thailand
Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

How can I open a Thai bank account for a marriage visa if I currently have no visa?

Thai marriage visaThai bank accountNon-O visaexpat challengesimmigration proceduresforeigners in Thailandyellow bookThai ID cardbanking in Thailand
Aug 18, 2025
2 months ago
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I thought we had all the ducks in a row, I have got a Thai marriage certificate stamped and certified, yellow book, Thai ID card and trying to work towards a marriage visa. Now I need to open a Thai bank account to season funds however after having been to several banks that refuse to open an account without a visa, my wife is now taking me to a Chinese bank, I’m having serious reservations about this.
8,851
views
20
likes
245
all likes
94
replies
1
images
38
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user trying to open a Thai bank account for his marriage visa faces a challenge due to the requirements of having a visa. Despite having a certified marriage certificate, a Thai ID, and other documents, he finds that banks refuse to open an account without a visa. Comments suggest various routes, such as applying for a Non-O visa in a neighboring country, emphasizing that most banks in Thailand require a Non-O visa for expats. The conversation highlights how immigration's guidance may differ from bank policies, adding to the frustration of expats navigating these procedures.
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.
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Steven ********
I opened a thai bank account on a tourist visa. Got married, yellow book, Thai I'd, drivers license then opened a bank account at siam bank
2 months ago
Like
Reply
SJ *******
Think she means bank of your wife’s family
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Jim **********
With the bank your missus is considering i don't think you can use wise to transfer money to it
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Martin **************
I want to appIy for a marrige visa in November, also with a non-O retirement visa. I'm Dutch and the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok provides a Certificate of Residence for this purpose. I can only hope that with this document I will be able to open a Thai bank account.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Martin *************
 Doesn't the Dutch Embassy still do the income affidavit so you can get your 12 month retirement Extension of Stay using that? Note - you cannot switch from a retirement Non-O Visa to a marriage Extension of Stay for your first extension. You can change the reason for the extension in any subsequent year by meeting the requirements.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
John **********
Can you not just do a joint bank account using your wife's account and call it a family account ? Not everyone has seperate bank accounts in the world
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Benjamin *******
Why u not come with a Non O 3 month problem solved.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Benjamin ******
 He missed that duck ;)
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Benjamin *******
@Graham *****
 easy peasy fly to Vietnam, Malaysia
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Benjamin *******
Reply
Mark ********
The easiest way to do this is fly back to your country and apply for a non OA visa. It might take a month or two to get it and there’s a bunch of hoops to jump through, but once you have it you can then return to Thailand and open a bank account. All this is much easier with a retirement visa. Otherwise pay an agent a bunch of money.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Mark *******
 It's way easier (and faster) to go to Laos and apply for a 90 days Non-O. No need for a Thai bank account. Then return and open a bank account and deposit the money needed at immigration.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Mark ********
@Max ************
 Bangkok bank is not letting people open an account, even on a 90 day visa now. They’re asking for one year retirement or another one year visa.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah I know right? The real tragedy is, we have done most of the leg work, some of it multiple times and done everything that has been asked of us. My wife has been doing all of the talking with immigration and, according to her, immigration is saying that we should able t open a bank account however the banks disagree. I think I'm going to pause until the other documents that we are waiting to arrive and see what happens from there.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Mark ********
@Terry **********
 in the last year the banks have cracked down on phony accounts and made it almost impossible to open an account unless you have at least a non O three month visa. I think Krungsri and Kbank might still but it’s getting more and more difficult. Immigration says many things and depending on who you talk with it’s a roll of the dice if the information is accurate. Either way if you’re on a tourist visa the odds are stacked against you. None of us enjoy this but this is the game that we’re playing now! Catch 22 ! Haha 😆
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Mark *******
 You will (most likely) not be able to open a bank account at any bank without at least a 90 days Non-O. It doesn't matter what immigration says, it's up to the bank.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Max *************
Reply
THAI ******************************
What is the current visa type you are on?

If you are in bangkok we assist with this situation daily as long as the intent is to obtain a non-o based visa, or if you already have one.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@THAI *****************************
 He's not on any visa.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
THAI ******************************
@Max ************
 We handle cases like this on a daily basis, but only when we also coordinate the Non-O visa, and client must be in bangkok for 1-2 days.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
THAI ******************************
Reply
Don **********
Everyone that wants a long term Thai visa remember two things: you can’t get a visa without a Thai bank account. And you can’t get a Thai bank account without a visa. There you go! You’re welcome.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Pieter **************
@Don *********
 depends on what kind visa you have, I myself have in 3 different banks an account
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Don *********
 Not correct. You can apply for a 90 days Non-O (or even an O-A) outside Thailand without a Thai bank account, but when applying for a 1 year extension you need a Thai bank account.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Leighton ********
@Ma***
 can you help this guy?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Wannikea *********
You haven't said where you are?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
 I'm in Bangkok
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terry ***********
Reply
Frank **********
Chinese Bank? You mean Bank of Sick Water Buffalo. 5555
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max **********
I could not get Thai ID until I had long term visa??? I could not get retirement visa until I had bank account???
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Stan **********
@Max *********
 🤣🤣 even with a long term visa, still impossible, where I am anyway, to get the elusive pink ID card. The requirements change every visit and last time they wanted copies of my parents birth certificates translated to Thai and stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok 🤔🤔

Basically a "go away, I cannot be bothered to do it" situation 🤣🤣
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stan *********
 the lady at the district office just asked my parents names and country of origin. She also asked my blood group type which I couldn’t answer so she skipped that question
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terry ***********
Reply
Pieter **************
@Max *********
 thai id is only for thai people, we farang can have id-card (pink) special for farang
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max **********
@Pieter *************
 I have pink ID!
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Max **********
Reply
Max *************
@Max *********
 It's up to the district office, and some of them have no clue about visas/extensions.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max *********
 the young lass at the district office was really pleasant and helpful, in fact I could say the same for all the other people that we encountered in the same office.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Terry **********
 Fyi,there are 928 district offices in Thailand. A few has to (logically) be helpful. 😁
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
We have some other documents allegedly arriving from immigration via registered post this coming Friday, I’m not sure what they relate to, maybe they might help otherwise I think a little holiday might be in order.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Wannikea *********
@Terry **********
 sounds like a certificate of residence
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
 It could be, I have filled out so many forms some of them many times over. I seem to remember ticking a box on one of them seeking approval to apply for a Thai driver's license.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terry ***********
Reply
Peter ********
having those reservations is your intuition don't ignore that
2 months ago
Like
Reply
SJ *******
Don't worry you wife will know what to with your money.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Stan **********
You managed to get a yellow tabian book and Thai ID card on a visa exempt or tourist visa.

Wow, well done you
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Alan *******
@Stan *********
 I've tried 3 times at my local 😔 been refused 3 times! ..Married 6 years on Non O ext, Got my Bank Acc (when on 30 day permit) 9 Years ago. Mrs has a business, Sister in law is a Lawyer, took her and 2 witnesses, no luck! Gave up! F@ck em !
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Peter *********
@Stan *********
 don't think he did do you lol 😆
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ********
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terry ***********
Reply
Tony *****
Sorry if I’ve missed something here. Do you have any kind of visa?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony ****
 no, I am trying to get a marriage visa, we were originally told that a stamped and verified marriage certificate would be sufficient to get us started with a bank account.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Tony *****
@Terry **********
 ahh get it now. If I was you I’d do some research in this group. So many people on marriage visas report how much of a nightmare it is to get an extension of stay. Non O for retirement if you qualify seems a good bet.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Richard ********
@Tony ****
 I aggee %100! 👍
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Richard ********
Reply
Rory *******
Go to your local immigration office and ask for an immigration form/ letter to show the bank what is required.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rory ******
 so far we have spent two full days at immigration and with Bangkok traffic it takes approximately an hour and a half just to get there.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Rory *******
@Terry **********
 with the immigration stamped letter for the banks attention is the way to go, with the rest of what you already have in my hand, I opened an account first attempt with Bangkok Bank
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Richard ********
@Terry **********
 You will need a letter from immigration stating your intention to complete your Visa Application.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Richard *******
 Since when is this an official option at immigration?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Rory *******
@Max ************
 The option is available at the immigration office, issuing a stamped standard letter to show the bank that you are processing your visa
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Rory ******
 This is not an official option at all, and not something most Immigration offices even do. Name an office, preferably a major one where this is possible. There are about 85 immigration offices in Thailand in 77 provinces.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Rory *******
@Max ************
 I asked about, how I can open a bank account to submit the seasoned 400k for my marriage extension application. They gave me a standard printed letter and stamped. Then in the bank done a little research rules checking, I put 2,000 THB cash in to open, then later transferred the remainder to the total just over 400,000 THB
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Rory ******
 And I repeat, there are ~85 immigration offices in Thailand. You're claiming you went to one of those and got a letter which is imo not an official procedure. What rules did your bank check out? Please tell.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Max ************
 it probably was the "certificate of residence" from Immigration, containing a text adressed to a Thai bank in order to get a bank account opened for the bearer. NOTE: most COR's contain a text that states the PURPOSE the COR gets issued for. It can be for a driver's license, it can be for the purchase and registering a vehicle, and it can also be especially issued for opening a bank account
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Rory *******
@Max ************
 if it’s not a an official procedure, what is? I asked them the question, because as you know, you need to open a bank account to apply for your extension and the bank won’t let you unless you have a visa. So I asked them how? That’s what they done for me cost 500b , the bank got their rules out for foreigners after
****
minutes of checking, went ahead showing yellow book, pink ID, passport, marriage certificate, immigration letter. This was my first attempt to open a Thai bank account and I done my visa extension myself also, I didn’t know what to expect or really do, but got my ducks all in a row and ask the people you are dealing with.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rory *******
Reply
Andy ********
Chinese Bank, Thai branch THB balance I assume.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Andy *******
 It has to be a Thai bank.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Andy ********
@Max ************
 The key factor is that the bank is licensed and located in Thailand, regulated by the Bank of Thailand (BOT), not necessarily Thai-owned. Foreign-owned banks operating branches or subsidiaries in Thailand, such as UOB (United Overseas Bank, Singapore-based but with a full Thai subsidiary), qualify as long as the account is opened in Thailand and holds THB. UOB Thailand is commonly used by expats for this purpose, including for retirement visa extensions, and there are no official restrictions based on foreign ownership. Other examples include HSBC, Citibank, or Standard Chartered, which are also accepted. Purely Thai-owned banks like Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, or Siam Commercial Bank are equally valid but not required over foreign-owned ones.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Andy ********
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *******
 yes but even the Chinese bank said no
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terry ***********
Reply
Jack ********
Agent.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
You could go get the non O in a neighbouring country? Then head back and open Thai bank account.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
THAI ******************************
@Lynnette ******
 This is the approach we typically recommend, and if he truly had all the documents he mentioned, we believe the chances of approval would have been very high.

The main pushback usually comes from certain branches when the applicant holds a Non-O retirement visa and is not married to a Thai national.

While we can assist with both the in-country conversion and the bank opening, it does come at a fairly high cost.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris **********
@Lynnette ******
 what would be the requirements of this?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Chris *********
 check embassy requirements. Proof you're in the country you are applying in is one. Can do in home country too.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris **********
@Lynnette ******
 im in Thailand now but fly to Laos for a 3 day visit. Is that enough time to obtain a non o visa di you think? Or can I apply before I go to Laos ?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Chris *********
 maybe not 3 days, but probably a week would be do-able. For Non-O visa there's no interview normally. Pre-fill the application, as soon as you cross into Laos upload your entry stamp from your passport and submit the application. Then first thing the next morning go to the embassy and pay (Between 9-11AM). Then wait.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Chris *********
 not sure. But perhaps you can fill in the paperwork in advance. Let's see us anyone knows the turnaround time in Laos. Maybe 3 days not enough.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Chris *********
 3 days might be tight. You can not apply in Thailand, you must physically be in Laos.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris **********
P.s married to a Thai btw but on a visitor visa
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *********
 same, I'm married to a Thai but still on a tourist visa exempt,
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terry ***********
Reply
Peter *********
Agent ,
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephen ********
your ducks will never be in a row here
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I cheated and used plastic ducks, they can’t fly.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve ****
@Stephen *******
 wait, there are supposed to be ducks?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Cris ******
@Stephen *******
 ducks? Your isaan neighbor ate and stole one, the rest the government changed so you need chickens in a row, also a buffalo.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Brett *********
@Stephen *******
 my ducks got loose. 3 are missing. Now I think some of them are chickens.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
David *********
So true that is
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Max *************
@Stephen *******
 You beat me to it. 😂
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Jim *********
Did you apply for Thai marriage visa in a Thai embassy. When you have it then go to the bank with a Thai speaking person if you are not fluent in Thai.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim ********
 Yes, I have applied for a marriage visa, I entered on a 60 day tourist visa exempt ( I was waiting for the sale of my house to settle), I got married on July 5th and now on the 30 day extension. Immigration are telling us I need to open a bank account and have seasoned funds for 60 days and the banks are all saying I need a visa to open a bank account. We have done multiple trips to immigration, Thai police customs (as directed) and the local municipal office where I received my house yellow book and ID card, my wife is urging me to contact the Australian Embassy, I don't know why because I really don't think they can offer any further assistance. We have discussed the idea of having a holiday in Laos or Vietnam and applying for a non o or, alternatively I return to Australia and apply from there.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Vaughn **********
@Terry **********
 Laos is the best option for you.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Vaughn **********
Reply
Paul ********
I agreed n lookimg fot a place that wants me....
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
Can’t see how a Chinese bank could help. Your funds need to be in a Thai bank.

If you’re not on a Non O visa already then you’ll find it almost impossible to open an account without help from an agent.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Philip ***********
@Stuart ********
 in bkk bank Phuket they told me you can open on exemption or any visa when you are married or have property in Thailand
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Philip **********
 it seems that the banks in BKK didn’t get the memo
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Philip ***********
@Terry **********
 think a lot depends also on the "goodwill" of the manager of the branch ..
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Philip ***********
Reply
Stuart *********
@Philip **********
 That’s the rules, but finding a bank manager that’s willing to do so is the challenge.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Billy **********
@Stuart ********
 almost seems contrived to keep the back hands flowing.

No bank accounts if on TV but an agent can circumvent the rules for a fee and a backhand.

LOS ❤️ everyone can afford corruption here

✌️✌️✌️
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
TiT?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Sylvia ********
@Terry **********
 this is Thailand
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Terry ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
of course so obvious, thanks for that
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Terry ***********
Reply
Stuart *********
@Billy *********
 TiT
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
How do I apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand if I can't open a bank account?
1 comments
2 months ago
Is it difficult to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O marriage visa?
121 comments
3 months ago
What steps can my in-laws take to successfully open a bank account in Thailand with a 90-day Non-Immigrant O Visa?
23 comments
3 months ago
What are the steps to legalize a UK marriage certificate for use in Thailand to open a bank account and register an address?
28 comments
3 months ago
Why is it difficult to open a Thai bank account without a visa?
113 comments
6 months ago
Why did I encounter difficulties opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O marriage visa?
19 comments
6 months ago
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand for expats with a Non-O visa?
83 comments
6 months ago
How can I open a Thai bank account without a visa for my marriage visa application?
67 comments
6 months ago
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand to obtain a Marriage Visa?
12 comments
7 months ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand for property purchase if I don't meet the visa requirements?
22 comments
9 months ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand without a marriage visa?
14 comments
10 months ago
How can I successfully open a bank account in Thailand for a Non-O visa?
135 comments
2 years ago
How can I open a Thai bank account without a retirement visa?
95 comments
2 years ago
How can I open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa to obtain a marriage visa?
77 comments
2 years ago
How can I successfully open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa?
128 comments
2 years ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand with a non-immigrant O visa based on marriage?
23 comments
2 years ago
How can I obtain a residence certificate and open a bank account in Thailand without a long-term visa?
134 comments
3 years ago
What are the steps for opening a bank account in Thailand without a work visa?
72 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand for a Marriage Visa?
22 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa?
135 comments
5 years ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner married to a Thai national?
188 comments
5 years ago
What do I need to successfully open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O visa as a foreigner married to a Thai citizen?
32 comments
6 years ago
What are the requirements and challenges for opening a bank account in Thailand for spousal visa purposes?
0 comments
7 years ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner to meet the 400,000 baht requirement for a marriage visa?
31 comments
7 years ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?
7 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?
9 comments
a month ago
What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?
21 comments
a month ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?
16 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?
8 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.