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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?

Thailand Bank Account Visa Rules Retirement Visa NON-O Visa Expats in Thailand Immigration Financial Services

Feb 19, 2025

9 months 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.

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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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9 months ago

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

9 months ago

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.

9 months ago

Magnus ******************

@Stuart ********

My friend open bank today in Pattaya whitout visa. He use no Agent. So its still possible even if its harder.

9 months ago

Mark ********

@Magnus *****************

Pm'd you a question

9 months ago

Stuart *********

@Magnus *****************

Glad to hear. We hear of so many others that try and fail. Especially in Pattaya.