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Can retirees on a Tourist Visa or Exempt Entry open a bank account in Thailand?

Bank Account OpeningVisa RulesRetirement VisaNon-O VisaExempt EntryThailand Banking RegulationsExpats in Thailand
Aug 6, 2025
3 days ago
Grace ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
**@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.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion clarifies that retirees on a Tourist Visa or Exempt Entry can indeed open a bank account in Thailand, as long as they intend to apply for a Non-O visa. This service is currently available in Bangkok and typically takes 1-2 days. Although misinformation has circulated in the group about the difficulties of retirees opening accounts, the agency providing assistance emphasizes that they can help with this process without requiring individuals to leave Thailand. The cost for their package, which includes visa-related services, is around 59,000-60,000 THB but may vary.
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
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Lulu *******
Can you help open a bank account in Bangkok for someone on a dtv visa?
a day ago
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Pete **********
Can you answer a somewhat banking related question regarding visa renewal and financial requirements and banking issues.
2 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Pete *********
 You can ask our team via LINE:

**********************
2 days ago
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THAI ******************************
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Thomas ********************
I think a lot of the confusion comes from, erm, Chonburi.
2 days ago
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Michael ********
What Bank ?
3 days ago
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Peter *********
I was lucky to open a account in Krungsri bank in Hua Hin with a little help of my wife 😁 but we been married for 27 year
3 days ago
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Carol **********
Thanks for the advice 👍
3 days ago
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David *******
How much does this cost?
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@David ******
 At this time, we offer this as a complete package, which includes:

▪️ Initial bank account opening

▪️ 3-month Non-O visa

▪️ 12-month retirement extension

The current cost is 60,000 THB, but this amount can fluctuate. If you take a screenshot of this message as a member of our private group, we can offer it for 59,000 THB.

Please note, rates may increase in the future. As with most of our services, it’s best to apply early or lock in your rate. Our fee is based on your specific situation and may change.

You can contact us via LINE ( https://tvc.co.th/line ), or EMAIL (
**************
**********************
), or EMAIL ( help@tvc.co.th ).
3 days ago
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David *******
@THAI *****************************
 if I arrive with a 90 day non O retirement visa how much for you to open my bank account and obtain one year extension ?
3 days ago
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David *******
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Christian **********
Great information, thanks 😊
3 days ago
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Tony *****
If I have a certificate of residence in Phetchabun but wanted to open a Kasikorn account with you can you do this? I am already on 90 day Non O for retirement. Thanks
3 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Tony ****
 If you already have a Non-O you should be able to go get a bank account on your own without the help of an agent.
3 days ago
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Tony *****
@Marianne *******
 it’s proving very difficult with Kasikorn. I’ve been turned down by 6 branches so far in different areas. All branches told me they’ve been instructed not to open for foreigners unless in possession of yellow book or am married to Thai.

Apparently they informed me it’s all changed in the last three weeks

I am on a non o for retirement.
3 days ago
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Marianne ********
@Tony ****
 I asked my branch in Cha Am, if just regular Non-O was ok.

They said that was fine, no problem.

But she might have meant for marriage as well. You never know.

She did seem surprised when I told her people are having problems with regular Non-O though.
3 days ago
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Tony *****
@Marianne *******
 I know. It appears it’s a province issue. I was in Jomtien and they offered to open an account. Unfortunately I was missing a piece of paperwork. But they had no issues at all. Locally to me in Phetchabun and surrounding provinces it’s a complete no no. Both SCB and Kasikorn saying the same.
2 days ago
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Tony *****
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THAI ******************************
@Tony ****
 Unfortunately, if you did not coordinate your Non-O visa application with our team, there is currently a significant additional fee.

The charge ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 THB, depending on the province where your visa was obtained.
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
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Maxim ***********
Question about this part: "provided they intend to apply for a Non-O visa".

How do you enforce that? Do people who open bank account with you need to do Non-O with TVC, or they can do it themselves? In other words: Are both services tied or not with each other?
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Maxim **********
 We must handle the whole process.

▪️ Initial bank account opening

▪️ 3-month Non-O visa

▪️ 12-month retirement extension
3 days ago
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Maxim ***********
I ask because I'm currently with Bangkok Bank but would love to switch (for obv reason).
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Maxim **********
 If you already have a yearly extension, opening a bank account should be very straightforward.

Some branches may also allow account opening even with just a Non-O visa.

We recommend trying with the following banks:

▪️ TTB (TMBThanachart Bank)

▪️ LH Bank (Land and Houses Bank)
3 days ago
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Paul *********
@THAI *****************************
 So if I applied for non o in UK and come to Pattaya, can you help with opening an account there? Bangkok is no use to me as I won't be living there. I Probably would be coming to you to sort out the visa as well. Thanks
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Paul ********
 We can only assist with the bank account services in Bangkok.

Once you have your yearly retirement visa you can easily open a bank account in Pattaya.
3 days ago
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Paul *********
@THAI *****************************
 Not really much help when I need an account to get the visa. Thanks anyway.
2 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Paul ********
 If you need us to help with account opening, and first time yearly extension we charge as follows ( but not non-o ).

▪️ Initial bank account opening (15,000)

▪️ 12-month retirement extension (14,000)

The price used to be less expensive but due to recent banking changes it has become more expensive.

You can contact us via LINE ( https://tvc.co.th/line ), or EMAIL (
**************
**********************
), or EMAIL ( help@tvc.co.th ).
2 days ago
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Brandon ************
@Paul ********
 They will only assist with the bank account if you pay for the entire package including the extension.
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Brandon ***********
 If they already have the Non-O visa, our fee is lower.

However, we can still assist with both the bank account opening and the 1-year extension if needed.
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
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Bob **********
So if you open in Bangkok and you live in Chiang Mai and you need to go to your branch you’d have to fly to Bangkok??
3 days ago
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James *********
@Bob *********
 Other options include bus and train 🙃
3 days ago
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Bob **********
@James ********
 to go to the bank ??? I’ll pass
3 days ago
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James *********
@Bob *********
 just "jaw-boning" with you Paisan! Have a great day!
2 days ago
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Bob **********
@James ********
 you too
2 days ago
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Bob **********
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Paul *********
@James ********
 when you renew you need print out from Bank on the same day as Immigration trip. So not really viable is it?
3 days ago
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Bob **********
@Paul ********
 that’s what I’m getting at
3 days ago
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Bob **********
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Greg ***********
@Bob *********
 you can move your "main branch" from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by taking a certificate of residence to the CM bank and changing the adress
3 days ago
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Max *************
@Greg **********
 Moving to a branch in another province or region is up to the bank. It doesn't work everywhere.
2 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Max ************
 That’s correct.

Some banks may allow you to open a second account at a different branch, as long as you can provide a residence certificate for the new address.
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@THAI *****************************
 it's not even a "second" account. It is just the change of an adress for an already existing account. In some cases, the bank in a new location will need to change the account number, as the first 3 numbers are connected to a specific branch
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Max ************
 it works everywhere, we are living in a modern world
2 days ago
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Andy **********
@Greg **********
 Max fredriksson I have heard some people say, they couldn't "transfer" an account from one bank to another, in a different Provence, they were told to just open a new account, and to close the old one, if it was no longer needed, which is pretty much the same thing, apart from perhaps filling out a few extra forms, I've wondered tho, if you just change the address, doesn't that leave the problem, of only being able to sort certain problems, at the bank where the account was first opened, you would expect everything to just swap over, to your local bank in your new home city, but we are talking about Thailand now 🫣😂
a day ago
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Max *************
@Greg **********
 It does not work everywhere in Thailand. Especially changes between regions. When it comes to banks, requirements and regulations,Thailand is not a "modern" country. You are a bit naive or you haven't been around.
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Max ************
 You make me laugh 😆😂😅 I have been around for 30 years, I have worked in Thailand, I had several bank accounts, I have lived in the North, the Northeast and the South, I have already driven over half a million kilometers thoughout Thailand. I speak and understand Thai. I reckon I know a lot more about this country than you
2 days ago
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Greg ***********
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Bob **********
@Greg **********
 something like that there are things you can only get done at your home branch
3 days ago
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Greg ***********
@Bob *********
 I opened an SCB bank account in Hua Hin, and a few years later moved the branch from Hua Hin to the Isaan, by visiting the Isaan branch and showing them my new adress certification from Immigration. The Isaan bank from there on is my main branch. I do my yearly retirement extensions with the bank letter from the Isaan branch. This is a completely normal process, or it would not be possible to move and change one's adress within Thailand
3 days ago
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Greg ***********
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THAI ******************************
@Bob *********
 Correct, but this only applies to bank account opening.

If you do not need a bank account, there’s no need to travel to Bangkok. You can use our services remotely via EMS or secure post.
3 days ago
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Genevieve ****
@THAI *****************************
 and you can only open a bank account for a retirement visa. Still not possible for a DTV?
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Genevieve ***
 The DTV visa is no longer an option, even through agents, due to recent changes in banking regulations.

Authorities now officially classify the DTV as a "Special Tourist Visa," which does not meet the banking requirements for a long-term, one-year visa.
3 days ago
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Brandon ************
@Genevieve ***
 they'll only open a bank account as part of getting a retirement visa or extension. So that's not relevant to DTV.
3 days ago
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Reply to
Brandon ************
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THAI ******************************
Some members have repeatedly tried to misinform expats, claiming that retirees cannot use our services and must leave Thailand.

While we're generally lenient about minor inaccuracies in this group due to the ever-changing nature of the situation, please do not make false statements about our services. Continued misinformation may result in a warning or removal from the group.

We want to be absolutely clear: we can assist with this process 100%.
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Mica ********
 Our service fee for this situation is around 29,000 thb, and includes the following:

▪️ Initial bank account opening (15,000)

▪️ 12-month retirement extension (14,000)

The price used to be less expensive but due to recent banking changes it has become more expensive.

You can contact us via LINE ( https://tvc.co.th/line ), or EMAIL (
**************
**********************
), or EMAIL ( help@tvc.co.th ).
3 days ago
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Colin **********
@THAI *****************************
Hi there. I’m new to this group only just having joined. I’m coming to BKK in September (next month) and have 90 day visa. I’m looking to extend for 12 months. So can you help me with the visa extension involving setting up local Thai bank account. If so can you provide an indication of your fees. Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss further. Thank you
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Colin *********
 Our service fee for this situation is around 29,000 thb, and includes the following:

▪️ Initial bank account opening (15,000)

▪️ 12-month retirement extension (14,000)

The price used to be less expensive but due to recent banking changes it has become more expensive.

You can contact us via LINE ( https://tvc.co.th/line ), or EMAIL (
**************
**********************
), or EMAIL ( help@tvc.co.th ).
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
THAI ******************************
Reply
Mica *********
@THAI *****************************
 can you inform me on the actual cost for this service please?
3 days ago
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Reply
THAI ******************************
@Mica ********
 At this time, we offer this as a complete package, which includes:

▪️ Initial bank account opening

▪️ 3-month Non-O visa

▪️ 12-month retirement extension

The current cost is 60,000 THB, but this amount can fluctuate. If you take a screenshot of this message as a member of our private group, we can offer it for 59,000 THB.

Please note, rates may increase in the future. As with most of our services, it’s best to apply early or lock in your rate. Our fee is based on your specific situation and may change.

You can contact us via LINE ( https://tvc.co.th/line ), or EMAIL (
**************
**********************
), or EMAIL ( help@tvc.co.th ).
3 days ago
Like
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Koos *********
@THAI *****************************
 what if I have a bank account already. What is the price then
3 days ago
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THAI ******************************
@Koos ********
 If you have a bank account already then

▪️ 3-month Non-O visa ( 23,000 )

▪️ 12-month retirement extension ( 14,000 )

The current cost is 37,000 THB.

Please note, rates may increase in the future. As with most of our services, it’s best to apply early or lock in your rate. Our fee is based on your specific situation and may change.

You can contact us via LINE ( https://tvc.co.th/line ), or EMAIL (
**************
**********************
), or EMAIL ( help@tvc.co.th ).
3 days ago
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Ron ******
@Koos ********
 1,900 baht. If I can get my first ever marriage extension done in one day then it can't be that difficult. Retirement extension, walk in the park. Just get you ducks in a row. Not like you're herding cats!
3 days ago
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Graham ******
@Koos ********
 So why do you need an agent having done the difficult bit?
3 days ago
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Graham ******
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Kim **********
@THAI *****************************
 that’s good to know!
3 days ago
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Reply to
Kim **********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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