How can I renew my Non-O Thai Child visa if banks refuse to open an account for me?

Question

Dear group members,

I’m a French living in Phuket, currently holding a one-year Non-O Thai Child visa, which is set to expire on August 31st.

My daughter has dual nationality (Thai/French), and I’m now in the process of renewing my visa. However, immigration informed me that they no longer accept bank accounts from Bangkok Bank due to issues related to scams. They’ve asked me to open a new account with a different bank in order to proceed with the renewal.

I’ve visited several banks in Phuket, but so far, all of them have refused to open an account for me with my Non-O Thai Child visa. Some banks also require school enrollment documents (but my daughter is still too young), or they ask for an ED visa—which doesn’t apply, as she is Thai.

I’m a bit confused and honestly feeling stuck, so I’d really appreciate any advice or if anyone has experienced something similar and could share how they managed it.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Best regards,
Clément

Ask Thailand · Answer

A French expat in Phuket is facing challenges in renewing his Non-O Thai Child visa due to banking issues, as immigration no longer accepts bank accounts from Bangkok Bank. He has encountered refusals from multiple banks in Phuket to open an account with his visa type, with some requiring school enrollment documents or an education visa for his Thai/French daughter. The user seeks advice or similar experiences from the community.

Tod ********* · Answer

Is the immigration office is telling you this? 😕

Because there's no issue getting the documentation from Bangkok Bank showing you have the 400K baht in an account to get a year extension based on raising a half thai child

OR

Is a "service" you're using to get the visa telling you this because those people can't use that bank to bank funds for people any more ?

The immigration office has to accept proof of funds in ANY thai bank 😮

So if you have it banked in Bangkok Bank that would be fine as long as you can get the bank letter, the transaction detail report from the bank and update your bank book the day you apply

Just curious

Do you have proof of legal parental rights? As in were you married to the thai mother when the child was born OR did you go thru family court and get recognized as the legal father via court decree <- which is what is required to get a year extension based on raising a thai child born out of wedlock

How can I renew my Non-O Thai Child visa if banks refuse to open an account for me?

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