How can a tourist open a bank account in Thailand for a Retirement Visa?

@Mar***

I got a replacement Visa around 6 month ago, it had to be special ordered but it was still possible then. But I have since seen reports that they are saying flat no to people and won't order it. My understanding is, they had a limited number of Visa debit cards left and when they are gone, they are gone and they aren't doing Visa going forward. There is no mention of any Visa debit card any more on their website, only Union Pay or Visa credit cards.

Thank you so much for the info. I live in Tak so not many Farang. I’ll try your way.

I got it 3 months ago from their Pattaya branch. They even open up the bank for me . They also tried to sell insurance but that did not work

Bobbie I think they are completely done with Visa now, I know before you could get it special ordered but I think it's completely finished now and you can't get one. It's totally gone from the website. So don't lose your card if you have one (I'm good till 2022).

@Juan **************************

^^^^^

Re: BBK Bank. Also only SAVINGS accounts can be online. Be sure & TELL THEM you want to open a Saving account with VISA ATM and online access. Don't just say open an account. Be specific with Thais, lol. We have 2 savings, online & visa debit card and 2 direct deposit of social security from usa that can Not be online or have atm cards---Social Security Rules--- for 8 years.. Withdrawal in bank in person only. Also there is a free form online BBK site you can have a Thai person sign certifying that it is you opening the account. You do not have to go to Embassy and pay for them to certify your identity & pay a fee. Take Thai person with you. Now that they are pushing Union cards, tell them NO, have to have visa, many atms for it, not for union. To save face, they may say have to order from main bank, lol. Letter of Reference form from bank web site: Web Forms

Foreign Customer Reference Letter

Letter of Reference for Long-stay Foreigners & Tourist Visa Holders Link:

James it's not just that, you have to actually apply for it for it to work. There is a separate form you have to fill out when opening the account. Maybe even two, one for the internet and another for the phone. There were a LOT of forms. But they gave it to me on a tourist visa. There is a limitation that I can't do international wires through it because of my visa status, (can do, but have to go to branch and fill in form to do it) but other than that it does I think pretty much everything I need.

Just download the app and set it up?

I have internet and mobile banking from Bangkok Bank and am not Thai.

I got that on a 90 day non0 not an extension, but that was at nonthaburi,

the unfortunate thing is out at the Bangkok immigration office unless you're on an extension of stay where you do 90 day reporting they won't issue one. That leaves only your consulate to get the residency certificate.

@Juan **************************

. Bangkok Bank dont require a work permit. If they say they do then ask to speak to the boss or just try another branch. Try the branches in the shopping malls, they're desperate for business and commission

show residency certificate from immigration or embassy.

Its the alternative to getting a work permit

I think it all depends on the day and who you speak to, the rules change constantly

I only needed a savings account to avoid withdrawal fees.

I honestly can't remember I went to about 4. It was around by the flyover that goes to jomtien pier I think! Was around 3 months ago

Try a different branch, got mine at one on tourist visa

Ben the guy before you said he did it 1 hour ago without a work permit so that's pretty recent.

Juan Carlos Herrera Gonzalez I went to the embassy and paid 1150 baht for the British Embassy to photocopy mine and stick a stamp on the photocopy, took about 5 mins. Then had no issue whatsoever at Bangkok Bank. This was about 3 days ago. I am sure your embassy will offer a similar service.

(Also I am quite sure the banks have got stricter quite recently, most people on this forum don't actually say when exactly they got their accounts open, I tried a few and had no chance without a work permit)

I did this 1 hour ago in Chiang Mai . I am on a 30 visa exempt , but this morning I obtained a Resident Certificate by using Tian visa services at Promenada , 1000 baht , pick up same day . That was acceptable to Bangkok Bank at Pantip Plaza . 30 minutes of paperwork , 300 baht for ATM card . Job done .

Don't see the problem. Even in Mexico there is a Thai Embassy:

Before you come back in September apply in Spain for the Non Immigrant O Visa and open bank account than.

Take a Thai friend to his/her bank and let her explain for you, it helps a lot. I know the feeling, it is sometimes frustrating why they do not want to do their job. There is no regulation that you need a work permit of a Visa to open account.