Can I show funds in a Thai bank account for a METV application without raising suspicions?

METV Thailand Visa Thai Bank Account Proof of Funds UK Passport Holder Tourist Visa Visa Application Process Banking in Thailand

Dec 11, 2018

6 years ago

Jjamiee *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Might be a bit of a strange question, but maybe someone could clear it up. I’m planning on applying for a METV in either Perth/Adelaide when visiting family. I’m a UK passport holder. 

For proof of funds as I understand it I need to show AUD $8,000 or THB 200,000. 

My question is has anyone done this by showing THB200,000 in a Thai account? Doesn’t the consulate think it is strange that someone who has a bank account in Thailand (so has been working there) now wants to be a tourist?!

Would I be fine showing money sitting in a Thai account? 

Any advice welcomed

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the requirements for proving sufficient funds when applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) in Australia as a UK passport holder. The original poster is concerned about whether showing THB 200,000 in a Thai bank account might raise questions at the consulate, given their tourist visa status. Comments from the community suggest that it's not unusual for tourists to have a Thai bank account, and while some consulates may inquire about the source of funds, it is generally acceptable to show funds in any currency. Advice shared includes that personal experiences may vary depending on the consulate's staff and guidelines.

Patrick ******

On Royal Thai Embassy, DC, USA site. Nothing mentions that you need to have Thai account with Thai Baht, when you only apply tourist visa even for METV.

6 years ago

Alan ******

If you have the time to spare you can get all Thai visas from Canberra Embassy by post, just need certified copies of Bank account, all forms and requirments are on the website

6 years ago

Jennifer ****

When I applied in Sydney (I know it’s not Perth but...) they actually WANTED to see the funds in Thai Baht. And I had to explain to them that my money was in USD and CND accounts and not in thb. They allowed it but only after a discussion. I thought it was quite strange they wanted to see it in THB for a tourist visa. But each consulate/staff might be different

6 years ago

Stuart **********

Theres no reason to think that someone that has money in a Thai bank account has been working there

6 years ago

Robert ********

It is not unusual for frequent visitor to Thailand to have a local bank account. Foreigners are welcome to open bank accounts in Thailand on tourist visas.

6 years ago

Robert ********

I've opened several accounts since living here

@Benj****

and always feel welcomed. I guess it depends on your luck! As long as you are a visitor here, you must accept their terms.

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Robert ***********

It makes it sound like the banks aren't welcoming people with tourist visas to open an account. When I hear "welcome to open bank accounts", I usually don't equate that with any type of resistance.

6 years ago

Robert ********

There is no written rule banks follow...you need to just go from branch-to-branch and ask a manager, do not speak with a pencil pusher. Many will require proof of address, which can be your condo lease agreement (minimum 1 year) or similar. Some will require a work permit....just keep asking until someone agrees to help you.

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

I thought most banks don't want to open accounts on tourist visas, and they want to see a work permit? Is that different?

6 years ago

Jjamiee *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ***********

ah okay I didn’t realize that. It is an option on the requirements after all. Thanks

6 years ago

Reply to

Jjamiee *********

Shannon *************

I’ve had a friend questioned before asking why she has a Thai account on a tourist visa, so I suppose they could wonder why.

6 years ago

Stuart **********

Theres no reason to think that someone that has money in a thai account has been working there. Many people with Thai accounts transfer money in from abroad

6 years ago

Shannon *************

@Jamie ********

I guess if you have proof of previous work with the correct visa then that’d be easily solved

6 years ago

Jjamiee *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Shannon ************

thanks. Yeah if I was them, I’d be asking

6 years ago

Reply to

Jjamiee *********