Can a tourist on a UK Multi Entry Tourist Visa open a bank account in Khanom or Nakhon Si Thammarat?

Bank Account Foreigners in Thailand Khanom Nakhon Si Thammarat UK Visa Multi Entry Tourist Visa Retirement Visa Non-Immigrant O Visa Banking Regulations Thailand

Feb 5, 2020

5 years ago

Andrea ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Has anyone found a bank in Khanom, Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat that allowed tourists on UK Multi Entry Tourist (METV) to open a bank account. We are under 50 but would like an account for when we are over 50 and we are eligible for the "retirement visa", sorry I'm unsure of the correct label for this visa. Thanks 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the challenge foreign tourists on a UK Multi Entry Tourist Visa face when trying to open a bank account in Khanom, Surat Thani, or Nakhon Si Thammarat. Several commenters suggest that while banks have varying policies based on individual branch managers, it is generally possible to open an account without specific immigration status. They recommend trying different branches, especially those near international schools, and mention banks like Krungsri and UOB which are more accommodating. Suggestions include providing proof of address and potentially obtaining a letter of reference from an embassy to facilitate the process.

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Siddhartha *********

@Andrea *******

, check around for UOB bank Thailand., Rather hopping branches to banks., Applicable and can open anywhere ,No age and visa requirements. The bank have routine savings account with debit card , and all internet and application features. And is especially for foreigners. 50k initial deposit and your residence proof rent/owned alongwith passport. And on the spot you get debit card and bank book. go out and withdraw money. Required balance is just 5k.

FYI, I got it done at bangkok on 2 month SETV back in 2017.It's worth if you got in your area. Back then was only bank having this feature. If not start from Bangkok bank etc etc

5 years ago

Andrea ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I understood it as initial opening deposit of 50k and then keep no less than 5k in the account. 😁

5 years ago

Andrea ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you, if we can't find a branch of UOB down here, we will find a UOB branch in Bangkok to tide us over until we are 50+ Thanks 😁

5 years ago

Reply to

Andrea ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Your help is greatly appreciated. We will pound those pavements next week! 👍

5 years ago

Thomas ********************

In case it turns cumbersome. I got a "letter of reference" from my embassy. Made it right easy to open an account on a tourist visa.

5 years ago

Reply to

Thomas ********************

Tod *********

@Garr****

said it's a numbers game. There is nothing in thai banking rules that prohibits a foreigner on a 30 day visa exempt entry or a 60 day tourist visa entry from opening an account. Whether a bank will or won't do it AND what criteria they require is set by that bank branch manager.

IF one says no, walk down the street to the next one. I will bet dollars to durian you won't have to try more than 5 banks before you WILL find one that will let you open an account.

5 years ago

Garrett ***********

Any bank is branch dependent one what their requirements are to open an account. Legally there is no immigration status requirement to open a bank account. Just walk into a couple branches and ask to open an account.

You'll definitely need some type of proof of address (rental contract) and your passport.

5 years ago

Mark ********

Krungsri Bank( yellow one ) seem to be generally better at opening bank accounts for farang. Once you hit 50 get an O-A visa from your own country. You can get 2 years off this if you play it right.

5 years ago

Roy ***********

@Mark *******

But the O-A visa is the one that requires mandatory health insurance? Better harras the bank employees on a daily basis. :-)

5 years ago

Reply to

Roy ***********

Stuart *********

There are a number of visas that get labeled a “retirement “ visa, but most people are on a Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50, or extensions off of that.

5 years ago

Stuart *********

Sorry I’m not in that area so can’t advise a specific one. Generally though look for branches (edited typo) near an international school. They will be well used to foreigners with only tourist visas needing local bank accounts.

5 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa, and how?

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