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Can I open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa without a certified passport copy?
Thai bank accounttourist visaretirement visavisa conversionbanking regulationsexpat informationThailand
Aug 19, 2025
8 months ago
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTERSomeone just mentioned to open a Thai bank account without a long-term visa I need a certified copy of my US passport from the United States Embassy, Has anyone heard of this before?
This did not come from a bank employee.
Also, I am trying to open this bank account so I can convert my tourist visa (60 day) into retirement visa .. i need a bank account ..
This did not come from a bank employee.
Also, I am trying to open this bank account so I can convert my tourist visa (60 day) into retirement visa .. i need a bank account ..
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the challenges of opening a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa (60 days), particularly in connection to converting to a retirement visa. There's debate on whether a certified copy of a US passport from the embassy is required, with most participants stating that banks typically make their own copies of passports. Several comments suggest that it is quite difficult, if not impossible, to successfully open a bank account without a long-term visa or the assistance of an agent. Others recommend considering leaving Thailand to apply for the required visa from a neighboring country.
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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John *********
You have quite a web of misinformation and hysteria.
Here is the plan you should enact…..the day you enact your retirement visa, go to the bank and open a Thai bank account using that stamp in your passport. Fund the account that day to completely satisfy the visa requirement. Avoid Bangkok bank.
Now you have 89 days of bank account funding when you go to get your 12 months extension. You only need 60 days.
After getting 12 months extension, enjoy.
Here is the plan you should enact…..the day you enact your retirement visa, go to the bank and open a Thai bank account using that stamp in your passport. Fund the account that day to completely satisfy the visa requirement. Avoid Bangkok bank.
Now you have 89 days of bank account funding when you go to get your 12 months extension. You only need 60 days.
After getting 12 months extension, enjoy.
David **********
Certified Copy not needed. Opening a bank account on 60 day tourist Visa? Not gonna happen.
I originally came to Thailand on a Non-O 90 day visa. Could not get y bank to touch me until my Thai girlfriend came with me and told them we were married.
No proof, no additional questions no nothing.
I originally came to Thailand on a Non-O 90 day visa. Could not get y bank to touch me until my Thai girlfriend came with me and told them we were married.
No proof, no additional questions no nothing.
Frank **********
The only time I needed a certified copy is when I got married here in Thailand.
Wayne ********
The bank asked me for a certified copy of my passport to open an account about five years ago. I tried to get an appointment for notary at the Bangkok US Embassy had to wait for about a month to get in so I went to Chiang Mai US consulate and they had appointments available within about seven days so that’s how I got my certified copy of my passport, and I’m not sure but I think I may have had to get it. Translated as well.
John **********
You may find it easier to leave Thailand and apply for the visa at a nearby consulate. Return with the visa and open the bank account for the extension of stay
Max *************
If a certified passport copy from the US works, then I'm Donald Duck.
Frank **********
The US Embassy will certify a copy of it for $50 but the bank really doesn't need it as they will make their own copy.
Max *************
@Frank *********
It's not the same thing. A certified copy might be asked for sometimes, but never at a bank.Frank **********
@Max ************
I know. That is why said the bank will make their own copy.Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
Pete Pete "Also, I am trying to open this bank account so I can convert my tourist visa (60 day) into retirement visa .. i need a bank account" ..
You will find it next to impossible to get a bank account opened on a tourist visa. There is an agency in Bangkok who offers this, if you buy their whole package: bank account, 90-days Non-O visa and 12-months extension of stay. If using your own funds, the price starts at 60,000 THB
You will find it next to impossible to get a bank account opened on a tourist visa. There is an agency in Bangkok who offers this, if you buy their whole package: bank account, 90-days Non-O visa and 12-months extension of stay. If using your own funds, the price starts at 60,000 THB
Jan ******************
For individuals holding a tourist visa, no bank account and seeking to apply for a retirement visa and one-year extension of stay, it may be beneficial to consult with
@THAI *****************************
for guidance on the application process. All one your own it’s unfortunately not possible anymore.Randy *******
@Jan *****************
I totally agree with youReply to
Randy *******
Reply
David **********
The bank will want your actual passport, not a certified copy. That being said, without a long-term visa or the help of an agent, you're pretty much out of luck.
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
it appears agents are having a hard time also.I cannot understand how having a bank account is required to acquire a long term visa with these new banking regulations in place.
Very frustrating
David **********
@Pete *****
so everyone says "you need a visa to open a bank account and you need a bank account to open a visa". This is NOT true. You get a visa (Non-O) for retirement, marriage, etc BEFORE coming to Thailand. Then once you arrive in Thailand, you get a 90 day stamp. So your first order of business is opening a bank account. Go to immigration and get a residence certificate, get a Thai phone number (passport must match name on phone account) and then go to the bank. If you are organized, patient, and polite, you should have no issues.Doug ********
@David *********
you can get issues now.Max *************
@David *********
Correct, but it seems like a lot of people still doesn't have a clue how to do it, and are yapping about agents or about how hard it is to open an account.Doug ********
Max Fredriksson...I knew exactly how to do it. Had all the correct paper work and with the 90 day non o retirement visa the first three banks in udon thani, said NO.
The fourth , Krungsgri said yes so stop your KNOW ALL comments. Many people ARE getting more issues now on opening a bank account even WITH everything that used to make it easy .OK..
We aren't all stupid as your post infers ..it IS getting more difficult..get over yourself and actually believe what many saying...you probably got yours ages ago so get yourself updated ...
The fourth , Krungsgri said yes so stop your KNOW ALL comments. Many people ARE getting more issues now on opening a bank account even WITH everything that used to make it easy .OK..
We aren't all stupid as your post infers ..it IS getting more difficult..get over yourself and actually believe what many saying...you probably got yours ages ago so get yourself updated ...
Pete ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
thank you , I believe I can start the process to convert my tourist visa into a non-o retirement from within Thailand. I’ll have to start with immigration again in Nonthaburi.Pete *******
@Pete *****
you can, but, will need an agent to assist.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Pete *******
You by yourself will not be opening a bank account with a tourist visa. You will need the assistance of an agent.
Mica *********
You may find it impossible to open a bank account on a tourist visa, regardless of paperwork you have.
Randy *******
@Mica ********
if you’re in Thailand already you’ll have to leave and go to another country to get the Type O visa.  I want to Loas  because my visa agent had an office there.  Then when you come back  the visa I think it’s called a residency  document. You only have 90 days to get your money in the bank season it for two months and then get your  retirement visa.  that’s how it worked for me anyway.Mica *********
@Randy ******
it's not my postReply to
Mica *********
Reply
Maitin *******
I don't believe you can currently convert a tourist visa. You need a non O 90 day single entry visa. Apply online at home country. Then you "should" be able to get everything done when in thailand. It had definitely become more complicated than when I did it.
It sucks but. Get an agent and get it done with minimal aggravation
It sucks but. Get an agent and get it done with minimal aggravation
Reply to
Maitin *******
Reply
Steve ***********
Passport is more certified than the employee of the bank
Nongnuch ********
It is not the job of an embassy to verify a passport. Such a thing is not within the scope of an embassy's duties. They can only verify a copy, not the passport itself
Max *************
@Nongnuch *******
Not correct, several European embassies/consulates certifies passport copies,but for a fee.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Paul *******
Very unl;ikey to be able to open a bank account unless you have a long tern visa or extension of stay.
Robert *********
That’s misinformation, the bank will make a copy of your actual passport.
Robert *********
I’ll add I just opened an account at Krungsri bank. I had to sign the copy made of my passport.
Max *************
@Robert ********
That's how it works everywhere, but it's not same as a certified copy of a passport.Robert *********
@Max ************
you’re correct, it’s not certified. The catch is you would use your passport for identification to get the copy certified, makes no sense.Max *************
@Robert ********
You might for several reasons, not for opening bank accounts, need a certified passport copy. If you don't know what it is, just Google it.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Stuart *********
Not heard of having a certified copy of passport before but without an agent you would probably need way more than that these days.
It theoretically is possible but currently that’s just a theory.
It theoretically is possible but currently that’s just a theory.
Max *************
@Stuart ********
Several European embassies/consulates issues certified passport copies. It won't do any good at a bank afaik.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
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