How can I open a bank account in Thailand without a marriage visa?

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Dec 17, 2024

a month ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m trying to open a bank account in Thailand so I can apply for a marriage visa when I’m back in UK beginning of March .

Banks will not do this as I’m visiting without a visa for 60 days 

If I had a Marriage Visa no problem the banks say

So we went to

Local Gov offices in Ratchaburi and was told today we would have to make an appointment and only three days left in December 

Would need to Bring our Village Elder

A Neighbour

A Member of mt Thai Wife’s family

To the appointment just to be able to open a bank account that’s needed to apply for a marriage visa. Need to deposit 400’000 baht into the account for two months before applying for Visa too

We will try and get this achieved before we have to return to UK

Unless you know of an easier way ?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is facing difficulties opening a bank account in Thailand due to having only a tourist visa. They need the bank account to deposit 400,000 baht for two months as a requirement for applying for a marriage visa. Community members suggest alternatives, including getting the marriage visa in the UK first, using an agent to facilitate the process, or opening an account at a specific bank in a major tourist area.

Brenton ******

Pay an agent in Thailand. Why put yourself through all the hassles? Come in on a visa exempt, the first thing you do is see an agent, get the 60 day extended if needed and apply for a bank account through the agent, then apply for the O type visa here through them, then extend it 3 months later to the retirement visa. You need to eliminate problems to make your transition to living in Thailand easier.

a month ago

Tim *********

I hear agents are having trouble getting bank accounts for clients who have tourist visas, including DTV, or no visa at all. Only residents with long term visas

a month ago

GR ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tim ********

again the circle is tightening in Thailand on loopholes

a month ago

Reply to

GR ***********

Jim *********

Try Bangkok bank in one of the big tourist cities.

a month ago

Ingvar *******

@Jim ********

Hardly work anymore, new rules from HQ.

a month ago

Reply to

Ingvar *******

Paul **********

Make sure you have the Kor Ror 22 form completed and signed if you married away from Thailand.

a month ago

Phil ******

@GR **********

฿5k in Pattaya with an agent......simple

a month ago

Gordon *******

Pay an agent

4000b

Simple

a month ago

John **********

The solution for you is simple, get the visa while back in the UK, come to Thailand, open a bank account then apply for an extension of stay once your funds are seasoned

a month ago

GR ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Hi John, to get a marriage visa you have to have a bank account in your name with

*****

0 baht in it for two month prior to getting the visa.

It’s a circle I don’t seem to be able to break without the help of the local head elder whom I’ve not met during my previous visits here. Neighbour is ok as I’ve known them 3 years now.

I had a 60 day visa last year that I paid for in UK and local banks still wouldn’t open an account for me.

Looks like I have to do what they want . I don’t mind if it works just take time as their holiday period looms very close

a month ago

Kim *********

@GR **********

of course you don't need a Thai bank account to get a marriage visa in your home country - if that's what you are saying.

a month ago

John **********

@GR **********

what you had last time was a tourist visa. What I'm suggesting is you get a 90 day Non-O visa as married to a Thai while you are back in the UK. You can show money in your UK bank for this. Then when you come to Thailand go and open a Thai bank account, transfer the money, wait the 2 months, then apply for a 12 month extension of stay

a month ago

Reply to

John **********

Ning ******

what is your age ? if above 50, go for retirement visa.

a month ago

Brandon ************

The way visas work in most countries is that you get the appropriate visa from their embassy before you travel to the country. The fact that Thailand is generous enough to allow a workaround to this process doesn't take into account the fact that it's difficult to open a bank account without the visa.

So you either follow the archaic process, return home and get the visa before coming back to Thailand, or pay an agent to assist in opening an account.

a month ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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What should I do about opening a bank account in Thailand with a tourist visa before my marriage?

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