How can I open a Thai bank account to qualify for a Non-O visa while only having a visa-exempt status?

Question

Hi all, I’m currently in Chiang Rai as a tourist on visa exempt and I want to get the non-o visa based of retirement.

I went to the local immigration office to enquire more and I fulfil all the requirements except for having a thai bank account with 800k baht in it (I have the 800k in my home country ready).

I then went to every single bank here to try and open an account but was told I needed either a non-o, non-b etc. and I couldn’t open one as a tourist.

May I know what can I do in this situation whereby I need the bank account to get the non-o, yet I need the non-o to get the bank account? How am I suppose to be able to do either when I can’t do 1 without the other?

Cheers and much thanks in advance.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is in a dilemma trying to obtain a Non-O visa based on retirement while only holding a tourist visa in Chiang Rai. They have the required funds in their home country but cannot open a Thai bank account needed for the visa due to restrictions on their current visa status. Responses suggest various solutions: getting a residence certificate, hiring an agent to assist with opening a bank account, or returning to their home country to apply for the Non-O visa before concluding their banking needs in Thailand.

Dimitris ************ · Answer

I was in the same situation as you. Use an agent and pay 4-5,000 fee to open one in minutes. The best investment ever. No matter how many banks you will try it will be waste of time and energy

Nick ************ · Answer

Try the same branches again. I went back to a branch of Bangkok Bank 4 times before I got an account. Get the non o yourself if you possibly can.

Luc ************ · Answer

Get an agent.

Jake ***** · Answer

Back to 5 yrs ago, when I applied for Non-O, I was so lucky. I visited Krungsri Bank in the government complex in Bangkok, I explained my situation such as opening a bank account for a non-O visa, and they accepted it without complications and I was able to open an account. It seems to be a case-by-case

Brook ******** · Answer

How many banks did you try?

What areas did you try?

How were you dressed?

What was the amount of your initial deposit?

John ********** · Answer

Also you could try banks a little further afield

Dan ******** · Answer

The easiest and most efficient option is to pay an agent to do it for you.

Steve ******* · Answer

Use an agent to open a bank account or return to your home Country for the Non Imm O.

Brandon ************ · Answer

1) find out if you can get a residence certificate from immigration in Chiang Rai as a tourist. If yes, ask the banks if having a residence certificate will help you open an account.

2) find an agent to help you open an account.

3) return home, apply for the non-O visa before returning to Thailand and then open your account and start planning for your 1 year extension.

How can I open a Thai bank account to qualify for a Non-O visa while only having a visa-exempt status?

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