Answereda month ago
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O retirement visa and a short hotel booking?
If I arrive in Thailand on a non-o retirement visa ,will I be able to get a residency certificate from immigration to open a bank account with a week or two week hotel booking? or do I need to get a long term rental agreement?
Answer summary
To open a bank account in Thailand using a Non-O retirement visa, you generally need more than just a short hotel booking. Most banks will require a residency certificate, which can sometimes be obtained with a TM30 form filed by your hotel. However, requirements vary by bank and branch, with many requesting proof of a long-term residential agreement (typically 12 months) alongside a Thai phone number. It's advisable to visit the bank directly to confirm their specific requirements before proceeding.
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Man ***********
I’ve tried SCB but they needed at least 6 months visa for the job
Steven *********
OPThanks for the replies.I think i'll just book a hotel for a couple of days,get my registered sim card, head into immigration and into the bank to see what they both have to say and either look for a long term lease if that's required,or hopefully just be able to book a week or so in a hotel while I look around condos to possibly purchase
Terry ********
i would get a long term. Immigration usually likes to see where your gonna be living for a while..Use Kasikorn bank its the easiest to open an account with.Make sure when you do open it you have your bank send it in your countries currency.
Patrick ***********
I was asked for a mobile phone and a 1 year lease contract for both bbl and k+ in bkk.
Steven *********
OPWould a 6 month rental contract surfice then i'd probably only need to give one months deposit to forfeit if i purchase a condo?
Steven *********
OPThanks for the replies.I will be getting the residency certificate from Chonburi immigration.I was looking at purchasing a Condo in one of the View Talay buildings after viewing a few as soon as i arrive.I've stayed in a few over the years and was very happy with them all.I don't really want to have to take out a 12 month lease but i guess if i have to i could rent a cheap place and forfeit my two months deposit? Looking at opening a transaction account with Kasikorn and depositing my 800K into Krungsri.
Terry ********
Steven Kinsley exactly you have a good solide plan
Mike *************
Steven Kinsley Kasikorn is the best bank for retirement accounts but branches have different requirements so check with more than one to see if they'll open an account without a long term lease. Explain you're planning to buy so don't want to get a one year lease. That should help.
Mick *********
When I opened my account with K-Bank last year they wanted a TM30 and a rental contract as well as passport and visa and a Thai registered phone number for the app.
Terry ********
Mick Aynsley that reminds me kasikorn want to see my drivers license also from the USA
Kevin ******
The length of the rental agreement depends on the actual immigration office
Dianne ********
My immigration lawyer Baan Thai only serves the Bangkok area of Bangkok, so the lease must be in this area not Nortunburi for example) and requires a 12 month lease. I’m having a hard time reconciling their advice with people who actually have done it in this group. Might be that they are working a known track for success.
Terry ********
Dianne Jewell i used them i found there info inaccurate and am doing it on my own ..So far been so much easier..
Dianne ********
@Terry *******
are you in Thailand nowDianne ********
@Terry *******
their advice is specific I think to their own company operations. The bit about needing a 12 month lease and getting it in 3 weeks in time to get a bank account and then have the money in that account for 2 months is cutting it fine and is what’s making me consider the Non OA as I’ll probably want medical insurance anyway.Dianne ********
@Terry *******
I’m still in Australia
Stuart ***********
Dianne Jewell maybe that's what the immigration office in Central Bangkok insist on, if not your lawyer is giving you poor advice. I opened my bank account without a 12 month lease in Hua Hin.
Dianne ********
Stuart Chiverton I need some perspective on these issues for sure but I might change my mind and go for a non OA instead
Dianne ********
Stuart Chiverton if I go for the OA it will be because I intend to get insurance with the benefit that I’ll have an extended period to get an apartment (for the bank account)
Stuart ***********
Dianne Jewell are you in Thailand already, as the non-OA can only be applied for in your home country. The non-OA is much less popular as it has a requirement for mandatory insurance from a limited number of companies.
Wolf ******
Best is visiting the bank and ask their requirements.
Some want also to see a long-term renting contract.
Some want also to see a long-term renting contract.
Mark ********
Kasikorn Bank worked for me with my Non-0. I opened my account while staying in a hotel & did go to the Reistration Office, or whatever they call it, & got the letter to open a bank account. You can also show them an International Driving Permit & they will check motorbike on the official government form too. Be prepared to make LOTS of copies of everything...it's a Thai tradition of some sort 🙏
David **********
Every bank (and even a branch of the same bank in a different location) may have different requirements. Typically they will need:
1) your long term visa
2) a Thai phone number (get a receipt that matches your passport)
3) a residence certificate (make sure the box 'to open a bank account' is checked)
These are standard but they can ask for more.
1) your long term visa
2) a Thai phone number (get a receipt that matches your passport)
3) a residence certificate (make sure the box 'to open a bank account' is checked)
These are standard but they can ask for more.
Chris *******
Don’t forget to get a phone SIM registered to your passport. Kasikorn asked for my Thai phone number when opening
my account.
my account.
Steven *********
OPChris Burns Thanks Chris
Brian *********
Chris Burns I’m in the same situation. Where does one register his SIM card?
Brian *********
Yes I understand where ti buy but I’m asking where is it registered? Immigration? Bank?
Chris *******
Brian Sanders when I was applying for my one year extension of stay they asked for my Thai number at immigration. The bank will ask for this when opening your account and the phone store registered it to my passport when I bought the SIM.
Brian *********
Don Smith thank you, fine fellow
Don *******
Brian Sanders Just take your phone and your SIM and your passport to a branch of your phone service provider (True, DTAC etc.). They can be found in large shopping malls. They will give you a letter confirming that the SIM is registered to you.
Chris *******
Brian Sanders I had to get my U.S. phone unlocked and then just bought a dual SIM at a phone store at Big C so I kept my US number and also have a Thai number. You can get a SIM card just about anywhere.
John **********
A TM30 filed by the hotel your staying at should be all you need. Ask the hotel for a copy of the receipt and take it with you when you visit immigration
Lynnette *******
Head to bank as soon as you can and ask what they want. You should be ok.
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