Can I open a Thai bank account immediately after arriving in Thailand with a retirement visa?

Thai retirement visa bank account opening in Thailand fund transfer requirements annual deposit requirements Thai immigration rules monthly income certification

Mar 24, 2024

8 months ago

Edward ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello thanks in advance.

I’m retiring in Thailand and before I fly there I will have my Thai retirement visa in hand on arrival. Unless there is an easier way I’m happy to learn. 

I have a monthly income over the b65000. 

My question is: 

Can I open a Thai bank account and start transfering funds right away and meet the annual deposit requirements, can I open account on the next day of arriving?

Or

Do I need to deposit the 800000 and let it sit there? 

Or 

do I need something else?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires whether they can open a Thai bank account immediately after arriving in Thailand with a retirement visa, given their monthly income exceeds the required amount. They seek clarification on whether they need to deposit 800,000 THB or if they can fulfil annual deposit requirements through income certification instead. Community comments suggest that while one must often keep funds in the account for a certain duration, certification of income may allow skipping the deposit requirement.

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.

Russell ********

Generally you must have it for at least 2 months in a Thai bank accoumt before they issue the visa (thats inside TH anyway).

Some will want the bank to certify the money came from overseas.

However if you alternatively certify your monthly income, i beleive you wont need the deposit at all

@Tod ********

and team are the all seeing eye in these matters.

8 months ago

Ellie *******

@Russell *******

, OP is talking about Non-OA entry, but gonna make your comment a bit clearer. For based on retirement:

You need to have funds in your bank account for a minimum of 2 months only when you apply for a 1-year extension using the banked money method. 2 months of seasoning is not required for a visa application inside Thailand except in a few provinces.

Proof of International transfers of banked money is asked for only in-country visa applications in some provinces, not for 1-year extensions.

You can use international monthly transfers for applications for the second or later 1-year extensions if your embassy doesn't issue income affidavits instead of bank letters and logs.

8 months ago

Russell ********

@Ellie ******

sorry missed the OA part

8 months ago

Reply to

Russell ********

Jack *********

Probably need more information like what countries passport your traveling on

8 months ago

Reply to

Jack *********