Answered6 days ago
Can I open a Thai bank account with a visa-exempt entry before securing a Non-O retirement visa?
Edit: I’ve been hoping someone here would inform me of a bank that would actually allow an acct to be open under the new and tighter Thai laws.
Many are saying to get a Non-O Visa before I enter the Kingdom. Can this be done without too much hassle by visiting a Thai Embassy outside of your country (Im now in Philippines)?
Finally, getting my money back is not an issue - that’s simple. The issue is I need a Thai bank acct with 800k Baht for the purposes of Retirement Visa approval.
—————————————————————————-
Need help, guys! 🙏
Are there any Thai banks that will let me open an account on a 30-day visa-exempt entry, before obtaining a Non-O retirement visa inside Thailand?
I’m 60, currently living in the Philippines, and planning to move permanently to Thailand in mid-2027. My finances are in good shape.
Bangkok Bank froze my existing account containing ฿806,000 because I failed to update my visa status. They haven’t been helpful, and I’m considering legal advice to either unfreeze (doubt this will happen) or a different solution.
I’d prefer to transfer those funds to another Thai bank to meet the retirement visa requirements. And I also prefer to secure the Non-O inside of Thailand.
Which bank and branch will actually open an account under these circumstances? Firsthand experience would be greatly appreciated.
Please, constructive advice only. I’m frustrated enough already and just looking for solutions.
Thank you! 🙏
Many are saying to get a Non-O Visa before I enter the Kingdom. Can this be done without too much hassle by visiting a Thai Embassy outside of your country (Im now in Philippines)?
Finally, getting my money back is not an issue - that’s simple. The issue is I need a Thai bank acct with 800k Baht for the purposes of Retirement Visa approval.
—————————————————————————-
Need help, guys! 🙏
Are there any Thai banks that will let me open an account on a 30-day visa-exempt entry, before obtaining a Non-O retirement visa inside Thailand?
I’m 60, currently living in the Philippines, and planning to move permanently to Thailand in mid-2027. My finances are in good shape.
Bangkok Bank froze my existing account containing ฿806,000 because I failed to update my visa status. They haven’t been helpful, and I’m considering legal advice to either unfreeze (doubt this will happen) or a different solution.
I’d prefer to transfer those funds to another Thai bank to meet the retirement visa requirements. And I also prefer to secure the Non-O inside of Thailand.
Which bank and branch will actually open an account under these circumstances? Firsthand experience would be greatly appreciated.
Please, constructive advice only. I’m frustrated enough already and just looking for solutions.
Thank you! 🙏
Answer summary
The user seeks advice on opening a Thai bank account under the new regulations while on a visa-exempt entry, specifically in relation to their future plans for a Non-O retirement visa. After having had their account frozen by Bangkok Bank due to visa status issues, they inquire about banks that might allow account setups under their current circumstances and explore options for transferring funds to meet the retirement visa financial requirements.
33 repliesnewest first
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THAI ******************************
We can also assist with converting your visa-exempt entry to a Non-O visa while you are in Thailand, including opening a new Thai bank account and obtaining your one-year extension.
Once this process is complete, we may also be able to assist with unfreezing your existing bank accounts.
Once this process is complete, we may also be able to assist with unfreezing your existing bank accounts.
Narelle *********
Contact
@THAI *****************************
and see if they can help you.MagentaGo**********
1) you can’t open bank account without long term visa,
2) you can apply a Non-O visa (3months) outside Thailand online,
3) you can enter Thailand and open account at kbank with the visa,
4) cancel BBL account and withdraw your money transfer to new bank account.
5) after two months 800K in your account, you can extend 12months.
2) you can apply a Non-O visa (3months) outside Thailand online,
3) you can enter Thailand and open account at kbank with the visa,
4) cancel BBL account and withdraw your money transfer to new bank account.
5) after two months 800K in your account, you can extend 12months.
Marianne ********
Can you not apply for a visa before you leave?
Terary **********
Use an agent when you get here.
Marianne ********
Can you not apply for a visa before you leave?
MagentaGo**********
No bank allows short term visa to open account now. Avoid Bangkok bank, hey have no standard procedure.
Bob **********
Get the non-o before you come then they’ll unfreeze it
MagentaGo**********
No bank allows short term visa to open account now. Avoid Bangkok bank, hey have no standard procedure.
TaupeRasp*********
Bangkok Bank have acted correctly. You didn't confirm your visa status and accordingly you don't meet the requirements to hold a Thai bank account. You can get your funds easilly by visiting with the correct ID, but you are making out they are holding your funds unfairly ... they are not ... you have failed a compliance check and that's it.
TaupeRasp*********
I think people who didn't update their numbers, or who's numbers didn't match, had probelms using their accounts (meaning app and account use suspended until correct details provided).
Key Requirements
• Name Matching: The name on your mobile phone subscription (registered with providers like AIS, True, DTAC, or NT) must match the name on your bank account and mobile banking profile (such as K PLUS or Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking).
• Verification: You can check your Thai mobile number ownership by dialing *179*13-digit National ID number# (for Thais) or verifying via your mobile carrier using your passport (for foreigners).
• Penalties for Mismatches: If your details do not match, banks can restrict or suspend mobile banking access.
Key Requirements
• Name Matching: The name on your mobile phone subscription (registered with providers like AIS, True, DTAC, or NT) must match the name on your bank account and mobile banking profile (such as K PLUS or Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking).
• Verification: You can check your Thai mobile number ownership by dialing *179*13-digit National ID number# (for Thais) or verifying via your mobile carrier using your passport (for foreigners).
• Penalties for Mismatches: If your details do not match, banks can restrict or suspend mobile banking access.
Paul *******
TaupeRaspberry5284 Thai's accounts also frozen without notice or any changes. This happened to my wife. called in the bank and reinstated the same day. maybe my foreign deposits raised a flag but who really knows?
TaupeRasp*********
Yes, it is widely reported by many customers that accounts were frozen without notice. Was this unfair ? Perhaps, but the fact customers could no longer work the app or use their debit card, suggests that something was not right with the account. Furthermore, it was all over social media at the time that compliance checks were happening … so many people chose to get their house in order prior to their accounts being looked at for compliance. Myself, I travelled from Pattaya to Bangkok where my main account is, and updated my records with them etc as soon as people started reporting problems. I did the same for my other local accounts, even though everything was in order, but being pro-active saves problems down the line. Many people had issues because their phone number was registered in a different name to their bank account.
As for your solution, just apply for your 90 day visa in your own country, go to Thailand, unfreeze your account and open a new account asap.
As for your solution, just apply for your 90 day visa in your own country, go to Thailand, unfreeze your account and open a new account asap.
Greg ***********
TaupeRaspberry5284 you are overcomplicating it. The only requirement for being legally able to hold a Thai bank account is having the correct longterm-visa or longterm stay permit. New phone numbers or change of adresses are moot, they are not the reason that accounts get frozen, as they can always be updated at any point
Nando *****
OPTaupeRaspberry5284 hi Taupe, everything you said is correct except the part of them holding it unfairly. Did they inform me…No they did not! Can I get my funds, YES but that’s not the issue. The thing is Taupe, my goal is to unfreeze to qualify for Visa Retirement and a bank acct is needed for that.
Greg ***********
you need to enter on the correct Visa, a Non-Imm-visaclass. You can actually apply in your home country to the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa using the frozen 806,000 THB in your Thai bank account, you just need three months of account statements showing your name, and I hope you can still get them printed from your banking App. If not, you need other funds in another account
Nando *****
OPGreg Alexander Im not in my home country. On this basis, you still think I can get the Non-O by applying for it at a thai embassy outside of my home country? I personally do not know this and will inquire.
Greg ***********
Nando Beg John Stanners is correct, as to the fact that if you enter on the correct visa, the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa, you can get your Bangkok Bank account unfrozen and either use it to apply for the 1-year extension of stay, or withdraw the money and pay it into a new Thai bank account (preferably Kasikorn or SCB) who are more customer friendly than the Bangkok Bank. Season the deposit for two months and use it for the application to the 1-year extension
Greg ***********
Nando Beg you can apply for a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa through the e-visa online system of any Thai embassy worldwide. You just need to open their respective websites to see if the requirements contain anything specific or different from what the overall e-visa FAQ website shows. The standard requirements are:
Nando *****
OPGreg Alexander thank you Greg. Truly! 👍
Muri *****
Bbl never ask for Visa Update,except when it was lt ubused or you want new debitcard, i bank or other..to unfrezze your Money will be easy.... But new AC can't be done..better use your bbl. You even want make Nono..so they Open it
MagentaGo**********
Muri Max nope, they asked for me and many others.
Muri *****
MagentaGoldfish4443 what they ASK your. Visa .you say you want make non o so do it that's it AC open
Andy ********
Its questions like this that makes it harder for the ones who do it the right way. Get the correct visa its that simple.
Lee *************
You need Non O based on retirement, which is 3 months that will help with bank, get that sorted the get 12 month extension of stay
Greg ***********
Lee Pornsuwan any Non-Imm-Visa category is good to get a bank account opened. Doesn' necessarily have to be based on retirement
Steve *******
You personally can't open a bank account on a tourist visa/visa exemption. An agent may be able to help. Get your Non Imm O before you arrive, much easier and you should then be able to unfreeze your Bangkok Bank account.
Nando *****
OPSteve Greir thanks Steve. Are you saying one can’t get a Non-O at any thai embassy other than their home country (Im in Philippines), and as long as one is in good standing throughout all their required checks, the Non-O should be granted?
Steve *******
Nando Beg You should be able to apply for the Non Imm O visa in the Philippines
StunningA**********
Forget it
John **********
Not a single one, banks are no longer allowed to open accounts for people on tourism stamps, either visa exempt or with a tourist visa. Get the Non-O before you travel, go to your Bangkok Bank branch and show you have a Non-O and they should unfreeze your account. If they still refuse to unfreeze the account you'll be able to withdraw your funds regardless
Nigel *******
Thai Visa Center
Tony ********
No chance
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