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Can I open a bank account in Thailand before applying for a retirement visa?
Jan 19, 2026
3 months ago
Stanley *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone , can I open a bank account while Iβm in Thailand before I go home to England in the same bank as my long term girlfriend then apply for a retirement visa before I return Iβm 75 years old
TLDR : Answer Summary
The ability to open a bank account in Thailand largely depends on the type of visa you are currently holding. If you are on a tourist visa or visa-exempt status, it is generally very difficult, if not impossible, to open a Thai bank account. However, if you have a Non-O visa or can convert your current visa, you may be able to open an account with the appropriate documentation such as a residence certificate and a Thai SIM card. It's advisable to discuss your situation directly with the bank or seek guidance from immigration services for detailed requirements.
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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Jeff *************
If you have a tourist exempt visa you will not be able to open a bank account
Simon *********
If it's the same branch, in a small town, in the middle of nowhere, and she's known by the staff, it's worth asking at the bank
Gardar ***************************
Did you arrive on non-o visa when you arrived? If you did good news you can open, if you entered on visa extempt then no.
Or go down to your local immigration ask to covert your visa extempt to non-o if possible
Or go down to your local immigration ask to covert your visa extempt to non-o if possible
Scott *********
She will empty your account
TrustworthyA************
Scott Brandon for sure
Stanley *******
ORIGINAL POSTERππ»ππ»ππ»π±
Reply to
Stanley *******
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Evelyne *********
Ask the bank
Stanley *******
ORIGINAL POSTERDoes the 800 get interest in bank account ???
Stanley *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThatβs not good news for me
Paul ***************
Stanley Moore nope
Reply to
Paul ***************
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TrustworthyA************
Just put all your money in her account then return to the u.k.
Paul *******
Kbank is good π leave Bangkok bank alone !!!!!
Alan *******
From what we see here now the bank will not let you open an account until you turn up with the reciept from immigration which confirms your o visa ,address and you are a retiree .
Richard ********
Contact thai embassy or thai immigration.
Dave ********
You need to apply for a non O visa when you get back to England. That is now done online and the visa application requires you to present 3 months worth of bank statements and copies of a utility bill amongst other things. Sound difficult but itβs not
Rob **********
If you are here on a visa exempt stamp or a Tourist visa, it is virtually impossible now, but by all means you should still try.
John *********
You can use a agency if you have a 1 year visa then they can open you a bank account
Jack ********
John Crapper what?
John *********
Jack Wilbur Open your eyes and read it
Reply to
John *********
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Ant ***********
If you are on a Tourist Visa
Then
No
Then
No
John **********
What sort of entry are you currently on? If it is visa exempt or a tourist visa it will be somewhere between very difficult and impossible. If you are on a Non-immigrant visa it will be possible with the right paperwork, a residence certificate from immigration and a Thai SIM registered against your passport
Stanley *******
ORIGINAL POSTERJust a 60 plus 30 day due back out on 3 feb just thought girlfriend already having a Thai account may help beforehand
Jim *******
Stanley Moore Your gf and her bank account are irrelevant. It has to be yours, in your sole name.
John **********
@Stanley ******
come back on a Non-O based on age and open it then, but make it a priority as you will need 800k in the bank for 2 full months before applying for an extension of stayReply to
John **********
Reply
Rick *********
Depends what visa your on if your on tourist visa exempt then no
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