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Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa from my home country?

Non-O VisaBank AccountsRetirement ExtensionVisa RulesThailand Banking
Nov 15, 2025
3 days ago
Steven *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
So let me get this right. If i apply for a non o in my home country, i can come and open a bank account in thailand. I probably will not follow thru with Retirement extension at this time, but i am guessing my bank account will be ok to continue. Unlike my old bbk account, which i had to close. Will probably choose kasikorn this time.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation revolves around the question of opening a bank account in Thailand using a Non-O visa obtained from the user's home country. Several comments provide insights into the requirements for setting up a bank account, such as needing proof of residency (e.g., long-term rental agreement or utility bill). Additionally, there are warnings about banking regulations and the importance of maintaining a valid visa status to avoid account issues. Suggestions for choosing Kasikorn bank are provided, but concerns about the short validity of the Non-O visa highlight the need for clarity on extensions and account maintenance.
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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Tony **********
You should be fine at any bank except Bangkok bank. That you're out of the country without a valid visa could be an issue if you are challenged.
2 days ago
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Deniz *********
If you don't want to get the extension then after 3 months your 90 days visa( non O visa) will be expired and you will have the status of a tourist and so not be eligible for having a Bank account in Thailand. You should close your account. But my question is why do you want to apply for a non O Visa when you don't want it? If it's only for opening a Bank account then don't do it. Banks checks accountss and will call you to go to the branch and verify your identity. This happened some months ago and tens of thousands of accounts were frozen.
3 days ago
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Kim *********
@Deniz ********
 he wants to open a bank account and a non o is a good way to do that. So of course he should do that. Many accounts frozen by Bangkok Bank - not other banks and that has nothing to do with "being a tourist". Of course no accounts are closed because you are a tourist.
2 days ago
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Graham ******
@Deniz ********
 you need to do not such thing, the account sits there until required
3 days ago
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Fortune ************
@Deniz ********
 Only BB dit it , no problems with other banks.
3 days ago
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Maitin *******
@Fortune ***********
 while that might be true for now, it might not in the future. All the banks are operating under the same banking rules. While BBL has been first to act ( because of alleged bad post deals ) the others are tightening up as well. There seems to be a push to have the banks actually follow the rules. The rules state your bed a valid long term visa to maintain a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner.

You might get away with it for a while. Might not. With the right documents opening a bank account is a simple thing. Why not just do it when you actually need it for your retirement visa?
2 days ago
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Fortune ************
@Maitin ******
 Why ask me, i am not the OP. I only say at this moment only BB do it.
2 days ago
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Fortune ************
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Yo***
if you do not extend the stay with non O visa, which has only 90 days valid, your non O visa is also expired? and you need it new again if you want it non o visa in future???
3 days ago
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Graham ******
@Yo***
 yes of course
3 days ago
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Graham ******
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Maitin *******
Maybe... Don't forget banks require a long term rental agreement or utility bill in your name. I know I recently opened one with Krungsri and just used my DL as proof of residency.

If a bank lets you slide now. They might not in the future

If all you want is QR scanning, ThaiTag seems to work well for my friends who visit.
3 days ago
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Von ***********
@Maitin ******
 I was looking at the Elite as well, but with how the last couple of years with swinging door Governments and economic uncertainty I will go year to year and see what we see.
3 days ago
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Maitin *******
@Von **********
 bingo. Retirement is low cost of entry and low risk.

Also, much of the benefits are of limited value to me.

O-X is another option if you qualify
3 days ago
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Maitin *******
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Von ***********
@Maitin ******
 yes, but you can’t put brains into monuments, so let the ones who know what they know discover the hardway.
3 days ago
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Maitin *******
@Von **********
 like most of the visa and banking stuff... I didn't care. I followed the rules and haven't had problems. The Non O with extension for retirement is cheap and cheerful. Saved me a fortune, would have bought a 20 year elite otherwise
3 days ago
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Maitin *******
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Marianne ********
@Maitin ******
 Neither of those were a requirement when I opened a couple of new accounts in Kasikorn a couple of months back.

But did need my marriage certificate and a copy of my husbands ID.

My stay is based on marriage.

Alongside my passport, and a Residence Certificate from Immigration.

Mileage will vary on this. So I would just suggest walking around and asking the branches what they need to open an account.
3 days ago
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Von ***********
@Marianne *******
 having JUST opened with Kasikorn Bank 2 weeks ago on my Non-O I can say with certainty that they NOW require either a 12mth lease with all the owner’s information and deed of title for the rented property , or proof of ownership of a property ( the Chenote ) if a condo in your name if not married to a Thai.

Seems things have changed now the BOT has cracked the whip with all banks.
3 days ago
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Maitin *******
@Von **********
 they absolutely needed it 3 months ago when I went to 5 different branches of 3 different banks in Bangkok. I was able to use my DL as proof of address, because you need proof of address to get the license. Also needed proof that the phone number was mine

All I can say is, what might have been is no longer the way it is. It's getting tightened up and I for one and I am really happy about it. Too many stupid cunts ( not directed at you ) have been fucking with the system for years.
3 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Von **********
 The branch you went to needed that.

This may or may not be the case at other branches.

The absolute best thing one can do, is walk around and ask the branches in the area one lives in, what documents they require.
3 days ago
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Von ***********
@Marianne *******
 needed it at BOTH, Sukumvit and my local area. But if you know BEST. 💪🏾
3 days ago
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Von ***********
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Maitin *******
@Marianne *******
 how did you get the residency cert.... Either need a lease agreement or tabien baan. Neither of which a short term tourist is likely to have.

I do know, as I'm doing it now, that if you move, you didn't actually need a new RC or updated address on your DL. Just fill out a form and bring bank book and passport.
3 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Maitin ******
 I've never needed a tabien baan for that.

Lease, maybe. But I am pretty sure I just had a TM30 with me the last time.
3 days ago
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Marianne ********
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Ossie *********
Kasikorn is the best
3 days ago
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Brandon ************
That should be fine to do. And you'll be setup for the future if you return and want to apply for extension.
3 days ago
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Michael *******
@Brandon ***********
 hi Brandon. If you apply for non 0 outside Thailand, dont you need health insurance?

If you apply in Thailand you dont? Mike
3 days ago
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Brandon ************
@Michael ******
 the non-O visa does not have a health insurance requirement
2 days ago
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Colin *********
@Michael ******
 Non O A for health insurance
3 days ago
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Colin *********
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Steven *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thankyou for your response Brandon 🙏
3 days ago
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Steven *******
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