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Can I open a bank account in Thailand from the UK if I have applied for a 90-day retirement visa?

Feb 19, 2025
19 days ago
Ka *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi lovely group I have a question:

If I applied 90 days retirement visa in the UK, can I open bank account in Thailand from the UK?

If yes how to do it?

If not can I do it straight away when I arrive to Thailand?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
It is not possible to open a local Thai bank account from outside Thailand, even if you have applied for a 90-day retirement visa (NON-O) in the UK. You will need to be physically present in Thailand to initiate the process. Once you are in Thailand, it may be possible to open a bank account, although there could be challenges depending on the location and bank policies. You might be required to show a certificate of residence, proof of a long-term address, and potentially purchase an additional insurance policy. Some expats have reported increasing difficulty in opening accounts, indicating that the regulations have become stricter.
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.
Henrik *****
Expect to have stayed at a permanent adress for several months, with a long lease, to be even considered for a Thai Bankaccount.

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Ian *******
Hi i have a tried to get a 90 day visa on line and its very difficult to do when I got to the end it wouldn't let me pay the fee
Stuart *********
You can’t open a local account being outside of Thailand. You’d have to be here to do so.

It’s getting harder to do so here in Thailand but it’s not impossible (unless you’re in Pattaya for the moment).

For most places you should find it ok to do so on a Non O visa but it’s not a given. You’ll probably need to try various branches and possibly need a certificate of residence from immigration and perhaps agree to buy their useless “insurance policy” but it can be done.
Magnus ******************
@Stuart ********
My friend open bank today in Pattaya whitout visa. He use no Agent. So its still possible even if its harder.
Mark ********
@Magnus *****************
Pm'd you a question
Stuart *********
@Magnus *****************
Glad to hear. We hear of so many others that try and fail. Especially in Pattaya.
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