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Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa to later apply for a non-O visa?

Visa Information Non-Immigrant O Visa Tourist Visa Bank Account Requirements in Thailand Expat Relocation Koh Samui Financial Requirements for Visa Application

Apr 15, 2025

22 days ago

Sharon ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

We are a British couple (over 50) who have taken early retirement and are considering relocating to Koh Samui.

We currently live in Northern Cyprus so do not have access to a Thai Embassy/Consulate in order to apply in person for a 90 non immigrant O visa prior to arriving in Thailand. 

I have looked at the Thai E-Visa website to try to apply online but I cannot see this visa type as an option (just a long stay OA visa or a Tourist visa).

My question is if we arrive on an initial 60 day Tourist visa will I be able to open a bank account with this visa type, in order to then meet the financial requirements to apply in Koh Samui for the non immigrant O visa, and subsequent extension?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, a British couple considering relocation to Koh Samui, asks if they can open a bank account in Thailand with a 60-day Tourist visa to fulfill financial requirements for a non-immigrant O visa application. Responses indicate that a Tourist visa does not allow for bank account opening, and suggestions are made regarding applying from other countries or considering alternative locations in Thailand.

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Jim *******

You might have liked Koh Samui from the pictures. I have been there 4 times, first 2003. when they opened their first siupermarket, a mini Lotus Tesco. Everything there is at leat 30% more expensive than in the mainland Thai.

Unless you are a millionaire who can afford to live near the beach, you may end up in the sticks, with interrupted water and electricity supply. You would not even know there is the sea nearby. Try to rent there, see the prices.

Over touristed. My daughter (a Thai national, then 19 years old) asked me: "Why the hell did we come to this shithole"?

Back to Googlers.

20 days ago

Erik **************

Don't think Koh Samui is the dream place for you, consider Hua Hin, you will not regret. Good luck

21 days ago

Simon *******

I would look at the less touristy places and see the real Thailand.