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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 Visa Social Security Bank Account in Thailand Expats in Thailand Hua Hin Thai Bank Account Requirements Financial Advice for Expats International Banking American Expat in Thailand

Feb 27, 2025

11 days ago

Karl *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello 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.

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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.
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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.

10 days ago

Karl *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@SJ ******

this is also very good info. How hard was it to apply for a Thai card?

10 days ago

SJ *******

@Karl ********

you dont use a Thai Cc you use a US CC

9 days ago

Reply to

SJ *******

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.

10 days ago

Bonnie *********

@Kasey ******

The requirements have changed over the years, even in the past few years.

8 days ago

Kasey *******

That clears things up. As I have often said, ...

..

.

8 days ago

Reply to

Kasey *******

@Karl ********

Karl Leonard just make sure she brings her house registration certificate and your passport.

9 days ago

Karl *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kasey ******

this is very info to know. Thanks so much. How hard was it to open an account at that location?

10 days ago

Reply to

Karl *********

Randall *******

You can't even open a Thai bank account in your name without at least the O visa.

11 days ago

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.

11 days ago

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!

11 days ago

Chang ******

@Chuck ******

yes I was in the same boat🚢🚣‍♀️ took me more than 2 month to receive the SS money💰

7 days ago

Brenda *********

@Chuck ******

good to know this!

9 days ago

Reply to

Brenda *********

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.

11 days ago

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

11 days ago

Graham ******

Are you already on a Retirement Visa, if not what are you on?

11 days ago

Karl *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Not yet. Still working on getting the right visa. Shooting for the marriage visa.

11 days ago

Graham ******

@Karl ********

Whichever you choose get it before arriving in Thailand to make the bank account much easier

11 days ago