.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original question pertains to whether all immigration offices in Chiang Mai can provide the same services, specifically regarding obtaining a letter to open a bank account for NON-O visa holders. Responses clarify that while main immigration offices can provide complete services, branch offices may not offer all the same services. Additionally, instead of a specific letter allowing the opening of a bank account, holders of a NON-O visa can obtain a Certificate of Residence, which confirms their address but does not guarantee the bank will open an account. Requirements may vary by bank, and individuals may need to provide additional documentation.
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Graham ******
It is a Certificate of Residence you'll get - you complete a form requesting one and select the "to open bank account" tickbox
Donald **********
@Graham *****
Thanks for the info. I’ve only dealt with them face to face so far in order to get a re-entry permit. Completely painless and quite a humorous appointment, at Sirindhorn!Reply to
Donald **********
Reply
Bent *************
In all immigration offices there are not two officers who administer the rules the same! TiT!
Einat *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bent ************
thats not what I asked. and its a whole different topic.Reply to
Einat *******
Reply
Donald **********
You are a Non-O holder so not sure why a letter from immigration would be required, other than a lack of understanding of the requirements by the bank? Are there other issues or requirements that they have? Try another branch or bank. SCB were asking for a Yellow Book from me (which I recently have) as a requirement. K-Bank seem to have less requirements.
John *********
@Donald *********
we will be staying in a homestay until we find somewhere to rent.So i won’t have a COR or Yellow Book. An agent is going to open an account for me as I felt this was my only option.
Donald **********
@John ********
Your choice but things are tightening up in Thailand. Expect the unexpected if stretching the rules.John *********
@Donald *********
but a Non O is required to open sn account along with residence, passport and thai SIMDonald **********
@John ********
Yes. First stage after entry on a Non-O was to open a pay monthly mobile phone account rather than the Tourist Account offered at BKK. Wife with me to confirm address which was sufficient as evidence. Obviously your online bank app is linked to that specific phone number.John *********
@Donald *********
Can I still use my existing iphone13 and put a thai SIM in it?The pay monthly would have to come from my new bank account rather thsn uk transfer?
So even if we have no house and just land, its ok as we have the blue book? If we choose to rent somewhere else, guess this doesnt matter?
Donald **********
@John ********
yes there should be no problem with using an iPhone 13. The bank will install their banking app on it, linked to your phone number. It’s also possible to convert the physical sim to an e-sim, depending on the capability of the phone. Think the 13 should be able to use a physical sim and e-sim simultaneously. Probably best to link the pay monthly fee to Thai bank account. As far as I’m aware you’ll need a CoR as explained by others. If you are in an unregistered address or Air BnB this might be complicated unless as you say, involve an agent. As a foreigner you will not be allowed to be entered in the Blue Book as a resident.John *********
@Donald *********
i gathered over the last week there maybe issues opening a bak account so had to go down the agent route.Reply to
John *********
Reply
Ally ************
@Donald *********
The yellow book replaces the need for a CoR.. all banks seek proof of address to open an account.. and if you don't have a blue / yellow book.. then they will want to see a CoR issued by Immigration.Donald **********
@Ally ***********
Sorry if this is a repeat message as I tried to reply earlier through a less than ideal Internet connection.Thanks for the clarification Ally. Makes the whole requirement process more understandable. You can correct me if I’m wrong but would the CoR involve the Immigration Department consulting the submitted TM30(s) for the proof of address for the period in question?
Ally ************
@Donald *********
You need to provide passport and tm30 to immigration at time of requesting CoR 👍Donald **********
@Ally ***********
OK, so they likely consult the TDAC information too. Thanks. That’ll come as a shock to some of the Luddites that can’t accept that the times they are a changing. Why would you digitise your immigration system then not use the data?
Reply to
Donald **********
Reply
Einat *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Donald *********
thanks!Donald **********
@Einat ******
K-Bank have been very easy to deal with personally. I do have a Thai wife assisting though, which may smooth the way. I’m out in the extreme East of Isaan where there is less exposure to foreigners and even so, that hasn’t proved an issue at all.Reply to
Donald **********
Reply
Jon *****
And your phone number registered to your passport, for the bank.
Roberto *********
You won't get a letter from immigration saying it's ok to open a bank account. All you'll get is a certificate of residency which does nothing but confirm your address. You take this to the bank, but the bank will still need your passport with non-immigrant visa and probably a 12-month lease before they'll open an account
Brandon ************
I'm not completely sure of what your question is.
Every "main" immigration office can provide all immigration services. Branch/Secondary offices do not always offer the same level of service as the main office in a province, if that province even has any secondary offices.
The main office near the airport can do everything.
You are talking about a residence certificate. Yes Chiang Mai immigration at the airport offers residence certificates. These do not tell banks they can open accounts for you. They just verify your address, and say that the purpose is for opening a bank account if that's the reason you request it. Whether a bank opens an account for you or not is up to the manager and staff of any branch that you visit.
Every "main" immigration office can provide all immigration services. Branch/Secondary offices do not always offer the same level of service as the main office in a province, if that province even has any secondary offices.
The main office near the airport can do everything.
You are talking about a residence certificate. Yes Chiang Mai immigration at the airport offers residence certificates. These do not tell banks they can open accounts for you. They just verify your address, and say that the purpose is for opening a bank account if that's the reason you request it. Whether a bank opens an account for you or not is up to the manager and staff of any branch that you visit.
Einat *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
yes! thats exactly the type of letter needed, thank you also for your understanding. is it possible that other offices (besides the one next to the airport) dont have the authority to suuply such a letter like you accurately described?Brandon ************
@Einat ******
I don't know if the office at Central Festival does CoR. I've gotten one myself at the airport office, so I know they do it there.Ally ************
@Brandon ***********
Central Festival cannot provide a CoR.. you have to go to the main office near the airport.Einat *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
ok, will do. thanks for the pro,pt response.Reply to
Einat *******
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Do I need to return to my Bangkok branch to get a letter from Bangkok Bank for immigration purposes?
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