Unanswered10 days ago

Can I open a Thai bank account with a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) without a work permit?

Thai bank account Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa banking regulations visa issues retirement visa Krabi

Enrico **********

asked Oct 17, 2026

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Hi everyone, has anyone recently managed to open a Thai bank account with a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) and no work permit?

I’ll be staying in Koh Lanta/Krabi and will need the account to deposit 800,000 THB before applying for a retirement visa after turning 50.

Which bank and branch accepted you, and what documents were required?

Thank you!🙏🏼

Summary so far

The post inquires about the possibility of opening a Thai bank account using a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) without holding a work permit, specifically to deposit funds for a future retirement visa application. While some comments suggest it's possible, many warn that it is increasingly difficult or virtually impossible to open a bank account on a tourist visa. Recommendations include applying for a Non-O visa to facilitate the account opening process.

15 repliesnewest first

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Proficient**********

You can other person with your visa have bank account

9 days ago

Proficient**********

Yes you can. Normal

9 days ago

Mark ********

ProficientCelery3854 🤡

9 days ago

Ralph *******

Go home, apply for the non O then come back and open a bank account.

10 days ago

Harold **********

No chance

10 days ago

Peter *********

Not lesson som muth to another people. Go to immigration and speak with them. You can do non-o and long stay in Thailand.

10 days ago

Luit *****************

Peter Nilsson Better listen to other peoples advise mentioned here, they are all just right.

Start with apply for non-o 90 day visa outside Thailand, and with that visa you can open a bank account in Thailand and then get extensions in country.

You can go to Immigration in Thailand to change another visa to non-o as you suggest, but then you already need to have the money in a Thai bank account.

10 days ago

Bob **********

Impossible

10 days ago

John **********

You can't open a bank account on any sort of tourist visa anymore. The simplest thing you can do is to leave Thailand to a nearby country when your METV is coming to an end and apply for the Non-O there using funds in your home bank. Then return to Thailand open a bank account and transfer the funds required for the extension of stay in the first couple of weeks as they need to be in place 2 months before applying for it

10 days ago

Steve ******

@John *********

So a Non O you can open from any country, not just your home country?, thanks.

10 days ago

John **********

@Steve *****

not every country, some require you to be resident, but no it doesn't have to be your home country. All the countries nearby to Thailand will allow you to apply for a Non-O

10 days ago

Steve ******

@John *********

thanks

10 days ago

Steve ******

Maybe an agent can do it for you, but will cost.

10 days ago