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Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O retirement visa?

Non-O retirement visaBank account openingThailand bankingVisa regulationsExpat issuesImmigration in ThailandAccount requirementsFinancial services for expats
Jun 23, 2025
2 days ago
Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I entered Thailand 3 days ago on a non-o retirement visa, short term visa, 3 months. I have already visited 3 Thai banks: Bangkok Bank, TTB and Siam purple bank. No one opens a bank account, they require a long pension visa. Without a long visa there is no bank account, without a bank account there is no long visa. Can you advise something? Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is facing difficulties opening a bank account in Thailand with a short-term Non-O retirement visa, with various banks requiring a long-term visa instead. Despite the Non-O being considered a long-term visa, they are finding inconsistent experiences across different banks, along with conflicting advice about necessary documentation. The community offers several suggestions, including trying different banks, visiting multiple branches, considering the involvement of a Thai-speaking person or agent, and compiling necessary documents like a residence certificate. Additionally, some users mention previous successful experiences at certain banks but caution that requirements may have tightened recently due to regulatory changes.
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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Jarmo *********
Banks dont understand about visas. They probably think non o 3 month is a tourist visa.
a day ago
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Stephen *******
Try K bank
2 days ago
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Richard ********
I'm in Ubonratchathani but Kaisikorn opened mine 4 months ago. I had to have my residence certificate, passport, visa, and Thai phone number.
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard *******
 thank you, but in four months they have already changed the account opening rules several times
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
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Keith *******
Had no trouble with Kasikorn in Pattaya many years ago.
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Keith ******
 thank you
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
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Mike ******
Try Vietnam.
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike *****
 yes, I was in Vietnam, there is no such absurdity
2 days ago
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Mike ******
KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid. Thailand delight in over-complicating anything which is why their tourist numbers are dropping exponentially.
2 days ago
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Mike ******
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Brian ******
From watching one of the agents he was saying they are looking for long term 1 year retirement they can open bank account but bank freeze it uphill your passport is stamped with the 1 year retirement visa then the bank will unfreeze the account then you are up and running.

I took notice of this as I want retirement visa end of this year. Hope that might help.
2 days ago
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Doug ********
@Brian *****
that's exactly what I said to my partner...everyone gets what they need before the account is actually able to b e used..seems so simple to me lol
2 days ago
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Doug ********
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Martin *********
I had no issues at all with SCB in EM Quartier in Bangkok …in and out with my book and bank card within 20 minutes
2 days ago
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Charles *******
You need to “ lube “ the people you speak to ….. if you were to use a “ Professional “, he would cost you money. But guess what ? He would lube all steps of your file
2 days ago
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Brandon ************
It's a numbers game. The branch manager of each individual branch can make their own rules. You said you visited 3 but that means you only visited 3 branches. Even a Kasikorn bank and another one a block away will have different requirements. You just need to keep checking different branches. Sometimes even the same branch you went to before will have different requirements on a different day.
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thank you
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
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Kenny *****
Also dont say too much to bank people, when i open account i kbank telling them i am on non oa Retirement visa. They said yr stamp doesn't say retirement, only non oa. They asked me to go back immigration to get the Retirement wording. OMG!
2 days ago
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Spencer *******
I think a lot depends on where you try I am in exactly the same situation as you but was told in Bangkok Bank in Central you can't open an account here but maybe in smaller places
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Spencer ******
 thank you
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
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Michael ***************
Go to a credited Agent who deals with Visas & other related issues & for a fee they will get you sorted out & it will be worth the fee & peace of mind as you will have a receipt. 🙏
2 days ago
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Mike **********
Kasikorn does it with non o visa. Each branch can look at the internal central kasikorn requirements. There is non o listed as valid visa.
2 days ago
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Doug ********
@Mike *********
wouldn't do for me lol....it's just a game of chance
2 days ago
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Doug ********
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Joe ********
I've just opened an account with Kasikorn bank (the green one) last week, all they wanted was my non-o visa, passport and resident certificate from immigration for 60thb, give them a try as most of the banks are now refusing to give accounts to people they think dont live here, good luck 👍😊
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *******
 thank you
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
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Eamonn *******
Keep trying, one will eventually fold.
2 days ago
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James ******
They keep changing the goal posts
2 days ago
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Júlíus *******************
Can I apply for non o visa in Thi or with normal tourist visa or do I need to apply before I come to Thailand?
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Júlíus ******************
 You can get a Thai bank account opened if you have entered on a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa which you need to obtain before you fly to Thailand, legit with the help of an agent in Pattaya, for 5000.- THB.
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
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Randy *******
Yes, it’s quite the Catch-22. I want to star visa services in Shanghai today.  they said I have to go to Laos.  then go to the visa service there they would get me a type O  three month visa. Then I could come back here and get a checking account. They would help me get the checking

account.  it’s expensive in Thai money not so bad in US money. For everything not counting the plane flight  and hotels with everything I think it’s gonna cost me about $4000.
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Randy ******
 you are wasting your time and money. You can get a Thai bank account opened if you have entered on a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa, legit with the help of an agent in Pattaya, for 5000.- THB.
2 days ago
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Bill *******
@Greg **********
 With who?
2 days ago
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Bill *******
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Ian **********
Banks are inconsistent with the application of their account opening policies which have certainly tightened up since the fraud uncovered in Pattaya several weeks ago. Even two branches of the same Bank apply their policy differently - it's down to an individual often. As a minimum now: Passport copy, Visa copy (with endorsement letter if LTR), Proof of Residence (Rental Agreement, Certificate of Residence, TM30 or House Book depending on the status and individual in the bank), ID from Country of origin (ie Driving Licence depending on the individual bank officer). Although copies of documents are accepted, they may ask to see the originals when accepting copies - same goes for obtaining a drivers licence.
2 days ago
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Edna *******
@Ian *********
 I’m curious; what fraud caused this hassle?
2 days ago
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Ian **********
@Edna ******
 a branch of a bank in Pattaya opened accounts for foreigners without following the bank's policies, and the individuals who obtained accounts were involved in criminal activity.
2 days ago
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Ian **********
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ian *********
 thank you
2 days ago
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Ian **********
@Vlad ********
 our very recent experience, so hot off the press
2 days ago
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Ian **********
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Paul ********
I opened an account at Kasikorn Bangkok on 90 day non o based on marriage no problem 👍
2 days ago
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Edna *******
@Paul *******
 please mention the rest of the paperwork needed. A marriage visa and bank account. Require a lot more documents than mentioned here. I’ve even considered a joint account to deposit the 400k needed.

What is the reason why opening accounts has become so difficult?
2 days ago
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Paul ***************
@Edna ******
 my wife was with me, we showed our marriage certificates and her id card 🪪 and her rental agreement. I had my passport and E-visa

Had to get a Thai mobile number so went next door and got a SIM card and the bank lady set my app up on my phone. 📱
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul **************
 Thank you, I have a Thai SIM card, but I don't have a Thai wife. If they don't open an account, I'll probably have to get married.
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
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Doug ********
@Paul *******
yeah I'm marriage they offered me ok..but said no as retirement
2 days ago
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Marcel *******
@Paul *******
 when ?
2 days ago
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Paul ***************
@Marcel ******
 April 11th
2 days ago
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Marcel *******
@Paul **************
 without extension , only with non o family is great at theese times 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
2 days ago
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Marcel *******
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Ian ********
I was going to apply for non O based on retirement in a few months , but after reading all the posts about people having difficulty opening bank accounts in order to apply for the extension I am now thinking the non O-A is a better option , yes more paperwork but shouldn't be difficult , yes insurance but you would buy that anyway . At least when you arrive you are not messing about trying to open a bank account getting frustrated , thinking about using agents etc , whose fees will probably exceed the cost of the insurance needed for the non OA .
2 days ago
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Brandon ************
@Ian *******
 you'll have zero problems getting a bank account if you have a non-OA as well. And that gives you options of transitioning off the OA at some point in the future by leaving and resetting your status then converting to non-O with funds in your Thai bank account you got on the OA.
2 days ago
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Ian ********
@Brandon ***********
 Thank you Brandon , I think the OA is more suited for me because I would rather do all the documents in England for the visa , then when I arrive in Thailand I can open a bank account at my leisure not have to get it opened in the first month . I will have a minimum of a year to get the bank account opened . My plan is also to return to U.K and work a few months of the year anyway. OA is multi entry. I just don't want to step of the plane in Thailand and then be rushing around trying to open bank accounts etc , getting asked for additional documents etc. I would rather take my time . Like you said , I can always open the bank account and transfer the money whilst on OA then return to U.K and transition to non O later .
a day ago
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Ian ********
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Martin *********
@Ian *******
 it’s not hard at all took me 20 mins at a branch of SCB in Bangkok
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Ian *******
 you can open a bank account if you have entered on a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa, legit with the help of an agent in Pattaya, for 5000.- THB. No need to mess around with an application to a Non-Imm-O/A visa
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
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John **********
Every branch of every bank is different. Try other branches
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 thank you
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
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Lee *************
At SCB and Bangkok bank today with NonO visa stamp, Thai ID, but need residency and international drivers licence to open Bank account
2 days ago
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Marcel *******
@Lee **********
 with thai id ?🤔
2 days ago
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Marcel *******
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Bill *********
I think this is about the time for a visa agent to enter your life! I got everything done in under a day; no stress and no wasted time.
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill ********
 ...and 45k bath is new price from agent))
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Vlad ********
 no, if you buy the agent service for opening a bank account on top of your Non-Imm-O visa, it is 5000 THB . . . . in Pattaya, visit F.S. Consulting Co
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg **********
 thank you
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Vlad ********
a day ago
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Greg ***********
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Ant ***********
@Vlad ********
If you already have the Non-O 90 day - the agent should be less than 20K

But importantly , as you are already trying , bank account is the first project
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Ant **********
 it's 5000 THB to get a bank account opened if you are on a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa
a day ago
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Ant ***********
@Greg **********
This price is fair

I have been quoted 13,000 B

Just for bank account 🫣
a day ago
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Greg ***********
@Ant **********
 it's rather 5000 THB only for opening the bank account, if one already has the 90-days Non-O Visa, and if one has own funds and doesn't need the agent service for fronting the required financial proof
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
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Julian *******
Find a Thai person to go with e
2 days ago
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Doug ********
@Julian ******
doesn't always help.....thai girlfriend went to three with me...all said no...Bangkok bank...kasiksorn and SCB......Krungsri were fine all done in twenty minutes
2 days ago
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Doug ********
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Polat *******
I was in the same situation. Bangkok bank refused but Kasikorn Bank accepted (agents don't work with this bank as they do everything legal). You can try Krungthai bank as well but I hear they are not accepting either.
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Polat ******
 thank you
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
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Kieren **********
I opened a bank account on a 1 month tourist visa
2 days ago
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Kieren **********
Yeah was a while ago and was on a visa exempt.
2 days ago
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Kevin *******
@Kieren *********
 I opened one 20 years on a tourist visa everyone telling me I couldn't but i did !you need someone with thai knowledge and you won't find them here by looks !
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Kieren *********
 there has NEVER been a "1-month tourist visa", and since February 2025, you cannot get a bank account opened any more on a touristic entry
2 days ago
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Doug ********
@Kieren *********
maybe give years ago
2 days ago
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Stuart *********
@Kieren *********
 There is no such thing as a 1 month tourist visa. I suspect you’re referring to a 30 day visa exempt stamp that you got. Way back when exempt stamps were 30 days there wasn’t an issue for most opening an account.

In the past few months it’s become almost impossible to do so for anyone not on a long term visa.

Your experience 2 or 3 years ago is irrelevant these days.
2 days ago
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Wayne ********
@Kieren *********
 one month tourist visa? 
2 days ago
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David *******
@Kieren *********
 when and where. Your blunt statement isn’t helpful.
2 days ago
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David *******
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Stuart ***********
This is ridiculous, you should not have a problem opening a bank account with a non O visa. Whereabouts are you? Perhaps someone knows a compliant bank where you are. Avoid the banks in shopping malls, Bangkok bank is usually the easiest. Dress smart, be polite, and take a Thai speaking person with you.
2 days ago
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Steve *******
@Stuart **********
 Banks in shopping malls are the best to use. They need the commission from opening new accounts
2 days ago
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Doug ********
@Stuart **********
did all that in Udon thani.....still bangkok bank,kasikorn and SC B said no. Krgungsri did it for me in the end...
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart **********
 thank you
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
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Tony ********
You also need to take along your residence certificate issued by imigration for the purpose of opening a bank account
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *******
 yes, I have such documents, but it didn't help me
2 days ago
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Tony **********
@Vlad ********
 do you also have Thai phone in your name? Are you dressing somewhat professionally? Impressions go a long way.
2 days ago
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Tony **********
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Christopher ******
@Markus *******
 a long time ago before these latest restrictions came into place, I presented a letter from a hotel i was staying in stating that I was staying with them.
2 days ago
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Christopher ******
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Aviva *****
Try Krungthai bank
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Aviva ****
 thank you
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
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Faye *********
Not sure if you are walking in announcing to them you are on a short term visa and so causing confusion. You need to visit a branch and tell them you are on a non-o visa for retirement that is it.
2 days ago
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Ian *******
@Faye ********
 maybe once they give the 1 year extension the bank takes a different viewpoint?
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Faye ********
 the manager at the bank looks at the stamp in my passport. The stamp says non-o visa, until September 15, 2025. They refuse me, saying that this is a short visa, only a long visa is needed
2 days ago
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Doug ********
@Vlad ********
had exactly the same two weeks ago.....so frustrating...took everything....proof of rental, letter from immigration, passport with the non o 90 day stamp.....Three banks still said no......two said only if married and two iinsisted it was only a tourist visa......luckily krungsri agreed...

It's become like chicken n egg.....immigration want bank account to do the extension...bank want extension before giving account....basically immigration and banks have no connection.

Simple solution...bank let you open an account. Deposit money but not make it usable until you go back with the year extension in the passport..
2 days ago
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Doug ********
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Stuart *********
A Non O is a long term visa (as per banking regulations). You shouldn’t have an issue opening an account on one, but you obviously have.

I guess it’s a question of leg work trying loads of branches to see who will comply.
2 days ago
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Doug ********
@Stuart ********
I went through same..identical sit
2 days ago
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Vlad *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 thank you
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Vlad ********
 have an agent help you, they got their connections. Usually their service opening a bank account for you on top of your 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa, costs 5000 THB
2 days ago
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Doug ********
@Greg **********
way more than 5000...but I wanted to do legit,which I got in the end
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Doug *******
 legit if you have entered on a Non-Imm-O visaclass. They speak English . . 5000 THB for opening a bank account in your name
2 days ago
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Mark *******
@Doug *******
 you were robbed 🙏🏻
2 days ago
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Doug ********
Mark Jones lol..how was I robbed..??? I didn't use an agent at all......I opened the bank account with a deposit of 500........hardly think I was robbed ...cost me nothing ...just some time finding the right bank. When I said more than 5000 I was talking about if agent does the non O as well ...not just the bank account
2 days ago
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Doug ********
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