Answereda year ago
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O retirement visa?
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
Answer summary
A user recently entered Thailand on a Non-O retirement visa valid for 3 months and faced difficulties opening a bank account, as multiple banks claimed that only long-stay visas qualify. Comments from other users revealed that while a Non-O visa should generally allow account opening, inconsistencies exist between banks and branches, leading to frustrations for expats. Users have suggested strategies such as presenting documents like a residence certificate, trying various banks, especially Kasikorn Bank or Krungthai Bank, or potentially enlisting a visa agent for assistance. Overall, the key takeaway is that navigating banking procedures in Thailand can be complex due to varying bank policies and branches.
96 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
David **********
Go to immigration ask for a letter for bangkok bank they will let you open account on non o visa
Jarmo *********
Banks dont understand about visas. They probably think non o 3 month is a tourist visa.
Stephen *******
Try K bank
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.
Vlad *********
OP@Richard *******
thank you, but in four months they have already changed the account opening rules several times
Keith *******
Had no trouble with Kasikorn in Pattaya many years ago.
Vlad *********
OP@Keith ******
thank you
Mike ******
Try Vietnam.
Vlad *********
OP@Mike *****
yes, I was in Vietnam, there is no such absurdityMike ******
KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid. Thailand delight in over-complicating anything which is why their tourist numbers are dropping exponentially.
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.
I took notice of this as I want retirement visa end of this year. Hope that might help.
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
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
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
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.
Vlad *********
OP@Brandon ***********
thank you
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!
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
Vlad *********
OP@Spencer ******
thank you
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. 🙏
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.
Doug ********
@Mike *********
wouldn't do for me lol....it's just a game of chance
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 👍😊
Vlad *********
OP@Joe *******
thank you
Eamonn *******
Keep trying, one will eventually fold.
James ******
They keep changing the goal posts
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bill *******
@Greg **********
With who?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.
Edna *******
@Ian *********
I’m curious; what fraud caused this hassle?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.Vlad *********
OP@Ian *********
thank youIan **********
@Vlad ********
our very recent experience, so hot off the press
Paul ********
I opened an account at Kasikorn Bangkok on 90 day non o based on marriage no problem 👍
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?
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. 📱
Vlad *********
OP@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.Doug ********
@Paul *******
yeah I'm marriage they offered me ok..but said no as retirement
Marcel *******
@Paul *******
when ?Paul ***************
@Marcel ******
April 11thMarcel *******
@Paul **************
without extension , only with non o family is great at theese times 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
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 .
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.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 .Martin *********
@Ian *******
it’s not hard at all took me 20 mins at a branch of SCB in BangkokGreg ***********
@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
John **********
Every branch of every bank is different. Try other branches
Vlad *********
OP@John *********
thank you
Lee *************
At SCB and Bangkok bank today with NonO visa stamp, Thai ID, but need residency and international drivers licence to open Bank account
Marcel *******
@Lee **********
with thai id ?🤔
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.
Vlad *********
OP@Bill ********
...and 45k bath is new price from agent))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 CoVlad *********
OP@Greg **********
thank you
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
Ant ***********
Greg ***********
@Ant **********
it's 5000 THB to get a bank account opened if you are on a 90-days Non-Imm-O visaGreg ***********
@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
Julian *******
Find a Thai person to go with e
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
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.
Vlad *********
OP@Polat ******
thank you
Kieren **********
I opened a bank account on a 1 month tourist visa
Kieren **********
Yeah was a while ago and was on a visa exempt.
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 !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 entryDoug ********
@Kieren *********
maybe give years ago
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.
Wayne ********
@Kieren *********
one month tourist visa? 
David *******
@Kieren *********
when and where. Your blunt statement isn’t helpful.
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.
Steve *******
@Stuart **********
Banks in shopping malls are the best to use. They need the commission from opening new accountsDoug ********
@Stuart **********
did all that in Udon thani.....still bangkok bank,kasikorn and SC B said no. Krgungsri did it for me in the end...Vlad *********
OP@Stuart **********
thank you
Tony ********
You also need to take along your residence certificate issued by imigration for the purpose of opening a bank account
Vlad *********
OP@Tony *******
yes, I have such documents, but it didn't help me
Tony **********
@Vlad ********
do you also have Thai phone in your name? Are you dressing somewhat professionally? Impressions go a long way.
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.
Aviva *****
Try Krungthai bank
Vlad *********
OP@Aviva ****
thank you
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.
Ian *******
@Faye ********
maybe once they give the 1 year extension the bank takes a different viewpoint?Vlad *********
OP@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 neededDoug ********
@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..
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.
I guess it’s a question of leg work trying loads of branches to see who will comply.
Doug ********
@Stuart ********
I went through same..identical sitVlad *********
OP@Stuart ********
thank youGreg ***********
@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 THBDoug ********
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
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
Mark *******
@Doug *******
you were robbed 🙏🏻Doug ********
@Greg **********
way more than 5000...but I wanted to do legit,which I got in the endActivity
49 joined49
people
Related
25Can you open a bank account in Thailand with an R series passport?
2.7k3292mo
Do you need a long-term lease to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
2.7k27153mo
Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a DTV visa?
2.6k21304mo
What is the best bank for opening an account with a non-immigrant O retirement visa in Chiang Mai?
4.2k51225mo
What documents are needed to apply for a Thai Non-O retirement visa from Vientiane?
2k16187mo
What are the requirements for foreigners to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
2.5k22208mo
Can a person with a DTV visa successfully open a bank account in Thailand?
4.4k442410mo
Can I still open a bank account in Thailand without a local agent?
3.4k23401y
Can I leave Thailand on a non-O visa after transferring 800k baht and return for a one-year extension?
2.4k18241y
Is it difficult to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O marriage visa?
12.3k121851y
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Pattaya for a retirement visa?
4.4k42241y
What is the process and timeline for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, and can I travel on a holiday visa if my application isn't processed before my arrival?
2.5k19241y
What health insurance do I need for a Non-O visa in Thailand?
3.5k28311y
What banks in Bangkok are recommended for Americans with a non O visa to open a bank account?
2.3k17151y
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand to obtain a Marriage Visa?
1.9k12182y
What is the typical cost and time frame for opening a bank account and obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?
3.3k23272y
What should I do if the bank claims my Non-O retirement visa is a tourist visa?
15.1k1461102y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a DTV visa?
2.6k22122y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a DTV Visa?
1.4k832y
Do I need an onward ticket to fly to Thailand with a retirement visa?
1.2k6122y
What documents are required for opening a bank account in Thailand as a retiree, and how does one apply for a Non-O visa and retirement visa?
13.9k1241273y
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand as an expat?
3.1k26194y
Can I convert a tourist visa to a retirement visa based on marriage without a bank deposit in Thailand?
3.4k30204y
What do I need to bring for my retirement visa application in Bangkok as an American expat?
5.4k47474y
What are the requirements and process for obtaining a renewable annual visa in Thailand for someone over 50 with a Thai partner?
4.7k45325y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served