How can I obtain a Non-O visa in Thailand without a bank account while on visa exempt status?

I hit 62 this month snd am exploring options of where to go, Thailand was high on my list of options but it seems like it would be a constant hassle with bank accounts, visa etc. I meet monthly income requirements but still seems very inconsistent with how stuff works and is enforced

I opened my bank account 3 months ago on a visa exempt stamp and paid the extra money to the legal company who were progressing my retirement visa through the non O route. I tried myself with a native Thai speakers help and all the correct documents ( same used in both applications) and was rejected went back with the legal team and magically came away with the bank account in Bangkok

John Pollins you could visit Vientiane and apply for the non o there or Kuala Lumpur apply outside for 90 days get bank account once that's granted then you can do the extension

I understand that someone on a tourist visa can open a Thai savings account which is acceptable for the visa you require.

My lawyer also an agent got it easily for me . Of course there’s a fee

Do people not staying longterm ever sell their bank accounts if they dont use them anymore. 🤔 😒 🤔

You have to wait for 3 weeks till its sorted out, I go with KEY VISA,

Ask

@PDLS ***********************************************

Good service

Originally went to Kasikorn in Pattaya and had no problems. I do believe though there's been a tightening up of bank accounts because of criminals.

Banks in Thailand are like everywhere in the world, interested in having good stable custormers, that have a permanent address, a steady easy traceable income, and use the account all year round.

That is why the banks are reluctant to give accounts to people on short time ( read: tourist ) visas, and who only spend part of the year in Thailand.

Don’t expect to get a residence certificat, until you have stayed at a permanent adress in at least 3 month, since that is what the residence certificat should confirm.

Furthermore the added attention on whitewashing of money, is an added burden on the banks, so reluctant depositing large amounts isn’t a guaranteed way to open an account.

The value of a resident certificat, had gone down, since Immigration Officers are giving them to people that are not on a longterm visa, or have stayed severel months at 1 adress in Thailand, so even if it is a formal requirement, the bank make up their own assesment of the stability of the want-to-be customer.

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Not really some neighboring countries may allow you to obtain an O Visa there, but many require you to be a national , a resident, or have a work permit for that country. Things have gotten more tricky now banks have decided to stop agents paying backhanders, May not last long……..

Maybe not possible anymore, but i did following: went to immi after i had my non imm O and they made a letter for BKK bank to open an account.( Hua Hin, small office at first floor, 500 baht)

At the moment it looks impossible. very recent crackdown has meant agents can’t do it at the moment either. Even if you get a Non O else there’s no guarantee you’ll get an account as it’s not classe as a long term visa.

There is currently a disconnect between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Immigration

You are going to have to wait on your Non O visa until they figure it out

get an agent open one for u .or try the yellow bank .ive heard many say its easier open one there

As already advised, normally an agent would be the easiest way to go. Unfortunately, we are in difficult times at the moment. Hopefully, it won’t be for long.

Try a different province

Go to a neighbouring country and get the non-O there

It’s incredibly difficult these days to open a bank account on a tourist/exempt entry. Even agents struggle.

You don’t have to return to the US. You can visit a nearby country and apply there.