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Do banks in Thailand offer savings schemes to earn interest on the 800,000 baht required for a visa extension?
Dec 9, 2025
5 months ago
Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnother bank question: do the banks have saving schemes where the 800000 can gain some interest?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among comments is that while it is possible to earn some minimal interest on savings accounts in Thai banks, the rates are extremely low, often around 0.05%. Some respondents suggested that fixed deposit accounts, such as those from Kasikorn Bank, might offer slightly higher interest rates, but overall, the interest accrued on the 800,000 baht is minimal.
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Rob **********
You can get interest but it is very minimal.
Michael ********
In a nutshell No !
Marianne ********
Fixed Deposit Accounts from Kasikorn has slightly higher interest.
Don't know the numbers or how it compares to other banks, but it's higher than regular accounts.
Don't know the numbers or how it compares to other banks, but it's higher than regular accounts.
Mike ******
I've had 800K in BKK bank for SIX years in a 'high' interest account. It's now worth 820K!
Bradley ********
@Mike *****
exactlyHarry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
which bank? I am being told it's really hard just to get a bank account!!Mike ******
@Harry *******
I've been here 20+ years. Bangkok Bank.Reply to
Mike ******
Reply
Frank **********
Yeah it's like .05%.
Stuart ***********
If you pay 65,000 baht into your thai account each month of your first extension, you can use that for your second extension and withdraw the 800,000 baht immediately after.
Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
what would I do without you!!! Just when I thought I had all the relevant information, I learn about this. I certainly would prefer to pay in my pension every month and withdraw A chunk of the *****
0. Thanks for your help. While I am writing my friend in Chiang Mai (Thai lady who works for the government) confirmed it's difficult to get a bank account. Is this a scam, where you have to employ a local Thai visa agency who can get everything done, whereas we get blocked? I plan to emigrate next DecemberStuart ***********
Opening a bank account should be possible without an agent, provided you come to Thailand with a non-O 90 day visa. Some banks seem reluctant to open accounts for foreigners, but it's a case of trying several banks until one says okay. You will need a Thai phone number and a letter from immigration confirming residency.
Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
how do you get a letter from immigration of residency if you have only just arrived in the country and hopefully with a long rental agreement?Stuart ***********
You pretty much answered it Harry, take your rental agreement and non-O visa in your passport to immigration and tell them you need the letter to open a bank account. I think an immigration office in Bangkok is reluctant to do this, but the vast majority in Thailand will issue it without a problem.
Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
I plan to do all this in Chiang Mai. My Thai gf will help as much as possible so fingers crossedStuart ***********
That's good Harry, with your Thai girlfriend I think you will have no problems. Good luck.
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Bill *********
@Stuart **********
I'd much rather make one single deposit of B800k and be done with it as opposed to hoping and wishing that monthly deposits happen perfectly without fail 12 times.Stuart ***********
I understand, it's personal preference. Some people hate leaving 800k in Thailand, so it's just an option for them.
Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Graham ******
@Stuart **********
It only needs to be 400k from 3 months after the first extension was granted so 800k for just over 5 months total if planned correctlyHarry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
yet again I learn something new. So keep *****
0 in for 15months, then pay in my pension each month after and I can withdraw the *****
0?Graham ******
@Harry *******
No, it's 800k 2 months before your first extension then start the 65k monthly international transfers at around the same time. Maintain the 800k for the first 3 months of your extension then never fall below 400k for the rest of the year. When your application for your second application is due you will have 12 monthly deposits to switch to the 65k method then you can withdraw the remaining 400k when on your second extension is inked in.Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
many thanks for explaining this. There is so much to remember!!Reply to
Harry ********
Reply
Stuart ***********
@Graham *****
yes that's true. I thought about putting that in my original response but didn't want to overcomplicate it, so I am glad you clarified it Graham.Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
J **************
The whole thing is a scam
Shawn ********
No
Michael *******
Not true, SCB Easi Pass pays interest, used to be 2.5% has dropped in line with interest rates , I get 12k per year after tax these days….
Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael ******
thanks. I am in pursuit of the truth for everything that is about getting visas.Michael *******
@Harry *******
be sure to ask them for the Easi Pass account, comes without a passbook, but immig accept it ( just did my renewal last week)Reply to
Michael *******
Reply
Harry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Shawn *******
meaniesShawn ********
@Harry *******
, this 2.5% HYSA he is referring to is for Thai nationals only and it is not the type account that is set up for liquidation as they require.Reply to
Shawn ********
Reply
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