How can I expedite obtaining a Certificate of Residence in Thailand on a Non-O visa while needing a bank account for marriage extension?

Jan 30, 2022
3 years ago
Ian *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, looking for advice on how to expedite the process of obtaining a Certificate of residence. Arrived in BKK a week ago on Non O visa (3 x months), and wish to extend based on marriage to Thai spouse. Require 400k in a Thai bank account minimum 2 months before applying. Tried to open an account at Bangkok Bank yesterday but told without a Cert of res. I can’t open one. Read that it takes up to 3 weeks to obtain one which is cutting things pretty fine to open an account and “seed” the money for 2 months. Anyone else had this issue ? Suggestions ? Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges faced by an expat who arrived in Bangkok on a Non-O visa and is seeking to expedite the acquisition of a Certificate of Residence (CoR) to meet the banking requirements for extending their visa based on marriage to a Thai spouse. Various community comments provide advice on obtaining the CoR, including options to visit specific banks, engage with immigration services, and leverage local resources such as a Thai spouse for assistance. Suggestions also include alternative banks that may not require a CoR and tips for successfully opening a bank account.
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.
Dana *******
Takes 10 minutes. No Cert needed. Just "double" ID (passeport and diving licence for example). If one branch says no, try another one... shop around in touristic places.
Chris ********
I got my certificate of residence 4 days ago, after good advice from local fb'ers. Suggested I goto local Tourist Police office near Ubon. Took passport, Non O visa and fiancée. 300 baht and about 15 minutes.

Edit. I got bank account with BAAC a few days before C of R. Just plodded into lots of banks until one said yes.
Paul ***********
Last time went immigration 500 baht each
Philip **********
I went yesterday to Kasikorn bank Central Festival Pattaya. All they wanted was my passport. No residency certificate. I’m on a retirement visa. They wanted 400 for atm card and a minimum deposit of 1,000 no insurance. Didn’t mention it, didn’t offer it.
Terry **********
@Philip *********
exactly same with me. Dead easy and the ONLINE banking app is really good
Nick ************
Get the form from immigration and fill it in. If you speak very nicely and they like the look of you they MIGHT sign it there and then. I have never had to wait more than a week for the three I have needed.
John ********
My wife and I went to the Bangkok Bank. Showed my passport, her blue book, took just 20 minutes...walked out with a book and the ATM card..

I was just on a 30 day tourist visa..
Ian *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
which branch ?
John ********
@Ian ****************
Ban Phai, province khon kaen..
Robert **********
If all else fails, and you need to get this done, and agency can help you get an account without the certificate. Thai Visa Centre is often mentioned, there are others. When I open my account at Krungsri, I got the certificate from my embassy, American. However, nowadays, because of Covid, that may be more difficult or require an appointment in advance, check with your embassy Embassy
Kool *******
If you are actually legally married now, just go to the bank your Thai wife uses, with your marriage documents and her, and they should open a new account for you, in your name only when she explains why you need it.
Andrew ********
Go to Kasikorn bank main office in Bangkok Silom road. No issues there after trying other banks.
Paulus *********
Go to immigration with Thai wife and her blue book and Id. Will cost 300 baht and done same day
Monti ********
Try another branch or bank. Certificate of residence is not needed. When they do that they are telling you they don’t want a foreign customer in that particular branch.
Nigel ********
I believe you have to be in Thailand for 90 consecutive days before you can apply for a CoR. It's often done same time as your first 90 day report, which has to be in person. In Bkk, I got my CoR at MTT, not CW. Mine took 2 weeks in the post.
Bobby ********
What nationality are you?
Ian *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
Australian
Bobby ********
Ian Sharks Sharkey. No problem. Try Bangkok Bank HO in Silom. Worth trying first just with passport and lease (and take a Thai person with you). It's a long trek out to MTT to get residency certificate, so I'd give it a go first. It worked for me, but I'm not saying it means it works for everyone. Some banks are reluctant with US citizens because they have to fill in stacks of paperwork to notify the US Tax department, but Aus is fine
Shaun *********
Go to immigration taking a passport photo and proof of where you live with you. A letter of residence is 300b and you usually have to come back to collect in 1 hour.
Niclas ***********
You should be able to get it from immigration.

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If you pay for the same day it is 300-500 THB
Will ************
Go into Krungsri bank with your passport ,show them your non o visa and ask for a bank account. Use your wife as back up.
Evan ********
I assume you go to CW. Yes 2 weeks wait if you get it there. You could plead your situation with them or maybe your embassy can do it quicker but more expensive?
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