How can I successfully open a bank account in Thailand with a Non O Retirement Visa?

Question

So here's my situation regarding my Non O Retirement visa: I arrived a few days ago to Bangkok on my 90 day Non O.

I tried going to several banks to open up a bank account, the language barrier was a factor but I dealt with it the best I could. Bangkok Bank and UOB said they don't do this anymore and Krungsri said I need some form from Immigration. Kasikorn said they needed a rental agreement but that my TM30 form for the Airbnb I'm currently staying for a month wasn't good enough and that I need an actual rental agreement.

From what I read here, reddit, etc, I thought I'd be able to open up the bank account first and then find a permanent place once I had that done. So now I need to find a condo and sign a year lease in order to open the bank account and then after the two month waiting period apply for the one year extension. What scares me is that when I sign the lease for whatever reason if I'm unable to open the bank account I'll be in this weird limbo of having signed the lease but not being able to stay and having to do the whole process over again or be forced to do visa runs for a year.

Anyone else in a similar situation or have any advice? Thanks!

EDIT: I'm also considering trying to get a "**Residence Certificate**" (which is what I think Krungthai was asking for when they said they needed an "Immigration Form") at Chaeng Wattana Immigration (Government Complex, Building B, Floor 2, Section 2) on Monday and if I get this then trying the banks again.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is facing challenges opening a bank account in Thailand with their Non-O Retirement visa due to varying requirements from different banks. They learned that some banks require a rental agreement rather than a TM30 form for their Airbnb stay and expressed concerns about signing a lease without being able to open a bank account, which could complicate their visa status. Comments suggest options like obtaining a Residence Certificate from immigration prior to visiting banks again, considering different bank branches, or hiring an agent for assistance.

Chris ********** · Answer

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John ********** · Answer

Get a residence certificate from immigration before approaching the bank

Lim *********** · Answer

In Udon Thani, we need to furnish a condo rental agreement in order to get a certificate of residency for opening bank account, buy car etc.

Jay ******* · Answer

Like has been stated, every branch at every bank can have different requirements.   My suggestion and some won't like it, but hire an agent and go to kasikorn.  You will probably need a certificate of residence from immigration

Kim ********** · Answer

Agent required my signed lease in hand. We aren’t moving in til Tuesday but I had to go sign early and get a copy. But then it took only 20 min of signing papers and I was good to go

Graham ****** · Answer

What you need is a residence certificate from immigration, as you have a TM30 it is simple to get

Lynnette ******* · Answer

Or maybe an agent can help you get it opened and use your own money to deposit the amount required.

Lynnette ******* · Answer

Perhaps a 6 month agreement "in principle"?

Dirk ************** · Answer

Try the bank account first. Again, the requirements vary from bank to bank. A few years ago when I opened my account, I had two different branches of SCB tell me two completely different things. One was not even willing to accept the Non-O Visa as they wanted specifically a “marriage” or “retirement” visa (which does not even exist). It is a lot of legwork but good luck!

Stuart ********* · Answer

Each bank branch manager sets their own rules, so the fact one branch said they “don’t do this anymore” doesn’t mean another branch will. BB has its own issues at the moment so maybe best to avoid them anyway.

How can I successfully open a bank account in Thailand with a Non O Retirement Visa?

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