Unanswered9 months ago
Can I open a Thai bank account with a tourist visa?
Can I open a Thai bank account with a tourist visa? I have a Thai girlfriend of 3 years
Summary so far
The discussion revolves around whether someone on a tourist visa can open a bank account in Thailand. The consensus is that it is generally not possible to open a bank account with just a tourist visa. Many participants suggest that obtaining a NON-O visa or engaging an agent to navigate the bureaucratic requirements is essential. Some comments highlight anecdotes and financial advice, including the need for a significant deposit upon account opening and the role of having a Thai girlfriend or owning property, which does not guarantee account approval.
61 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Oo *****
No. Not in my opinion.
Fabio *********
The gf info is VERY relevant to open a bank account
ConfidentR***********
Need a Thai girlfriend for 5 years to qualify
Pierre *********
No
Gary ************
No
Michael ******
With $ and a service of course ITS THAILAND
Jo ******
Shouldn’t you take her to kindergarten first before thinking about a bank account?
Miguel **********
Sounds so wrong 😂. Maybe try saying you have been dating a Thai lady for over 3 years now.. so people don't think your gf is 3 years old. Golden tip of the day for you buddy 😂✌️
Paul ********
er I don't think the GF is relevant dude
Jim *******
Paul Wallis Irrelevant the GF is. Initial TM30, residence address, house books (hers) , her Thai ID, you are like a 6 years old without her.
Nongnuch ********
you could, but only if you buy an agent's "full package". This means you and the agent need to arrange for the bank account opening, the "change" from a touristic entry to the initial Non-Imm-O Visa and the subsequent 1-year extension of the stay permit. You won't find an agent willing to get a bank account opened for you just for the fun of it. . . . . Agent's prices for the "full package" start up from 60,000 THB for such a service because they need to get around the existing law
Peter *********
No.
Jay *****
The terms of opening a bank account is not based on how you have a girlfriend for how long.
Symon *********
No
Simon *******
An agent can still open a bank account if they a getting you a non O visa with a yearly extension, they will provide the 800,000bht but it will you
*****
bhtNongnuch ********
Simon Adams correct, he needs an agent to get around the law
Simon *******
Nongnuch Kamdee I am only informing them of one of their options not forcing them to get around the law!
Mark *********
in 2024 I hired an agent who went with me to a Bangkok Bank branch and we went through all the paperwork to open an account. then about 9 months later they close my account cuz I never went back and updated my tourist visa to a non-o which is why I open the account in the first place. can agents get you a bank account with a tourist visa these days?
Nongnuch ********
Mark Schultz you can still get it done, but only if you buy an agent's "full package". This means you and the agent need to arrange for the bank account opening, the "change" from a touristic entry to the initial Non-Imm-O Visa and the subsequent 1-year extension of the stay permit. You won't find an agent willing to get a bank account opened for you just for the fun of it. . . . . Agent's prices for the "full package" start up from 60,000 THB for such a service because they need to get around the existing law
Graham ******
Nongnuch Kamdee there is no law preventing a tourist from opening a Thai bank account, it is the chosen policy of the banks
Peter *********
Mark Schultz no
Maik ******
Hahahaha Go to Bank and try 🤣🤣
Terry ********
That is pretty sick you could wait till she is 5 before telling anyone 🥴
Jim ***********
You sure had gf 3 years ? Amazed you need bank account as normally 3 years you been rinsed by then 0 money left
John *******
No need you already have thai bank account for last 3years
Sukanya ***********
Your gf is 3 ?
Michael ***********
Sukanya Propertys OMG..that joke is too good. 😆 🤣 😂
Ruud ******************
I hope you mean you have already 3 years a Thai girlfriend
Jimmy ******
Try K bank. They have a semi service account where you deposit foreign currency and conducts local transactions with free ATM access without costly fees. I generally keep enough for vacation expenses but not to engage in full business activities or purchase high value items
Nongnuch ********
Jimmy Wang you could, but only if you buy an agent's "full package". This means you and the agent need to arrange for the bank account opening, the "change" from a touristic entry to the initial Non-Imm-O Visa and the subsequent 1-year extension of the stay permit. You won't find an agent willing to get a bank account opened for you just for the fun of it. . . . . Agent's prices for the "full package" start up from 60,000 THB for such a service because they need to get around the existing law
Kevin *******
Just give your gf all your money and buy her a house
Robert ************
Kevin Klatt im lucky my thai girlfriend came too america married me and learned my job and works with me and has saved her own money so far she has save 9 million baht 7.5 years we have 3 years 11 months to go and she said she will buy brand new home with her money. and i can live there for free
Tongjun **
Robert Harrington
That’s nice,
I thought she would charge you rent,
That’s nice,
I thought she would charge you rent,
Jeff *************
Robert Harrington 2 to 3 million baht will buy you a pretty good house in Thailand, why does she need more then that before she buys?
Robert ************
Jeff Hoffmeister she has 9 million now. but we will still work until im 65 3 years and 11 months more. i dont want her buy the house now because it will just be sitting there empty for almost 4 years and she dont want too rent it out
Robert ************
Jeff Hoffmeister oh yes she said she will be able too buy new house for 3.5 million baht. because she wants too save more she saves
***
of every paycheck. she will have about 12 or 13 million baht in her account and i will have about 25 million baht in my account. after she buys house and new car. will still have about 32 million baht too live off interest for 5 years then 70 i will get another 128,000 baht a month from my government social security. i got really lucky she did not change when getting here too america. she sends her family every month money too help them about 8,000 dollars a year. she pays half all the rent electric phone buys all her own food at asian stores. and saves ***
evry payday. she had dream same me. i came home from living thailand in 2015 went back too work started the petition for her in 2016 i picked her up at the airport in 2017 she had a suit case. we have never looked back. cant wait too retire too thailand 3 years 11 months too go. and we go vacation every year thailand for 3 weeks.
Andrew ***************
Robert Harrington same same
Doug *******
Robert Harrington I’m always grateful when a foreign man speaks respectfully about a Thai woman because there are far too many who speak so poorly. Sad thing now is that it’s extremely difficult for a Thai to get a US visa.
Doug *******
Robert Harrington I would never want my Thai woman to live in The Divided States of America. But to visit a few weeks each fall would be great.
Robert ************
Doug Olson so true I heard he suspended all Thai visas except student and tourists. Probably need wait until this administration is over I got lucky I got her here. I keep preaching too her get your us citizenship done she has the 5 years in already
Robbie *******
That sounds like a splendid idea , totally fool proof . 🤪 .
Kurt *************
if you own a condo yes, if you dont. NO
John *********
Kurt J Oldervik not true
Nongnuch ********
Kurt J Oldervik Owning a condo does NOT cut any ice! He could get a bank account opended, but only if he buys an agent's "full package". This means he and the agent need to arrange for the bank account opening, the "change" from a touristic entry to the initial Non-Imm-O Visa and the subsequent 1-year extension of the stay permit. You won't find an agent willing to get a bank account opened for you just for the fun of it. . . . . Agent's prices for the "full package" start up from 60,000 THB for such a service because they need to get around the existing law
Kurt *************
Nongnuch Kamdee yes... i know someone who just did it.. he didnt buy a agent package or anything. He went to kasikorn with his book and got an account. With a tourist visa...
Stephen ********
Kurt J Oldervik Even if you own a condo you can no longer open a bank account if you have only a tourist visa. Must be a non-immigrant visa
Kurt *************
Stephen Howell no, if you own a condo, your book can make sure you get an account.
Stephen ********
Kurt J Oldervik Banks are not interested in your book - they want to see a long term visa
Jason **********
Kurt J Oldervik nothing can make sure you get an account even if you own a property in
*********
on a tourist visa, its a branch discretion, not impossible but not as easy as it was pre 2025
Karl *******
No, but your girlfriend can
Farang ******
Karl Keyte No she can not, you need to be at least 12 years old. I did open an bank account last week. She is only 3 years old. Wait 9 years or Non o.
Jo ******
Karl Keyte she can't, she is only 3
Captivating***********
OPKarl Keyte any other way I can open? I’m planning to move there
Nongnuch ********
CaptivatingCaribou4050 you could, but only if you buy an agent's "full package". This means you and the agent need to arrange for the bank account opening, the "change" from a touristic entry to the initial Non-Imm-O Visa and the subsequent 1-year extension of the stay permit. You won't find an agent willing to get a bank account opened for you just for the fun of it. . . . . Agent's prices for the "full package" start up from 60,000 THB for such a service because they need to get around the existing law . . .having a Thai girlfriend does not cut any ice, same as owning a condo does not cut any ice, either
Jeff *************
CaptivatingCaribou4050 need a non O that you pay for before you get here, then have 800,000 baht to put in the account once you open it, if you dont have at least 800,000 baht I would advise you not to move here
David **********
CaptivatingCaribou4050 If you are planning to move to Thailand, a tourist visa will not be sufficient.
Stephen ********
CaptivatingCaribou4050 Get a long term visa
Ryan ********
CaptivatingCaribou4050 on a tourist visa, no.
Lynnette *******
CaptivatingCaribou4050 get Non-O visa before you arrive if you can. Then open bank account.
Michael **********
CaptivatingCaribou4050 get the correct visa,
Davide ***********
CaptivatingCaribou4050 get a non-tourist visa
Activity
44 joined44
people
Related
25What visa options should I consider for retiring in Thailand and how can I manage my husband as a dependent?
6.3k261424mo
Can I get a 90-day tourist visa if I'm planning to retire in Thailand and encountered issues with the Non-O visa application?
2.1k12356mo
How can I open a Thai bank account in Bangkok on a Non-O visa without an agent?
4.4k38419mo
Can you enter Thailand multiple times on a visa exemption without issues in 2025?
9.4k65951y
Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa while waiting for my DTV visa approval?
6.4k401011y
Can I open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa before applying for a retirement visa?
9.4k701201y
What happens if I enter Thailand with a pending e-visa application?
7.5k40422y
Can I apply for a new visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa, or do I need to leave the country?
1.9k13122y
Should I apply for a tourist visa or can I enter Thailand visa free after my recent stay?
2.3k18162y
Can my mother apply for a retirement visa in Thailand while on a tourist visa and what are the requirements for her and my brother?
4.7k39412y
Should I use an agent or go DIY for my retirement visa in Thailand?
6.5k46682y
Can expats open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa while buying property?
5.3k46413y
Can someone open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa while planning to switch to a retirement visa later?
4.1k35353y
Is it better to arrive in Thailand on a tourist visa and then switch to a retirement visa or to get the retirement visa beforehand?
4k29453y
How can I open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa to obtain a marriage visa?
7.8k77483y
What is the best visa strategy for a US citizen married to a Thai national while waiting to register their marriage in Thailand?
2.2k15213y
What visa should a US military veteran over 50 apply for to move to Thailand?
3.6k31173y
What is the process and requirements for obtaining a NON-O retirement visa in Thailand upon arrival?
3k24243y
Can my wife apply for a NON-O visa as a dependent while I apply for one in Thailand?
686244y
What are the challenges and tips for opening a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa?
2.6k2474y
Should I apply for a 60-day tourist visa or use the 30-day visa exemption to obtain a Non-immigrant O visa in Thailand?
2.6k19255y
How long must the 800,000 baht stay in the bank for retirement visa renewal in Thailand?
2.3k18165y
Can you convert a tourist visa to a Non-O visa in Thailand?
2.2k11306y
Do you need a return flight ticket for a Thai visa application?
3.6k37116y
What options do I have for obtaining a visa in Thailand if I lose my job?
1.4k4236y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served