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How can I get a Thai bank account if I need an "O" visa to open one but need a bank account to apply for the visa?
Jan 10, 2026
4 months ago
Richard ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHow have you guys and gals solved the riddle of: Needing a Thai bank account to apply for an "O" visa and the Thai bank requiring an "O" visa to open an account ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Expats facing the dilemma of needing a Thai bank account to apply for a Non-O visa can resolve the issue by applying for the Non-O visa from outside Thailand before arriving. Once in Thailand with a Non-O visa, obtaining a bank account becomes considerably easier. Some users shared their experiences of getting a Non-O visa through employer letters or applying through a visa agent to facilitate the process. Alternative options include applying for a bank account with assistance from local immigration offices or seeking help via connections within Thailand.
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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Richard ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROK all, I think I got it. I appreciate the input ! 🤗
Michael ********
Just a basic Non O Visa. Not OA or OX
Raymond *********
Easy, the purpise of the 90 days Non-O visa is for you to be able to get à Thaï bank account, put your money in and let it season for 2 months before applyiing forvthe pone year extension. You can get the non-o either from outside Thailand (easier) or once you are in(I did). If you have problems getting your bank account opened, go to your local immigration office, request à letter confirming your 90 days Non-O and ask them where it would be easier
Steve ******
@Raymond ********
hi Raymond. Thanks for that info. When did you get yours as things seem to be toughening up re the banking. I understand and correct me if I am wrong that immigration want a long term rental contract. That would bugger me up as I want to travel around and not be tied to one location.Reply to
Steve ******
Reply
Newfarang ****
Apply for non o from your own country then when you arrive in Thailand, visit your local immigrant office to get a certificate of residence and then you can open a bank account. Some banks may still say no but you need to try until one says ok. I was lucky kasikorn allowed me to open an account first bank I tried.
djfre*****
Welcome to Thailand , the land of no sense, catch 22 , throw logic out the window here !
Ian ********
The chicken and egg scenario can be dealt with while in Thailand with the help of a good wing man , as in, - a visa agent.
Otherwise, apply from outside Thailand.
Otherwise, apply from outside Thailand.
Jorge ****
A few years ago, once I was over 50, a Thai consulate abroad gave me a Non-O visa. Used a letter from my employer stating my salary, which was over 65k THB a month. No bank needed for the visa. Once in LOS opened the bank account. Easy peasy. But that was before the scammers muddied up the waters.
Dave ********
Yes, you need to apply for your O visa BEFORE you arrive in Thailand. Then it’s easy to get a bank account
Richard ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you guys.
Anna *********
Easy if you follow the process in the right order as outlined by Stuart
Stuart *********
Apply for a Non O before coming here. Enter on that and you should find the option of getting an account way easier.
Converting from a tourist visa or exempt entry these days is nigh on impossible unless you use an agent.
Converting from a tourist visa or exempt entry these days is nigh on impossible unless you use an agent.
Steve ******
@Stuart ********
Do you know of any recent cases where people have managed to convert from the tourist visa using an agent and if so what's the cost 😎Brandon ************
@Steve *****
it happens every day. Anywhere from 45-80,000 baht.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Jan ******************
Apply outside Thailand with a bank account anywhere.
Steve ************
@Jan *****************
can you explain please?Jan ******************
@Steve ***********
Yes, you can apply for a Non-O visa outside Thailand through the e-visa system with your regular or any bank account, as long as you can prove three months of income equal to 65,000 baht or a lump sum of 800,000 baht for retirement or 40,*******
,000 based on marriage.Steve ************
@Jan *****************
thanks, i thought you meant apply for a bank account from outside Thailand, opening the bank account seems to be the difficult part.Mike ********
@Steve ***********
you arrive on a 90 day visa. Within the first 30 days, open a Thai bank and deposit 800k thbReply to
Mike ********
Reply
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