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How can I open a Thai bank account without a retirement visa?
Thai bank accountretirement visavisa requirementsexpat bankingfinancial documentationThailand immigrationopening a bank account in Thailandagent services
Feb 14, 2024
2 years ago
Ronald ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, I just returned from Laos in an attempt to get my retirement visa going. Thought I had everything I needed as far as my paperwork. Unfortunately when we went to the Thailand Embassy they said I didn't have the financial statements I needed. They said I have to show 800,000 bath in a Thai bank. I brought 20,000 when I came to Thailand but after trying to open a bank account at several banks without success. How do you open a bank account without a retirement visa? Thanks everyone. 👍
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges faced by an expat attempting to open a Thai bank account without a retirement visa, highlighting the requirement of showing 800,000 baht in a Thai bank. Despite having the necessary funds, the person encounters difficulties while trying to open an account with their tourist visa. Community comments suggest various approaches to overcoming these issues, such as hiring agents for assistance, using specific banks that are more foreigner-friendly, and advice on documentation needed for account opening. Additionally, there are references to experiences regarding financial obligations related to different visa types, such as the marriage visa.
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★★★★★
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Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Tom *********
Damn,Thai's government so corrupted ,I'm 💯 Thai's, but i grew up in USA 🇺🇸 for 50yrs now folks
John *********
@Tom ********
Had a look at your own government mate? Thailand ain't colluding in genocide and Yemen etc etc etc poor countries is it?Tom *********
@John ********
im not talking wars dude!!John *********
@Tom ********
US political corruption and wars are intertwined dude. Why do you think they have so many?Reply to
John *********
Reply
Ken ***********
@John ********
yes, the U.S. is evil globally while Thailand government abuses their own citizens. Don't think that just because the U.S. is bad that Thailand is not.John *********
@Ken ******
Talking to Americans is often like talking to a cabbage.Reply to
John *********
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Peter *******
I just walked into bank in pattaya passport address of hotel no problem l
Martyn **********
I opened my Bangkok Bank account (90 day O retirement visa) with a yellow house book and pink ID card.
Amanda *********
You need proper advice use an agent…
Vincent ***********
I tried 5 years ago to open an account at Bangkok bank on 30 days tourist visa, didnt work. Last year i had visa for 60 days and document from my home adress and legalised by Ministry of Foreign affairs from Holland and i succeed to open an account at Bangkok bank in Phuket. It works very well, have app and can easily send money to my children for university etcetera. Via wise i put money to my Thai bank and than to the children. Good luck!
Metty *******
Jomtien, Bangkok Bank opposite to lampho market .
Opens you have to buy there accident insurance .
Dont need an agent.
Cost 6.000 tb
Opens you have to buy there accident insurance .
Dont need an agent.
Cost 6.000 tb
Duane *************
Have never used an agent for anything but if I have a problem with immigration I will. Not sure what they charge but renewing a visa is easy yet I had a friend pay 5000 baht to do something I did.. Immigration employees are very helpful.
Deanna *******
Go to Krungsri bank (yellow bank) in a tourist area. They are more foreigner friendly.
Gladstone ***********************
I used Siam Legal lawyers to help me open a Thai bank account.
Rick *********
@Gladstone **********************
Was it part of a package of services, or just the bank account? If just the bank account, how much did they charge?Gladstone ***********************
@Rick ********
It was just a bank account. I'm sorry cannot recall how much they charged. If you Google them have a chat with Sam, she is very helpful.Reply to
Gladstone ***********************
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Hathaway *************
I gave up trying to do it myself and used an agent, you might find it difficult to get one only to open a bank account, without paying for full visa service.
Tim *********
@Hathaway ************
did you have a good experience and do you have a recommendation of who to use.Hathaway *************
@Tim ********
Yes my experience has been good all round, I'm down south in Chumphon and used a very professional lady, had her own language school, is naturally best to use someone local to the area you plan to live in, she accompanied me to get me driving licences a few days ago and everything is now almost done and dusted, if her location (Lung Suan) might work fir you I would be happy to give her contact info.Reply to
Hathaway *************
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JD *******
I Opened My Thai--Bangkok Bank --Acct In 2010'. Now Me n Philippino Wife Moving To Thailand In July-- How Difficult Will It Be For Us To Obtain Non-Immigrant "O" Visas ? Thanks In Advance For Serious Replys. Alky's An Drugies Keep Your Snide Remarks To Yourself !
Michel *********
Reply to
Michel *********
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Jay ********
I'm also having a nightmare im married to a Thai lady gone 2 over 15 banks won't let me open a bank account without visa Double Jeporady can not get Visa without a bank account
Steve **********
@Jay *******
you don't need a bank account for a visa, but need visa for bank acct.Reply to
Steve **********
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Shane ************
Agents are worth every penny
@THAI *****************************
Tim *********
@Shane ***********
how much did it costReply to
Tim *********
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Steve ******
I opened an account in thr Chuang Rai branch of Bangkok Bank with just Mt passport, it took around 30 minutes, I was staying there for a month, we are going back for good later this year but good luck.
Steve ******
They could not have been more helpful, they gave me login details. Swift code etc.
Amel *********
@Steve *****
How long ago was that?Steve ******
@Amel ********
Last NovemberReply to
Steve ******
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Ronald ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve *****
Steve, how long ago was that? I actually live in Chiang Rai.Steve ******
@Ronald **********
Last November.Reply to
Steve ******
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Paul ********
You can go to your embassy in bkk and get your passport authenticated by them and then some banks will accept you. Alternatively go to an agent, who will sort for you. I have a retirement visa and I used an agent who sorted everything so quickly and efficiently for me. Definitely worth checking out. Pm me if you want details
Koen *******
@Martin ********
thank you!Koen *******
@Paul *******
he Paul, can you sent me the details please? Thank you 🙏🏼Reply to
Koen *******
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Owen *******
I’m retired (63) and a U.K. passport holder. What’s the best visa to apply for to cover a 90 day stay in Thailand? I get 30 days on entry. Another 30 days from Krabi Immigration. I will have to do a visa run to Malaysia for the remaining 30 days. Is there an easier way (not interested in a retirement visa) due to having to deposit £20k in a Thai bank.
Steve *******
@Owen ******
Get the 90 days Non Imm O visa in the UK, no need for money in a Thai bank.Frances ********
@Owen ******
can you get a 60 day tourist visa at the Thai consulate near your UK address? Then after the 60 days do a 30 day extension for 1,900 Baht? No visa/border run needed. And praying that like neighboring countries, Thailand will soon give 90 day exempt….Owen *******
Thanks for the info
Reply to
Owen *******
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Stephen *********
@Owen ******
Get a 2 month tourist visa before going to Thailand. Then get a 1 month extension at immigrationReply to
Stephen *********
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Michael *******
Pay a bribe through an agent or Bangkok Bank and buy an insurance policy at least with the latter you get something in return - for what it’s worth.
Ray ************
@Michael ******
yes i got auto insurance for a year plus plusReply to
Ray ************
Reply
Bart **************
You don't. It's a classic chicken 21.
You get retirement visa abroad. Embassies also require adequate finances, but logically don't require these to already in Thailand.
You get retirement visa abroad. Embassies also require adequate finances, but logically don't require these to already in Thailand.
Nongnuch ********
they will open an account for you, even on a tourist visa . .they speak english
***********************************************************************************************
Ray ************
I went to Huahin immigration one week abd requested new 39 dats..granted...drivers lucence and approval to open Thai bank account...filled in applications and proved docs..picked up a week later all approved. Took letter to bank abd got account, which cost about 1500 bht. Easy easy.
Ronald ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ray ***********
Ray, are you married or single? Thanks Ron 👍Ray ************
@Ronald **********
single but in common law relationshipReply to
Ray ************
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Ray ************
30 days had Thai gf translate helped
Reply to
Ray ************
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Dave *******
I used the agent on soi 6 pattaya, job done. Theres quite a few agents, maybe try a recommended one? Good luck.
Chris ***********
I am hoping that getting married to a Thai woman will help. lol
Don ********
@Chris **********
it will.Sean **********
@Chris **********
from what I have read the Thai marriage visa is more onerous to obtain and maintain. Except you only need 400k in the Thai bank.Don ********
@Sean *********
just more hoops to jump through. It’s not too bad especially if the wife takes care of the documentation ✌️Reply to
Don ********
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Pertti *************
Yes. Ask letter from immigration office that you need bank account your visa? Or just use agent open bank account.
Chris ***********
@Pertti ************
American embassy won’t give you a letter.Lynnette *******
@Chris **********
he said immigration office. Didn't say embassy.Chris ***********
@Lynnette ******
ahh I stand correctedReply to
Chris ***********
Reply
Duane *************
I opened one several years ago and was easier than my bank in USA, not sure what you could have a problem with. It's at Bangkok Bank
Ken ***********
@Duane ************
I also opened many years ago without complication; however, Thai banks have many more requirements over the last 2 years. Your experience several years ago is no longer available.Duane *************
@Ken ******
I actually left my bank book at home and the ATM ate my ATM card, they ended up opening a new account for me, it didn't seem difficult.I did that yesterday's.Ken ***********
@Duane ************
sorry to contradict you again but your bank closing and old account and opening a new account at the same time is totally different from going to a new bank you have never done business with and trying to open a new account.Duane *************
@Ken ******
I can only share my experienceMike *********
@Duane ************
and your information was already in their system. Now they need facial recognition scan of your face and many more documents to open an account without history with that bank.Reply to
Mike *********
Reply
Ken ***********
************************************************
Chris *****
As at today, get an agent to assist you in opening a bank account. I did mine in Pattaya-Bangkok bank last week.
Don’t see those videos or read posts from 1-2yrs ago. They are no more relevant. Things are ever changing.
Don’t see those videos or read posts from 1-2yrs ago. They are no more relevant. Things are ever changing.
Christopher *************
So which Country issued your passport?
Ronald ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher ************
AmericanPeter ****************
@Ronald **********
Not an answer on opening a bank account but maybe for now solves the 'problem'. So think you went to Vientiane (Thai Embassy) ? At my latest knowledge Savannakhet (Thai Consulate) don't ask financial evidence.Ronald ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ***************
They asked for mine.Peter ****************
@Ronald **********
Mm, so you went to the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet ? Well, then that changed 😢, sorry.Christopher *************
Isn't US one of the Countries where you have to apply for a visa using the Electronic site? I sent 3 months worth of bank statements and had no problems.
Reply to
Christopher *************
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Kenny ******************
use an agent. Retirement visa doing on your own is only 1900 Baht. That goes to the government coferm recorded at the cashier window. An agent brings much more to the immigration office, more than enough unrecorded amount to satisfy many hands up the chain of command. Lile any other semi- 3rd World country, the same applies here. Money gets things done- talk doesn't.
John *********
@Kenny *****************
Third world? Not very bright are you Kenny.Kenny ******************
Not quite Tiger Nation status
Kenny ******************
@John ********
I stated semi- Third World. 2nd World I should have stated.Dan ********
@Kenny *****************
2nd largest economy in SE Asia behind Indonesia. 10th largest economy in all Asia, (50x countries, including Middle East and Turkey/Cyprus). 29th largest economy in the world. But don't have a knife in the cutlery on the dinner table. Use hand signals to becon you towards or away in the complete opposite to the rest of the world. That still blows my mind everytime I see it. And they pull out turning left onto any type of road including motorways, without looking right, ever. But depending on what you read, Thailand is a 'developing' country, an 'advanced developing' country, a 'Middle income' country, an 'upper middle income' country, or an 'industrialised' country, amongst other titles.Kenny ******************
I agree, it's transitioning to a middle-income country by GDP. But it still has some antiquaited institutioanl bumps to overcome. It's tourism that keeps it above the other S.E.A. countries. I can't think of any country in the world which has more visitors per/population ratio than Thailand. Almost 1 visitor for every 3 Thais. It's openness to FDI since the 1970s and its sex industry has grown hand-in-hand, along with light manufacturing which has replaced garment industry. An important indicator of transition is the latetest data on the percentage of the working population still tied to agricucultural industry. Last I read (years back) was around 60%. Maybe much less now.
Reply to
Kenny ******************
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Jim ***********
Pay agent ot buy insurance Bkk bank
Steve **********
Do it yourself...get used to "participating in the system" .
Rather than manipulating it !
Rather than manipulating it !
Damien ********
@Steve *********
opening a bank account with an agent Is participating in the system !
Opening a bank account yourself and paying for insurance that you don’t need so the bank manager can get his bonus is both
Manipulative and part of the system !!
Steve **********
@Damien *******
yes ! get used to it , TITKen ***********
@Damien *******
i too am loathe to support graft and corruption but sometimes they rig the system so far that there is no other choice.Steve **********
@Ken ******
TITSteve **********
@Damien *******
we're all wired differentlyJim ***********
@Damien *******
but it's easier and helps get visa money in bank.Reply to
Jim ***********
Reply
Steve **********
@Jim **********
suggest go to Bkk and say want to open account '& buy insur '. They get comm. So will open.
Don't need agent.
Jim ***********
@Steve *********
agree I opened myself compulsory insurance. Know guys that have used that insurance it covered them for accidents. Not a complete conNongnuch ********
@Steve *********
and the insurance most obviously will cost the same as an agent, just to sayReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Ken ***********
I hate the idea of using agents; however, opening a Thai bank account has become so difficult, you may have to hire an agent.
Reply to
Ken ***********
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