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Do I need separate Thai bank accounts for visa purposes if I have a joint account with my defacto spouse?
Thai Visa RulesBank Accounts in ThailandJoint vs Separate AccountsRetirement in ThailandExpat Financial Guidance
Jul 29, 2025
9 months ago
Debra **********
ORIGINAL POSTERMy defector spouse of 25 years and myself are looking to retire to Thailand early next year, we have a joint bank account and house , car everything is in both names , my question is , do we need separate Thai bank accounts or can we get a joint account
Cheers for the advice
Cheers for the advice
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation provides insights on whether a joint bank account is appropriate for expatriates in Thailand, particularly for visa purposes. It emphasizes that Thailand does not recognize defacto partnerships, meaning both individuals would be regarded as single for legal purposes, which complicates the use of joint accounts. Several comments recommend having separate accounts to ensure compliance with immigration requirements, particularly for retirement visas, as funds must be demonstrably in individual accounts. There are concerns raised about accessibility and the potential for issues when changes are needed on joint accounts.
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Max *************
Imo, in most immigration offices,joint accounts are not accepted. There are of course exceptions.
Scott *********
Any funds required for your visa must be in individual accounts. If retirement visa that would mean two separate bank accounts in Thailand. For DTV the accounts can be anywhere in the world, but again the required funds must be in separate personal accounts.
Chris *******
Joint accounts are generally frowned upon.
You would need to contact the office you will apply at and have the necessary double funds on it.
It is likely better to have your own accounts.
You would need to contact the office you will apply at and have the necessary double funds on it.
It is likely better to have your own accounts.
John *******
You better get your own account out it will be a disaster
David **********
You calling your spouse defective?? Ha ha think you mean de facto!
Mary ********
Trailing spouse Visas no longer exist. If you are using means proof for your visa you each need separate accounts
John **********
@Mary *******
they do but as they're not married they couldn't get one anywayReply to
John **********
Reply
Andrew ********
Think op means defacto partner....spell checker 😂😂😂
Kim *******
Account in your name only is necessary if you need to show income for immigration. Can't be a joint account.
Rikki ********
Yes... Absolutely,..... My ex wife had a guy in the bank forge my signature
Anna *********
You’re better off having separate accounts for the simple reason that if you ever want to change anything or get a new card or change address? You both have to go into the bank.
I’m not aware of any benefits to having a joint account
I’m not aware of any benefits to having a joint account
Danny *******
What’s a defector spouse?
Ronny *****
@Danny ******
she must be North KoreanBill **********
@Danny ******
De facto like Thaksin 😊Duncan *******
@Danny ******
she meant defacto.Robin *******
@Danny ******
one that goes over the side 😂😂😂Sam ******
@Danny ******
not married but partners for a long time.Reply to
Sam ******
Reply
Peter ***********
Thailand doesn't recognise defacto partners, so you'd both be considered single people
Brandon ************
For visa needs, you would need your own account. Also joint accounts don't provide any benefits because only one person can ever have that account accessible via the bank's phone application.
Scott *********
@Brandon ***********
our bank in Thailand would not allow joint accounts.Matts *************
@Brandon ***********
the benefit of a joint account is that it is immediately available when one of you dieseither 800k in an individual account or 1.6m in a joint account
Brandon ************
@Matts ************
some immigration offices will not accept joint bank accounts at all.Kim *******
@Brandon ***********
Most do not.Reply to
Kim *******
Reply
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