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Can I open a Thai bank account with a tourist visa in Pattaya?
Thai Bank AccountTourist VisaNON-O VisaVisa RequirementsPattaya Banking AdviceExpat Financial ServicesImmigration PolicyThailand Visa Regulations
Aug 16, 2025
8 months ago
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHas anyone successfully opened a Thai Bank account on a Tourist visa in Pattaya in the last week please 🙏
TLDR : 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.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Anna *********
No
Ed ********
Agent told me possible but £600 charge
Holger **************
Tourists dont need bank account ...thats why they dont get IT 😎
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Holger *************
OK for those who can afford Elite visas. Dont need your stupid remark thanks 😘Holger **************
@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"
Reply to
Holger **************
Reply
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.😆 Time to move on now.
Steven ********
I did after marriage
Ann-Louise ********
No you can’t 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? 😂😂😂
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. It’s illegal. Even if someone had the connections to do it……… 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.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.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 *******
Doug Powell you were claiming it’s now more difficult to open an account holding a Non-O. It’s 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 ******
.. read people's experiences. That's more real than anything you quote.Enough said .bye🤡
Reply to
Doug ********
Reply
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 ***************
Reply to
Colin ***************
Reply
Carlos ******
Uh, thinking of buy property and then.... open once or maybe 🤔🧐
John ********
No
Hans *********
Can thank the Chinese, Russian scammers for this, they've shut it down due to them scamming .
Sornsawan **********************
How that happened 😲
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.Reply to
Andy ********
Reply
Leon ********
Buy a property and then open one.
David ********
tourist = no bank account !
Larry **********
My understanding banks won’t 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
เต๋อ *****
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 *******
@เต๋อ ****
Not true. Show proof of letter.เต๋อ *****
@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.
Arnold *******
@เต๋อ ****
post the letterเต๋อ *****
@Arnold ******
bank took them them, they have to protect them self too.Tony *******
@เต๋อ ****
what visa are you on?เต๋อ *****
@Tony ******
free, on arrival 60days, then apply non o, retire, 1 year multiple entry and approved.Reply to
เต๋อ *****
Reply
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.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
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 **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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?Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Neil *******
needed for a long term visa. Im not just a visitor thanks.Reply to
Chris **********
Reply
Belinda ******
No
Phil ******
@Chris *********
you can't nowAlbert *******
You don’t even have enough time left on your TOURIST visa to try some slick stuff . 🤣🤣🤣
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.Reply to
Andy ********
Reply
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. 👍Graham ******
@Max ************
depends on the Immigration Office whether it's 800 or 1600Max *************
@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. 😁Greg ***********
@Max ************
I have seen people pay 2000 THB in Hua Hin for a missing TM30Max *************
@Greg **********
Thats quite a lot for a missing TM30. Is that the official fine?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: ***********************************************************************************************
Andy ********
@Max ************
must be my smile 😃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 ************
im up near peturburn they seem nicer here.Max *************
@Andy *******
Maybe they realized you didn't have a clue. 😁Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Max *************
@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 *******
Who are they? Immigration?Andy ********
@Max ************
yes the fine was from immigration.Max *************
@Andy *******
Because of the TM30? That fine has been official for many years. How much did you pay? 1,600 baht?Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy *******
thank you for that informationAndy ********
@Chris *********
your welcome.Reply to
Andy ********
Reply
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 can’t help.
3rd Fact: You don’t like it when others provide facts that disprove your statements.
Learn to speak with facts not opinions.
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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 nameChris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
like a screenshot from an app or a printed certified copy you think?Graham ******
@Chris *********
A printed statement is bestReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Doug ********
@Chris *********
no bank account in your own country is ok. Three monthsChris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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?Doug ********
@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 *********
YesReply to
Max *************
Reply
Pete *******
@Doug *******
you need to use better connected agents, it’s 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 ********
@Graham *****
mate don't tell Pete power ANY thing ...he knows it all ..lolPete *******
@Doug *******
From Grace Thai Visa Centre@everyone
⚠️ Bank Account Opening Misinformation ⚠️
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 1–2 days.
If you are outside of Bangkok, you can make a short trip to the city to complete the process.
Doug ********
@Pete ******
...and what date was this posted as I can't be bothered to spend hours copying and pasting from another place.Pete *******
@Doug *******
it was posted last week. Stop spouting misinformation. Agents can open accounts for those on tourist visas.Doug ********
@Pete ******
.I don't spout information, I only say what I have experienced, wheras everything you say you claim to be 💯 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...🤡Doug ********
Pete power agents love child😂😂😂
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 again��
Reply to
Doug ********
Reply
Doug ********
@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. ByePete *******
@Doug *******
facts hurt you?Doug ********
@Pete ******
...no mate but you just keep spouting same old comment so just bored of you. Bye againReply to
Doug ********
Reply
Doug ********
@Pete ******
..lucky your in Pattaya thenReply to
Doug ********
Reply
Max *************
@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 ThailandGraham ******
@Doug *******
Yes you can if you already have a Thai bank account.Doug ********
@Graham *****
not at every office my friendThomas *******
@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.Doug ********
@Thomas ******
yes exactly,Udon thaniMax *************
@Doug *******
Very few immigration offices are not doing this change.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
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 ThailandReply to
Phil ******
Reply
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 £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 **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nigel *************
what's that? An agent?Mark *********
Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
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 friendReply to
Anthony ***********
Reply
Graham ******
@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?Reply to
Farang ******
Reply
Graham ******
Lesson learned, arrive on Non-O not a Tourist Visa
Ian *****
Cannot
Fra *****
You Need non O
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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 ThailandChris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Fra ****
from Laos?Graham ******
@Chris *********
yes, any neighbouring countryFra *****
@Chris *********
I did from Europe , can not tell you if you can do it from Laos or VietnamReply to
Fra *****
Reply
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.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Pete *******
@Chris *********
agents can assist.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
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 **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
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.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 *************
@Tony *********
Sorry, but officially a hotel is NOT accepted at most banks. How long have you been here?Fra *****
@Max ************
condo is possibleMax *************
@Fra ****
In a condo on a tourist visa and no bank account? I'm not so sure. Who knows?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 *************
@Fra ****
Yes, that's the correct way to do it.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
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! It’s not!Jan ******************
@Alex *****
It is, but only as a part of the 15 months stay process.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Pete *******
@Peter **********
still possible through an agent.Max *************
@Peter **********
It will be legal if he has the astonishing luck to open an account.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
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.Kim **********
@Lynnette ******
yeah I dunno about the person asking but it’s what happened to me. And I’m single with two kids making leaving the country complicated. It’s mostly worked out now (maybe).Lynnette *******
@Kim *********
do you know why it was denied?Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Chris **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@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?Donald **********
@Andy **********
Valid questionLynnette *******
@Donald *********
he's just another likes to chuck insults about from behind his screen. 🙄Lynnette *******
@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. 🤷 Ideally it's sensible to obtain non O before arriving. Open bank account. Then get 12 month extension.Mark *****************
@Lynnette ******
well said 👍🏻Andy ***********
@Lynn****
- I can no longer see your question but I remember it being pointlessLynnette *******
@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.Andy ***********
@Lynn****
- I remember it being a smart arse comment … but you must be ashamed of posting it as it is deletedLynnette *******
@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****
- 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 **********
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****
- these forums are set up to advise people and share experiences… your post is totally useless - just asking them why they did it wrong !!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. .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.Andy ***********
@Lynn****
- you deleted the postAndy ***********
@Lynnette ******
- smart arseReply to
Andy ***********
Reply
Jim ********
Borderline impossible from what all the agents are telling me
Reply to
Jim ********
Reply
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