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How can I open a Thai bank account to apply for a Retirement visa without a long-stay visa?

Retirement Visa Thai Bank Account Visa Exemption Non-O Visa Thailand Immigration Bank Account Requirements

May 29, 2025

a year ago

Bigd **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Question on applying for Retirement visa in Thailand.  Q: on the requirement for $800 k THB in a Thai bank for 2 months prior to visa application, how does one open a Thai bank account without a visa? I'd be there on visa exemption status. TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The inquiry revolves around the requirement to have 800,000 THB deposited in a Thai bank for at least two months before applying for a Retirement visa. A participant mentions the need for a Non-O visa, which can be obtained in the home country, to open a bank account in Thailand. However, if one is already in Thailand on a visa exemption, they may need to use a visa agent to facilitate the process, as opening an account without a long-stay visa is increasingly difficult. Comments also discuss the option of bringing money in GBP for the initial deposit and the requirements for transferring funds into the 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.
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John **********

Make life easy for yourself. Apply for the 90 day Non-O visa before coming to Thailand. You can then open a bank account easily and deposit the funds for the 12 month extension of stay

a year ago

Mick *****

@John *********

can you bring the equivalent money in GBP, or do you have to do a bank transfer?

a year ago

John **********

@Mick ****

For the initial 90 day Non-O inside Thailand most immigration offices want to see an international transfer so bank transfer. For an extension it isn't a requirement but for that amount of money you need to declare it on entry

a year ago

Mick *****

@John *********

thanks

a year ago

Reply to

Mick *****

Frank **********

Dude you need your own group as your history of asking basic questions is as long as my arm. Lolol or 5555

a year ago

Jeremy ********

You can open with an agent

But since this week agent opened accts have come under scrutiny by the Thai govt

Good luck

a year ago

Lynnette *******

You get a non O before arriving. Open account. Deposit money. Apply for 12 month extension.

a year ago

Wayne ********

The most frequently asked question on Thailand Visa Advice. If you read all the questions & answers you can become quite knowledgeable without asking any questions. Try it, you might surprise yourself 🇹🇭

a year ago

Bigd **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wayne *******

oi!

a year ago

Reply to

Bigd **********

Jan ******************

You don’t have to have any funds seasoned(x) for the 90 days Non O in country unless you apply at Jomtien immigration. But it’s (almost 100%) impossible to open a bank account without a long stay visa now unless you use an agent to do the whole visa process for you and still are able to open an account as a part of the total package.

(x)Extension of stay requires two months seasoning for the application.

a year ago

Ray ********

You will have to apply for a 3 months Non O visa in your home country prior to coming to Thailand. Use that to open a bank account. But if you're already in Thailand without it you will have to use the services of a visa agent

a year ago

Graham ******

@Ray *******

or exit and get the Non-O in a neighbouring country

a year ago

Reply to

Graham ******

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