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Can you open a bank account with a non-O visa in Thailand and are there international bank branches in Pattaya?

Non-O Visa Bank Account Thailand International Banks Thailand Retirement Visa Banking Services Pattaya Banking Thai Banks Foreign Banks

Jul 4, 2025

10 months ago

Dan *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

If you have non-o visa, can you open a bank account at any banks in Thailand, including a local branch of international bank? Is there a local branch of international bank such as Citi bank or chase bank in Pattaya? Is local international bank same as Thai bank when you apply retirement visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Individuals holding a Non-O visa can open bank accounts in Thailand, including at some banks that have international branches. However, for the extension based on retirement, funds must typically be held in a Thai bank. Notably, banks like Citi do not have branches in Thailand, and while Chase may have a presence, it is likely limited to Bangkok. Recommended Thai banks that offer international services include Kasikorn, Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), and Bangkok Bank, which can facilitate international banking needs. UOB, originating from Singapore, is also an option available in Thailand. For expats looking for broader international banking services, HSBC has a presence in Bangkok but has sold most branches to a local bank and now operates mainly as a representative office.

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.

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Dwayne ********

Don’t know Pattaya as Thailand banks aren’t networked the same as western banks but if looking for an American bank, none are international. Best with foreign international banks like HSBC. If America and don’t want to be forever chained to the country via US address & US phone number for their 2-step verification, then do Bangkok Bank, they have a branch in New York & with that you can send via ACH, rather than the much expensive SWIFT.

10 months ago

John **********

International banks in Thailand are commercial banks, not regular banks

10 months ago

Jesper *******

Popular banks are kasikorn, SCB, and bkk bank altough it's thai bank but u can acess them internationally...if you are using Wise to transfer funds to thailand pls check their website as they only support a few banks only

10 months ago

Jo **********

UOB is an option

10 months ago

Dan *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jo *********

UOB is from Singapore, is it? Is there a HSBC branch in Pattaya?

10 months ago

Stuart ***********

@Dan ****

there's a HSBC in Bkk (not Pattaya), but it's a commercial bank. You have to use a Thai bank.

10 months ago

Jo **********

@Dan ****

UOB is from Singapore but has banks here because I use them. don’t know about HSBC.

10 months ago

Andy *******

@Jo *********

HSBC sold thier normal banks to bank of auythaya years ago they only have a representative office I think in BKK

10 months ago

Reply to

Andy *******

Dan *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have

*****

0 baht ready for transfer. Which Thai bank is more international? I mean I can get financial services all over world. Sooner I settle down in Pattaya, I will start to travel to south east countries. I like my bank more internationally

10 months ago

Robert ********

@Dan ****

I suggest kasikorn.

- Fastest with wise transfers.

- Always shows correctly “foreign transfer” (needed as proof for 800k or revenue department).

- Can be used to scan QR code at 7-eleven.

(I also have Bangkok bank to compare with)

Edit:

Foreign banks can’t do anything you need long term: automatic deduction for electricity, water, internet, phone

10 months ago

Reply to

Robert ********

Bob **********

There is no Citi in Thailand,international banks are allowed one branch if Chase has one it’ll be in Bangkok,you’ll need a registered phone number and most likely a resident certificate and do it as soon as possible as you need to bring in the 800k at least 2 months before your first extension

10 months ago

Anna *********

Extension based on retirement requires funds in a Thai bank ( citi and chase are not Thai banks)

10 months ago

Reply to

Anna *********

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