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Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O visa for a retirement extension?
Mar 14, 2025
a year ago
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi all, I have been planning to visit Bangkok next month, around the end of April. The intention was to enter on a non O visa, and request a year extension. This appears now to be scuppered due to the reports of foreigners not being allowed to open new bank accounts.
Should i delay this, or will it be possible to open an account myself, has anyone been able to recently ? I do have the £18k etc to deposit into the account for the year extension. From the UK.
Thanks!
Should i delay this, or will it be possible to open an account myself, has anyone been able to recently ? I do have the £18k etc to deposit into the account for the year extension. From the UK.
Thanks!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user plans to visit Bangkok and is concerned about opening a bank account with a Non-O visa for a year extension, given recent reports of difficulties. Community responses indicate that while it's currently challenging, having a Non-O visa may still allow for account opening with additional documentation, like a Certificate of Residence. Users recommend applying for the Non-O visa before arriving and suggest checking requirements directly with specific banks.
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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Jon ******
You might go to the Bangkok Bank website. Go to the accounts sections and scroll down to the bottom. There's a link to contact them. Tell them you will come to Bangkok with a Non-O and will need to open an account to transfer in your 800,000thb required for your Retirement Visa. Ask them for their current requirements. I would suggest you open two accounts. One for the 800k Retirement requirement, and the other for your regular spending. This allows you to keep your 800k account clean and easy to look through for immigration. They like it when you make it easy for them. To do this, you will likely need to ask the immigration office for two (2) Certificates of Residence (one to open each account). The 800k can be in a type of savings (orange book) that gets a little better interest than the regular savings account (blue book) You might mention you want to open these two accounts when you contact them in order to confirm that won't be an issue for them. Good luck.
Jon ******
These are from Bangkok Bank from over a year ago, before the recent update. But this will give you an idea what to expect. I think the big change may have been now no tourist visa or tourist exempt entry, must be some other visa type... But AGAIN, this is just to have an idea and confirm with the bank.
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jon *****
thanks!Jon ******
@Andy *******
I should clarify that the picture I posted was from Bangkok Bank at Central Pattaya Mall, from over a year ago.Reply to
Jon ******
Reply
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERthanks everyone, very helpful
Alan *******
@Andy *******
I was refused by 3 banks in Chiang Rai. But , Krungsri bank no problem at all and very easy , I did have the certificate of residence from immigration. It is just a case of perseverance and being prepared to do some foot work.Reply to
Alan *******
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Jan ******************
Almost impossible without a Non O visa, and even then you might meet some difficulties. Some branches also demand a housebook or that you’ve done your first year extension of stay to get an account, but you will succeed with a Non O if you visit several branches.
Paul ***********
@Jan *****************
totally depends on where you live. Udon Thani banks are not interested.Jan ******************
@Paul **********
Yes, I know. Was denied myself with a Non O and residence certificate in Isaan. (Asked for a housebook or work permit as well). Also denied in 2 branches in Chonburi without extension of stay(they asked for minimum one year "visa"). Allowed in one in Jomtien without any issues.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Wolf ******
Get your non-O visa (90 days) in your country. This is a visa and try to get a bank account.
2 years ago for Bangkok Bank this was enough but want to see my driver license (national EU).
SCB want to see a certificate of residence. Some immigration edit it only after the first 90 day report.
2 years ago for Bangkok Bank this was enough but want to see my driver license (national EU).
SCB want to see a certificate of residence. Some immigration edit it only after the first 90 day report.
Tod *********
Get the 90 day Non-O visa from the thai consulate in your country before you come.
That will be better than showing up free stamp and trying for a bank account.
once you get an account open get 800K transferred in so it can season the 2 months required to get the year extension (y)
That will be better than showing up free stamp and trying for a bank account.
once you get an account open get 800K transferred in so it can season the 2 months required to get the year extension (y)
Robert *********
@Tod ********
spot on as usual 555Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
thanks that is the plan, but I'm concerned about all the negative news about foreigners opening accounts over the last few weeks . I know it used to be tough anyway, but sounds like it might now be worse..John **********
@Andy *******
if you have a Non-O visa you shouldn't have much trouble opening an account, get a residence card from immigration and you should be good in most banks. The reports you see are mainly people on visa exempt, tourist visa or DTVPaul ***********
@John *********
. Last year I was on a Non- O visa and had a certificate of residence and a thai driver's license. Could not get a bank account in Udon Thani from any bank. It is not a given. Soon I will return and need to open an account for a visa. Marriage. Maybe I will need to visit a place where more foreigners are.??????????Graham ******
@Paul **********
You need to get your Non-O before travelling to get your bank account, you cannot not now get your bank account then Non-O in countryReply to
Graham ******
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