ask
Search
Ask
Answered2 years ago

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?

Karl *********
asked Feb 27, 2025
2.9k
views
21
replies
2
likes
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.
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.
21 repliesnewest first
12

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

SJ *******
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.
Karl *********
Karl *********
OP
@SJ ******
this is also very good info. How hard was it to apply for a Thai card?
SJ *******
SJ *******
@Karl ********
you dont use a Thai Cc you use a US CC
Kasey *******
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 *********
Bonnie *********
@Kasey ******
The requirements have changed over the years, even in the past few years.
Kasey *******
Kasey *******
That clears things up. As I have often said, ...

..

.
Kasey *******
Kasey *******
@Karl ********
Karl Leonard just make sure she brings her house registration certificate and your passport.
Karl *********
Karl *********
OP
@Kasey ******
this is very info to know. Thanks so much. How hard was it to open an account at that location?
Randall *******
Randall *******
You can't even open a Thai bank account in your name without at least the O visa.
Bill *********
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 *******
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 ******
Chang ******
@Chuck ******
yes I was in the same boat🚢🚣‍♀️ took me more than 2 month to receive the SS money💰
Brenda *********
Brenda *********
@Chuck ******
good to know this!
Tony **********
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 ********
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 ******
Graham ******
Are you already on a Retirement Visa, if not what are you on?
Karl *********
Karl *********
OP
Not yet. Still working on getting the right visa. Shooting for the marriage visa.
Graham ******
Graham ******
@Karl ********
Whichever you choose get it before arriving in Thailand to make the bank account much easier
Karl *********
Karl *********
OP
@Graham *****
thanks a bunch! I'll have the Mrs. give me a helping hand with the documents.
Graham ******
Graham ******
@Karl ********
Up to you but the retirement visa (and subsequent extension) requires less documentation but a higher financial requirement
Karl *********
Karl *********
OP
@Graham *****
Thank you. Everything is in the infancy stages. Shouldn't I get married first?

Activity

12 joined
Karl *********
Karl *********
Karl *********
Karl *********
Karl *********
Karl *********
12
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
How can I apply for a visa and open a bank account while considering retirement in Thailand?
1.1k8142mo
Can I use funds from savings or brokerage accounts to meet Non-O visa income requirements in Thailand?
1.3k10172mo
Is it possible to change my visa extension from retirement to marriage in Thailand?
8.5k401775mo
How can an American prove Social Security and VA benefits for a retirement visa in Thailand?
3.3k26316mo
Can I retire in Thailand without the required 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account if I have a monthly income of $2,800?
18k1013387mo
Can I use US bank statements for the retirement visa O-A in Thailand and what do I need to do regarding the 800,000 THB deposit?
4.1k26609mo
What are the best steps to take for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand while starting on a tourist visa?
6.7k51821y
Is US Social Security taxed in Thailand, and do I need to show 800k or 65k monthly income for a Non-O visa?
5.9k55391y
Can I obtain a retirement visa in Thailand with a monthly income of $3,000 rather than the 800,000 baht requirement?
7.2k57852y
What is the process for getting a bank account and visa in Thailand with the help of an agent?
11.4k1001142y
What is the best visa plan for a U.S. couple seeking medical treatment and retirement in Thailand?
2.3k19152y
What is the application process and requirements for the DTV visa for medical reasons in Thailand for retirees?
1.9k15102y
Can I change my health insurance after obtaining it for a Thai bank account while applying for a Non-O visa?
3.6k30332y
Can I study Thai on a retirement Non-O visa in Thailand?
3.6k28322y
What are the requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand after a gap in status?
6.2k46732y
What are the requirements for renewing a retirement visa in Hua Hin using the 65k per month income method?
2.5k17172y
Can an American retiree in Thailand have Social Security deposited directly into a Bangkok bank account?
3.6k28152y
Is it better to have my Social Security deposited in a US bank and transfer funds to Thailand as needed?
5.7k49413y
What are the best practices for managing Social Security payments while living in Thailand?
18.8k1681633y
Can I use my savings and Social Security income to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand?
7.4k70563y
Can I apply for a Non-O or Non-OA visa after entering Thailand on a tourist exempt visa?
2.5k19194y
How can I start the process for a retirement visa in Thailand while currently on a visa-exempt entry?
6.9k67464y
Can an American use a Social Security annual report to qualify for a retirement visa in Thailand?
1.7k8215y
Do I need to have my Social Security income deposited in a Thai bank to qualify for a retirement visa?
6.1k50605y
Can I apply for a Non-O visa based on retirement in Thailand without an agency?
1.4k1226y

Resources

Need help with your retirement visa?