Answereda year ago
Can I open a Thai bank account with a tourist visa in Pattaya?
Has anyone successfully opened a Thai Bank account on a Tourist visa in Pattaya in the last week please π
Answer summary
Opening a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa in Pattaya has become increasingly challenging. Many expats report that banks are now reluctant to open accounts for tourists, citing internal policy changes aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring compliance with international banking standards. A common consensus is that one should ideally enter Thailand on a NON-O visa, which allows for easier access to banking services. Some agents claim they can assist tourists if they are transitioning to a NON-O visa, but this may involve additional costs and paperwork. Overall, most contributors suggest it is now nearly impossible to obtain a bank account solely on a tourist visa without leveraging the help of agents or considering alternative visa options.
188 repliesnewest first
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Anna *********
No
Ed ********
Agent told me possible but Β£600 charge
Holger **************
Tourists dont need bank account ...thats why they dont get IT π
Chris **********
OP@Holger *************
OK for those who can afford Elite visas. Dont need your stupid remark thanks πHolger **************
@Chris *********
A Tourist visit a country for a Limited time (usualy 2 ,3 weeks maybe 6).After this the Tourist usualy Return Home or Go other country ...For this use Nobody need bank account in this country.
The Problem IS Here WE are talking about people WHO are No tourists because they stay several months or even years...
These people need Visa and usefuly also bank account ...
But you should Not Call them "Tourists"
Lynnette *******
There's a very troubled bloke on here trolling me because he doesn't think questions should be asked. Yes, how dare I!Plus he "failed to see value" in my question. . He's wasted hours posting insults and random valueless comments aimed at me. Probably lonely and seeking attention. Lol. I've done my best to pander to his emotional problem.π Time to move on now.
Steven ********
I did after marriage
Ann-Louise ********
No you canβt on a tourist visa!
You will need either LTR, Retirement, Non -O !
You will need either LTR, Retirement, Non -O !
Fred ****
Need to go to immigration
Dragan **********
To answer your question .
No cannot .
Need minimum non O visa .
Only way is to go to an agency.
They may help
No cannot .
Need minimum non O visa .
Only way is to go to an agency.
They may help
Tom ********
You have more chance of winning the Thai lottery!
Art *******
Already breaking laws? πππ
Michel *************
Zero chance
Edward ******
Is it possible to open a safety deposit box at a bank?
David *******
I had no trouble can send you the contact i used
Mike ************
Go north
Joshua ***********
Man does that look like a police fishing expedition. Itβs illegal. Even if someone had the connections to do itβ¦β¦β¦ who in the world would advertise it on Facebook for a stranger?
Pete *******
@Joshua **********
it is not illegal. There is no Thai law that prohibits opening a bank account on a tourist visa. It is current bank policy.Joshua ***********
@Pete ******
check again. The Thai government has created laws preventing it recently to cut down on scams and other reasons.Doug ********
@Pete ******
.. read people's experiences. That's more real than anything you quote.Enough said .byeπ€‘
Pete *******
Doug Powell you were claiming itβs now more difficult to open an account holding a Non-O. Itβs not, no change to those on long stay visas. Your claim was then, and still is now, false. No change for long term visa holders.
Doug ********
Pete Power but you messaged me ages ago insisting bank will open account if they have what was the correct paperwork. You even told me to prove that a bank would not do for me. It seems you finally are up to date and realise some banks do prevent opening an account. Well done...you caught up
Pete *******
@Joshua **********
nope, the law change was to make banks financially responsible for customer losses due to fraudulent activity. The BOT as regulatory overseer requested a tightening of AML/KYC by the commercial banks. The banks in turn amended their own internal policies which effectively prevents now account openings for people without long term visas. As I stated there is no Thai law that prevents a tourist from opening a bank account, it is internal bank policy that prevents it.
O'nthe *****
I got one, but it was 12 years ago.. Even back then people were saying it was difficult to open account
Anthony ********
Just use your Thai girlfriends savings account
Colin ***************
Carlos ******
Uh, thinking of buy property and then.... open once or maybe π€π§
John ********
No
Hans *********
Can thank the Chinese, Russian scammers for this, they've shut it down due to them scamming .
Sornsawan **********************
How that happened π²
Benjamin *******
With the "helpers" still possible 30k ++
David ********
Luckily opened mine last year
Tony ********
You need the correct visa
Brendan ********
Have you got a non o visa .
Klering ******
You can Not Open even you have a residence Zerficat.....Just forget it
Pete **********
Not without an agent or girlfriend working in the banks they haven't
George *********
I have such an account since 1997. This year, Aug 2025, I have successfully reactivated it and received my new passbook. I was treated very well and professionally.
Andy ********
@George ********
wow, in what visa. I've had once since 2000. It is still in their system but I was unable to reactive it on a 60 day entry visa.
Leon ********
Buy a property and then open one.
David ********
tourist = no bank account !
Larry **********
My understanding banks wonβt do anymore not on a temporary visa some kind of a crackdown now.
Rangoli **********
Only American passport holders can open thai bank account on tourist visa
ΰΉΰΈΰΉΰΈ *****
Here's what worked for me: I went to immigration and asked for a letter of authorization to open a bank account. Thai banks require local statements and proof of funds. Bangkok Bank accepts this letter, but they may ask for insurance - only buy it if you don't have existing coverage.
Arnold *******
@ΰΉΰΈΰΉΰΈ ****
Not true. Show proof of letter.ΰΉΰΈΰΉΰΈ *****
@Arnold ******
your intentions can not be just open account, must be for long stay, 90+days in order to qualify.If you want to do it and need help, go to Huahin, I will put you in good hands.
ΰΉΰΈΰΉΰΈ *****
@Arnold ******
bank took them them, they have to protect them self too.Arnold *******
@ΰΉΰΈΰΉΰΈ ****
post the letterΰΉΰΈΰΉΰΈ *****
@Tony ******
free, on arrival 60days, then apply non o, retire, 1 year multiple entry and approved.
Tony *******
@ΰΉΰΈΰΉΰΈ ****
what visa are you on?
Alan *****
If you already have a Thai bank account is it are they going to let you keep it
Max *************
@Alan ****
He doesn't have a Thai bank account.
Neil ********
Why would a tourist need a bank account? Long term visa only now
Alain *******
@Neil *******
not a very clever remark.Max *************
@Neil *******
That wasn't a very smart question.Chris **********
OP@Max ************
like you say why would a tourist need a Thai Bank account. Not a smart answer eitherMax *************
@Chris *********
I never asked that question. Are you maybe a bit confused?Chris **********
OP@Neil *******
needed for a long term visa. Im not just a visitor thanks.
Andy *******
Fuck no
Jon *****
@Andy ******
Fuck OK
Belinda ******
No
Phil ******
@Chris *********
you can't now
Albert *******
You donβt even have enough time left on your TOURIST visa to try some slick stuff . π€£π€£π€£
Andy ********
@Albert ******
it does get tight. Especially having the necessary funds in the account for two months as well. Transferring money has been a headache also.Andy ********
Just opened an account the other day. You must have stamp in passport saying visa o. Even then you need all the paperwork to back up the application. I'm living at my girlfriend's place. She had to confirm so much. So good luck on that one.
Andy ********
Your right about it being years old but im a newbie at this. The fine was 800 baht.
Max *************
@Andy *******
Then you were lucky. Thats a 50% discount. π
Greg ***********
@Max ************
Q. Does my Thai wife have to report my address to Immigration?A. Homeowners must inform Immigration within 24 hours if they have a foreigner staying at their house. This can be done using form TM30. This only needs to be done the first time. Homeowners face a fine of not exceeding 2,000 Baht while hotel managers could be fined 4,000 to 8,000 Baht. . . officially from Immigration Samut Prakan:
********************************************************************
Greg ***********
@Max ************
Failure to file a TM30 in Thailand can lead to various consequences, including fines ranging from 800 to 5000 Baht depending on the circumstances. If you do not report your change of residence through TM30, you might face issues when dealing with immigration, such as being fined at the immigration office, inability to obtain visa extensions, or having serious repercussions like deportation in extreme cases. It's important to ensure that either the landlord or one staying in a property reports the TM30, as it is a legal requirement. not official but: ***********************************************************************************************
Max *************
@Greg **********
Thats quite a lot for a missing TM30. Is that the official fine?Greg ***********
@Max ************
I have seen people pay 2000 THB in Hua Hin for a missing TM30Max *************
@Graham *****
Officially 1,600 in Jomtien, but I've heard people getting away with 800 when complaining and asked for a supervisor. Many years ago there was an older female IO working at the TM30 desk. She was the worst ever working there, but luckily she was replaced by a younger more friendly girl that people actually could reason with. π
Graham ******
@Max ************
depends on the Immigration Office whether it's 800 or 1600Max *************
@Andy *******
Maybe they realized you didn't have a clue. πAndy ********
@Max ************
im up near peturburn they seem nicer here.Max *************
@Andy *******
I can't even remember how many clueless people I saw paying 1,600 baht at Jomtien immigration before the pandemic.Andy ********
@Max ************
must be my smile πMax *************
@Andy *******
You need at least a 90 days Non-O Visa.Andy ********
@Max ************
yes it's a ninety day visa I have. Spent the past few days sorting a phone. A bank account and informing them where im staying. Last time I was here they fined me for not updating my address. Its a learn as you go thing in thailand never seems to be a same rule with them.Max *************
@Andy *******
Because of the TM30? That fine has been official for many years. How much did you pay? 1,600 baht?Andy ********
@Max ************
yes the fine was from immigration.Max *************
@Andy *******
Who are they? Immigration?Chris **********
OP@Andy *******
thank you for that informationAndy ********
@Chris *********
your welcome.
Steven ******
@Chris *********
that's because the initial Non O is designed to be applied for outside of Thailand. You'd show them the *******
k in a non Thai bank account, then when you have the initial 3 month Non O you can come to Thailand and get a bank account relatively easily.Doug ********
Even agents are saying can't get a bank account on a tourist visa, it's not even as easy as it used to be with the non o which you need to get from out side of Thailand, well that's what most immigration offices say..I went to Laos
Pete *******
@Doug *******
speak with facts.1st Fact : Thai Visa Centre can today open bank accounts for those on tourist visas.
2nd Fact: You state this is impossible and agents canβt help.
3rd Fact: You donβt like it when others provide facts that disprove your statements.
Learn to speak with facts not opinions.
Chris **********
OP@Doug *******
in Laos when applying do you need to show funds in a Thai Bank account?Graham ******
@Chris *********
bank account in any country in your nameGraham ******
@Chris *********
A printed statement is bestChris **********
OP@Graham *****
like a screenshot from an app or a printed certified copy you think?Doug ********
@Chris *********
no bank account in your own country is ok. Three monthsDoug ********
@Chris *********
yes, still need but can be in your own country.
Thomas *******
@Chris *********
you need 3 months worth of statements but the most recent statement needs to show 800k baht in the account. Just went through this in Laos last month from Nong Khai immigration.Max *************
@Chris *********
YesChris **********
OP@Doug *******
so you still need to show funds in an account of some sought if applying in loas for a non o visa for Thailand is correct?Pete *******
@Doug *******
you need to use better connected agents, itβs bread and butter business for them here in Pattaya.Graham ******
@Pete ******
many Pattaya agents will disagree with you as that is where the clampdown has beenDoug ********
Pete power agents love childπππ
Doug ********
@Pete ******
.I don't spout information, I only say what I have experienced, wheras everything you say you claim to be π― percent correct. A thread a few weeks ago,loads of people tell you they experienced different to what you spout as FACT ..you denied any of them correct or they to stupid to do things right. Go back to pet power ivory towers...π€‘Pete *******
@Doug *******
it was posted last week. Stop spouting misinformation. Agents can open accounts for those on tourist visas.Doug ********
@Pete ******
...and what date was this posted as I can't be bothered to spend hours copying and pasting from another place.Doug ********
@Pete ******
one to two days needed in bangkok...funny that ....must be easy if it takes two days....mine took twenty five minutes when I found a bank that would allow it it, with my non o.Doug ********
Pete Powerthanks you proved my point...it's not east for agents.....its why some refuse. Also why don't you post the item from this agency where they say they have heard it is getting more difficult to open banks accounts and the party where they say they have had to increase prices. Same old Pete ....posting the bits helikes,not the bits he don't . Bye againοΏ½οΏ½
Pete *******
@Doug *******
From Grace Thai Visa Centre@everyone
β οΈ Bank Account Opening Misinformation β οΈ
There has been a lot of confusion in this group, with some people claiming our agency cannot help retirees on a Tourist Visa or Exempt Entry open a bank account.
This is NOT correct. We regularly assist retirees with bank account openings in Thailand, provided they intend to apply for a Non-O visa. Also there is no need to leave the country for this process.
While some agencies may not offer this service, we do.
Currently, we offer this service only in Bangkok, and the process typically takes just 1β2 days.
If you are outside of Bangkok, you can make a short trip to the city to complete the process.
Doug ********
@Graham *****
mate don't tell Pete power ANY thing ...he knows it all ..lolDoug ********
@Pete ******
..can't be bothered with you Pete ypuu always right..you been spouting on about how easy it is to get bank accounts based on ancient history. ByeDoug ********
@Pete ******
...no mate but you just keep spouting same old comment so just bored of you. Bye againPete *******
@Doug *******
facts hurt you?Doug ********
@Pete ******
..lucky your in Pattaya thenMax *************
@Doug *******
You can change from for example a 60 days tourist visa to a 90 days Non-O at immigration,but you need a bank account to meet financial requirements. So, it's basically a catch 22 for this guy.Doug ********
@Max ************
, if you have a bank account sure,but this guy hasn't I don't thinkDoug ********
@Max ************
some people say can Go from visa exempt to non o within Thailand but the immigration officer I went to said definitely not,had to leave ThailandDoug ********
@Graham *****
not at every office my friendDoug ********
@Thomas ******
yes exactly,Udon thaniGraham ******
@Doug *******
Yes you can if you already have a Thai bank account.Thomas *******
@Doug *******
you must go to Udon Thani or Nong Khai immigration like I do. Nong Khai told me I had to go to Laos to get the non-o.Max *************
@Doug *******
Very few immigration offices are not doing this change.
Neil *******
I tried last week at two banks - no joy on tourist visa
Phil ******
@Neil ******
time for a NON O VISANeil *******
@Phil *****
I have had to go home to Uk to apply for non O visaPhil ******
@Neil ******
you can apply inside Thailand
Nigel **************
Thai Visa Centre,ask for Grace
David *******
@Nigel *************
save u time. Grace (disGracefully) askd for 60k...get a non o 90 day visa outside Thailand Β£60/$80...then fees reduce by 77% to 14k. Who said 60k greed factor is a scam? Well it's genetic ...in the dna.Chris **********
OP@Nigel *************
what's that? An agent?
Mark *********
Anthony ***********
There was an agent in BKK who said they can do it along with the visa for 60,000
Greg ***********
@Anthony **********
yes, you can get it through this agent if you buy the complete package (and supply your own 800,000 THB money!) the package being the bank account opening, the "change of visa type" to the initial 90-days Non-O visa and the application to the 12-months Extension of the Stay Permit . plus a single or multiple re-entry permit on top (recommended!) . . However you can save 55,000 to 60,000 THB if you follow Graham's adviceAnthony ***********
@Greg **********
I have my visa, bank accounts and understand the process. I know from a friendGraham ******
@Anthony **********
Plan it properly and everything can be done for under 5000B, Non-O, arrive and get bank account then extension (included).
Jan ******************
@Anthony **********
Yes the owners of this group @THAI *****************************
still manage to open a bank account for their klients as a part of a 15 months visa/long term stay package.
Farang ******
@Anthony **********
Thats included being the new CEO of that bank?Graham ******
Lesson learned, arrive on Non-O not a Tourist Visa
Ian *****
Cannot
Fra *****
You Need non O
Chris **********
OP@Fra ****
cant get a non o within Thailand without the 400 or 800k in a Thai Bank. Merry go roundFra *****
@Chris *********
do it Next time before you enter ThailandGraham ******
@Chris *********
yes, any neighbouring countryFra *****
@Chris *********
I did from Europe , can not tell you if you can do it from Laos or VietnamChris **********
OP@Fra ****
from Laos?Fra *****
@Chris *********
so how i get my non o ? When i apply I showed them my income last 3 monthsMax *************
@Fra ****
Yes, from back home.Pete *******
@Chris *********
agents can assist.
Todd *********
those days are gone. Need better than a tourist visa
Pete *******
@Todd ********
nope, still possible through agents as long as you are then immediately applying for a Non-O.
Duke *******
@Pete ******
an agent told me the same thing. Turned out to be bsTodd *********
@Pete ******
best of luck with that. But yes, agents obviously your best chance. Seems all the smart people are using them.Chris **********
OP@Pete ******
my understanding, correct me if im wrong. A non o visa which the bank requires as a minimum to open an account lasts fir 3 months and in that 3 months one can apply for a marriage or retirement visa correct. ?Pete *******
@Chris *********
wrong. A Non-O visa gives a 90 day entry stay. That visa is the marriage/retirement visa. Once you hold the Non-O visa you can then apply for a 1 year extension of stay. Not a visa, an extension of stay stamp.Max *************
Then you have to try 4th floor in Central Festival,but it will probably not work,and you need a residence certificate from immigration,and to get that you need an official address.
Fra *****
@Max ************
that should Not be the ProblemMax *************
@Fra ****
What,the residence certificate or having an official address? A hotel is not accepted. I don't know where this guy is staying.Max *************
@Fra ****
Yes, that's the correct way to do it.Fra *****
@Max ************
I did non O Visa in Europe, After I got registration from the Condo owner ! Went to Migration, after open my Bank AccountMax *************
@Tony *********
Sorry, but officially a hotel is NOT accepted at most banks. How long have you been here?
Tony **********
@Max ************
bullshit I got three residence certificate last November to open a bank account and buy a bike and have it in my name plus car and bike licence. And I was living in a hotelMax *************
@Fra ****
In a condo on a tourist visa and no bank account? I'm not so sure. Who knows?Fra *****
@Max ************
condo is possible
Peter ***********
I doubt it and if they have it won't be legitimate. Gone are the days you can open a Thai Bank account with a Tourist Visa!!
Alex ******
@Peter **********
No! Itβs not!Jan ******************
@Alex *****
It is, but only as a part of the 15 months stay process.Pete *******
@Peter **********
still possible through an agent.Max *************
@Peter **********
It will be legal if he has the astonishing luck to open an account.Pete *******
Only possible if you are transitioning to a Non-O from the tourist visa.
Kim **********
@Lynnette ******
because sometimes shit happens like a visa you thought you were gonna get gets denied too close to the time you were already flying.Lynnette *******
@Kim *********
oh that's bad. I wondered if there was a reason for the other guy. Sorry to hear that.Lynnette *******
@Kim *********
do you know why it was denied?Kim **********
@Lynnette ******
yeah I dunno about the person asking but itβs what happened to me. And Iβm single with two kids making leaving the country complicated. Itβs mostly worked out now (maybe).Chris **********
OP@Pete ******
thats what im trying to do but the banks need to see that Non O stamp in your passport firstLynnette *******
@Chris *********
things have changed and the days of entering on tourist visa and opening bank accounts has become almost impossible, I guess you didn't realise. Most banks now want to see long term visa like Non O. Shame you didn't get that before arriving.Pete *******
@Chris *********
you need to go to an agent. They open a bank account for you and the account is then frozen until you return with a valid Non-O. Cost 45-60k.Lynnette *******
@Chris *********
why did you enter in a tourist visa if you planned to get a Non O in Thailand that needs a bank account?Lynnette *******
@Andy **********
and you think your constant criticism of me are useful posts? Lol. You seem to be very bored and using this forum to target me, because you "fail to see" or understand. Bizarre. But men with problems often do use social media to target women.Lynnette *******
@Andy **********
do get a grip. "Asking" helps understand the issue so advice can be given. It's not a forum for people like you to use as a platform to be rude, constantly targeting someone who's asked a question. You have criticised and insulted me non stop on this forum. Perhaps you've got some sort of problem. .
Andy ***********
@Lynn****
- these forums are set up to advise people and share experiences⦠your post is totally useless - just asking them why they did it wrong !!Andy ***********
@Lynn****
- you deleted the postLynnette *******
@Andy **********
I asked why coming on a tourist visa if wanting to open a thai bank account for a non O in country. Simple question but seems that's difficult for you to understand or just looking for an excuse to repeatedly target me. You're a strange bloke.Andy ***********
@Lynn****
- you are giving advice after the fact . They should have applied overseas but came to Thailand and applied .. so your advice is to apply overseas ???Lynnette *******
@Andy **********
it's not deleted. Lol. Good grief, go find someone else to target. Fyi asking why someone came in on a tourist visa is a perfectly legitimate question. . If you don't like it, stop reading advice and discussion pages. No doubt you think posting insults makes you look clever.Andy ***********
@Lynn****
- I remember it being a smart arse comment β¦ but you must be ashamed of posting it as it is deletedLynnette *******
@Andy **********
then you remember wrong. It was a valid question. I realise you're just a bloke likes to be rude to people because they've nothing better to do.
Mark *****************
@Lynnette ******
well said ππ»Andy ***********
@Lynn****
- I can no longer see your question but I remember it being pointlessLynnette *******
@Donald *********
he's just another likes to chuck insults about from behind his screen. π
Donald **********
@Andy **********
Valid questionLynnette *******
@Andy **********
in what way does my question entitled you to be rude? I'm asking what the reason is. You know, there may be one. π€· Ideally it's sensible to obtain non O before arriving. Open bank account. Then get 12 month extension.Andy ***********
@Lynnette ******
- smart arse
Jim ********
Borderline impossible from what all the agents are telling me
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