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

KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid. Thailand delight in over-complicating anything which is why their tourist numbers are dropping exponentially.

@Greg **********

With who?

@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.

@Vlad ********

our very recent experience, so hot off the press

@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. 📱

@Marcel ******

April 11th

@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 .

@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

@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

@Vlad ********

do you also have Thai phone in your name? Are you dressing somewhat professionally? Impressions go a long way.

@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..

@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