Can I open two bank accounts under the same name for a retirement visa in Thailand?

Aug 2, 2024
5 months ago
Jeffrey *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Arriving in Thailand February/March of 2025. Once I get there I’ve decided to use an agent to get everything set up for retirement visa. I have a question about a bank account. Is it possible to set up two accounts under the same name at the same bank? I want to deposit the 800k baht in one account and then use a different account for day to day spending and deposits. I prefer not to have to worry about the 800k account falling below the required amount at any time. I know I can do this in the US, but not sure in Thailand as an expat. Thanks in advance!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, it is possible to open two bank accounts under the same name at the same bank in Thailand, including for the purpose of managing a retirement visa. Many users have affirmatively reported being able to do this, where one account holds the required 800,000 baht and the other is for daily expenditures. However, different banks may have varying policies regarding account types and requirements. It’s recommended to consult with the bank directly or a local agent for the specific requirements, as they may have updated regulations or recommend using separate banks for easier management.
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.
Bjorn ********
Make sure you keep a little more than the 800k on the “immigration” account if you are not going to pay attention tot be account. There might be annual fees from the bank that’ll draw down the amount and some IOs are sticklers for keeping the amounts completely at or above the required amounts.
Edna *******
@Bjorn *******
why would they draw down? In that case I’m assuming there’s no interest on the 800TB ?
Bjorn ********
@Edna ******
yes. Some accounts yield no interest and require an annual or bi-annual maintenance fee. Not much, I think my account had less than ฿300.

However, some IO may respond negatively to ฿799.700 in the account.

If I wanted to “set it and forget it”, I would deposit an extra ฿1000.

Unless, you open an interest bearing account like discussed elsewhere in this thread.
Bart **************
Yes that's possible.
Dave **********
I have three accounts with the sane bank and I never have used an agent. I do have a Tabien Baan for non-resident foreigners which continues to make my life easier with places like banks.
Terary **********
@Dave *********
Is there an advantage to having a "yellow" house book, over a "blue" house book?
Dave **********
Robert ****
I use 2 separate bank accounts. My Bangkok Bank is used for all visa related expenses, monthly Wise transfer, and my rent payment. I also use a Kasikorn Bank account for daily spending, especially QR payments. I can transfer money between bank accounts within seconds using their banking apps.
Chris *******
If you qualify and have the 800k,

Obtain the 90 day non-o visa based on retirement (not OA) BEFORE you come thru the evisa system.

It's extremely easy, just upload docs.

Then when you arrive you will have an easier time opening a bank acct. or 2, with a visa and a residence certificate from immigration.

After that money is transfered you apply for 1 yr.

Do not waste your money on an agent.
Ting **********
Hi

I have better option pls contact me for more information but yes still have to open bank acc which is incloud my service too.

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For more information

please contact Khun Ting

☎️Mobile: +66 84 236 1993

🆔️ Line: tpossible

📳WhatsApp: +66 (0) 84 236 1993

📲Wechat: UBelievePossible

=======================
Rene ********
Yes, till now at least
Kenny *****
I opened 2 accounts with same name one for the 800k and one for daily spending no problem with K bank.

But be prepared to get all docs with you.

Passport, visa info, proof of residence (lease contract - make sure all name/passport # match on lease contract some bank examine them letter by letter). Get to bank early it took them quite sometimes to finish 1 account.
Dennis *********
You can also just open your 2nd account at a different bank

Might be a bit easier
Von ******
@Dennis ********
would have been my suggestion too, provides for easier management and maybe even a little competition with interest rates.
James *********
Sure
Stephen ********
Yes, but they cannot be the same type of account. I opened a second with bangkok bank last November. The account appears on the BB app bur I can onkt transfer money into ut using the app. If I want to withdraw from it, I have to go into any BB branch in the same Province. Cannot do anything outside of privince
Bart **************
@Stephen *******
can be same type of account as well.
Stephen ********
@Bart *************
not according to Bangkok Bank
Ian ********
I have two accounts, one for visa money and the other for spending

You would be much better off getting your Non O visa before you travel here, it's very easy to do and then you can open bank accounts much easier with an Non O.

Getting the visa your home country saves so much hassle!
Conny **********
Yes. If you getting non o visa. You need passport and a resident permit from immigration. Ask your temporary hotel for the paperwork needed. This is the easiest thing you will ever do in Thailand...
Todd *********
Yes - no problem. Agent can assist
Ning ******
You can diy, it is not that hard.
Steve **********
The rules changed recently on this for some reason. My agent told me the only way to get two accounts now is if one is a “fixed” account.

I have a fixed account that I dumped the 800k into and I never touch it.

I have a standard debit card account that I use for my daily activities.
Graham *******
@Steve *********
you mean its a fixed term account and you cannot draw down on it?
Steve **********
@Gra***
there are a bunch of rules but to get the full term interest they guarantee you have to leave it a specific period of time. The interest is absolutely minimal so if you withdrew and lost that benefit it wouldn’t be impactful. There are others like no online banking, minimum deposit is 2000 baht and others I don’t remember. I opened it 5-6 years ago.

It could have changed since then but that’s what I remember and if being honest I don’t pay much attention because I deposited and forget about it.
Graham *******
@Steve *********
the concern i had is does immigration require the deposit to be instant access, the money is there in case of emergency.
Steve **********
@Gra***
I have had that for years and they never cared.
Graham *******
Graham *******
its hard enough to open one account t these days. For the 800k, you need that when u apply but can go to 400k after 3 months but must be back up at 800k 3 months before you apply for a renewal.
Jan ******************
Yes, no problem. Use a savings account for the 800K baht.
Steve *******
Exactly how I do it. Two separate accounts, both with Bangkok Bank.
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