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

Thai Visa RulesNon-O VisaTourist VisaBank Account RequirementsRelocating to ThailandKoh Samui Living
Apr 15, 2025
2 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
A British couple seeking to relocate to Koh Samui in Thailand is unsure if they can open a bank account using a 60-day tourist visa, in order to meet the financial requirements for a non-immigrant O visa application in Thailand. They have difficulties applying for the non-O visa from Northern Cyprus without access to a Thai embassy. Responses indicate that opening a bank account is not possible with a tourist visa, and highlight the need to explore alternative methods for applying for the visa.
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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Simon *******
I would look at the less touristy places and see the real Thailand.
a day ago
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Micheal **********
I live in Pattaya, and would really like to check out Hua Hin, as a place to possibly move to.
a day ago
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John *********
@Micheal *********
 let’s pray the ferry service doesn’t start 🙏🏻👀
a day ago
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John *********
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Melissa *********
You might consider Ao Nang or Hua Hin as locations. Both feel like island life but are not on an island.Ao Nang is near an international airport which comes in handy
a day ago
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Eddie **********
Find some Nice Island in greece instead,,,

It is very very hot here 8 out off 12 month
a day ago
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Klaus ******
Besides Visa you might consider this:
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2 days ago
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Mark *******
I share your love for Thailand,but also when serving at RAF Akrotiri in the late 80s,myself and my then wife visited Northern Cyprus; Kyrenia in particular! Really loved the place..I wonder if you are better off staying where you are...? Just a thought!
2 days ago
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Sharon ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ******
 i love it here too, but after 3 years here this time (we also lived here for some time over 10 years ago), just feel like a new adventure. We own property here so can always come back.
2 days ago
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Mark *******
Excellent! Best of luck in your " new adventure." I love both Thailand and Cyprus,north and south!
2 days ago
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Mark *******
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Abey *********
Why not cross to ROC, there is a Thai Embassy there.
2 days ago
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Brandon ************
@Abey ********
 doesn't matter where there is a Thai embassy. It's all done online. Even where there isn't a Thai embassy, there is an embassy that serves that area online.
2 days ago
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Brandon ************
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Steve *********
Can you not apply in Ankara? If not your option would be to go to another country and apply from there.
2 days ago
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Paul **********
Koh Samui is nice. A bit small for me and would get Island fever quite quick.
2 days ago
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Sharon ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *********
 before coming to the TRNC I’ve spent most of my life in Jersey (9x5 miles island) so feel drawn to island life, but we did think it could be a starting point for us to explore other mainland destinations.
2 days ago
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Stuart ***********
@Sharon **********
 I agree with Paul and Baz. We drove down to Samui a few months ago for a vacation and must admit a couple of weeks is long enough. I think Phuket has more to offer, if it is island life you want and you don't need to catch the ferry to explore other places. We live in Hua Hin and the beaches are not as nice, but it's a great location to go south to the islands or north to Bangkok if you get a car. Try a few places before you settle down.

I love Cyprus, but think Thailand is a wonderful place to retire. Good luck.
a day ago
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Baz *********
@Sharon **********
 Keep in mind Koh Samui is a very tourist orientated island and therefore you will be paying tourist prices for everything..

As a general rule it's always more expensive to live on an island than the mainland.

You should take a look at Hua Hin as a long term option.

It's very popular with retired Expats and foreigners staying long term.
2 days ago
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Paul **********
@Sharon **********
 yep it will lean in to you well. Enjoy.
2 days ago
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Paul **********
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Brandon ************
No, you will not be able to get a bank account if you arrive as a tourist.

As you saw, there is no such thing as in-person visa applications anymore. Everything has been standardized to the e-visa system.

The non-O visa is most certainly an option, as it's an option at every embassy because they are all standardized on the e-visa system.
2 days ago
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Tony *****
just add some substance to Brandon’s post. When you look on the e-visa site you’re correct you’ll see NON OA and NON OX as the long stay options. If you scroll down to the “other visas” option the 90 day visa based on retirement can be viewed.

When you create an account and submit your application that’s when you’ll see Brandon’s screen shot.

I was confused when I first looked at it.

I hope that helps
2 days ago
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Sharon ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony ****
 thanks, created the account and I now see the drop down.
2 days ago
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Sharon ***********
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Sharon ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thanks, I’ll look again.
2 days ago
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Sharon ***********
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