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Can I deposit my retirement income and Social Security into a Thai bank account as an American planning to retire and marry a Thai national?
Retirement VisaSocial SecurityBank Account in ThailandExpats in ThailandHua HinThai Bank Account RequirementsFinancial Advice for ExpatsInternational BankingAmerican Expat in Thailand
Feb 27, 2025
a year ago
Karl *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello everyone.
I am an American. I am planning my retirement and will marry a Thai national soon. My question is, is it possible to have my retirement income deposited into a Thai bank account? Also when I'm eligable, the same for Social security? Is it easy to open a bank account in Thailand, Hua Hin? Any advise or exerience is welcome.
I am an American. I am planning my retirement and will marry a Thai national soon. My question is, is it possible to have my retirement income deposited into a Thai bank account? Also when I'm eligable, the same for Social security? Is it easy to open a bank account in Thailand, Hua Hin? Any advise or exerience is welcome.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, an American planning to retire and marry a Thai national, inquired about depositing retirement income and Social Security into a Thai bank account, and about the process of opening a bank account in Hua Hin. Comments provided various insights, suggesting the importance of securing a retirement visa while still in the U.S., recommending to maintain a U.S. bank account for safety and ease of access, and discussing the challenges of opening a bank account in Thailand without at least a retirement visa. Some users shared their experiences with different banks and transferring money internationally.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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SJ *******
Have as little as required in Tland get everything deposited in a US bank then use a card in Tland have card auto paid each month from US bank.
This save you from being taxed in Tland and protect you from your love you long time her family and boyfriend.
This save you from being taxed in Tland and protect you from your love you long time her family and boyfriend.
Karl *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@SJ ******
this is also very good info. How hard was it to apply for a Thai card?SJ *******
@Karl ********
you dont use a Thai Cc you use a US CCReply to
SJ *******
Reply
Kasey *******
As an American with a Thai spouse, I have a Krungsi bank account, which I got in my 40s. It isn't difficult, a decent bank branch should be able to assist. That noted I use Wise to transfer money and now they have cards. It is also my understanding that Bank of America opened a branch in Bangkok, so that's another option. Check out Wise. It seems the best rates.
Bonnie *********
@Kasey ******
The requirements have changed over the years, even in the past few years.Kasey *******
That clears things up. As I have often said, ...
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Reply to
Kasey *******
Reply
Kasey *******
@Karl ********
Karl Leonard just make sure she brings her house registration certificate and your passport.Karl *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kasey ******
this is very info to know. Thanks so much. How hard was it to open an account at that location?Reply to
Karl *********
Reply
Randall *******
You can't even open a Thai bank account in your name without at least the O visa.
Bill *********
I'm keeping everything that's coming to me going into my US bank, then bring it over to Thailand when necessary. I think this would serve as a double advantage for you in your situation so that your income remains in your own name in your own account so should things go south, no one else can get their hands on your money.
Chuck *******
Be sure to apply for your social security in America. I applied here and what a pain. They waited 4 months to tell me I need my passport verified at a US embassy. Crazy!
Chang ******
@Chuck ******
yes I was in the same boat🚢🚣♀️ took me more than 2 month to receive the SS money💰Brenda *********
@Chuck ******
good to know this!Reply to
Brenda *********
Reply
Tony **********
Suggest you get retirement visa while abroad. Makes whole process much easier. Maintain USA bank and investment accounts and transfer money as needed. Your money will earn a lot more there than here and it is much safer. Suggest retirement versus marriage. Less paperwork and lower risk if for some reason your marriage didn't work out in the future.
Mike ********
Not sure how accurate this is, but I would keep the deposits going to your US Bank. If deposited in Thailand, they'll send you "proof of life" letters and if you miss it, your account is frozen. A lot of trouble to fix it
Graham ******
Are you already on a Retirement Visa, if not what are you on?
Karl *********
ORIGINAL POSTERNot yet. Still working on getting the right visa. Shooting for the marriage visa.
Graham ******
@Karl ********
Whichever you choose get it before arriving in Thailand to make the bank account much easierKarl *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
Thank you. Everything is in the infancy stages. Shouldn't I get married first?Graham ******
@Karl ********
Up to you but the retirement visa (and subsequent extension) requires less documentation but a higher financial requirementKarl *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
thanks a bunch! I'll have the Mrs. give me a helping hand with the documents.Reply to
Karl *********
Reply
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