How can my parents open a Thai bank account to qualify for a Non-O visa for retirement when they don't have a visa yet?

That's why visa agent services are doeing good business these days. Immigration welcomes them since it brings in more money to stash away in the district slush fund, rather than the official 1900 (chump change) Baht fee for a Non-O.

It's a good idea to get an account at a bank local to where you live if possible. UK bank to Bangkok bank using Wise appears to be the most cost effective and most straightforward method of transfer. Keep trying the banks and eventually you will succeed. I went to the same branch of Bangkok bank 5 times before they said yes. It just depends who you see on the day and whether they are familiar with opening accounts for foreigners. I was told several times I needed a work permit but on my non O extension of stay it is illegal to work in Thailand! Good luck.

Bangkok Bank Hua Hin is where I went when turned down by Kasikorn

You have to shop around for a bank manager that is flexible. My most recent bank account require all the same stuff... Except if I purchase 8000 baht in insurance then I could open a bank account without all the requirements.

My first bank account was free but I was quite persistent.

Use agent to get Vida and they will use there funds for visa save them opening bank account

9

Bangkok Bank Khlong Toei. Near Sukhumvit Soi 12.

I just went through the aggravation of going bank to bank to bank…over a dozen to try to open a bank account on a tourist visa in Bangkok. I even spoke to immigration and got advice on what to try next. I had planned to try it upon my return to Bangkok if need be. I then spoke to four agents. They charged from fifteen to over twenty baht to assist. I know that in Pattaya and Hua Hin those rates are SUBSTANTIALLY lower. I don’t know about other areas.

I already had plans to return to my home country, so I waited. Yesterday, I received my non-O 90-day visa based upon retirement. I can now return and open that bank account (or at least I should be able) to obtain the visa extension.

What’s my point? Save your folks the headache. Get the visa before they arrive.

Go to agency to assist

Pm you

Would that mean they need to leave Thailand every couple of months? If so, that might be the negative aspect?

Why not get a multiple entry tourist visa which wiill give 8-9 months here each year much cheaper and easier and no need for thai banks or big sums of money. About 150 pounds and mine took a few days in uk

In the past I have used my foreign bank account records for proof of funds when applying for marriage visa in Phuket or from USA embassy. Not sure if the rules have changed.

But to get a Non O retirement VISA not need Thai account, but only 3 months then convert it hete to 12 months extension need no problem many many 1000 makes every month

Opend a bank account last month had to get a agent 5000 baht it cost me. The bank was Bangkok bank here in Pattya.

Probably the best time to use an agent is to open a bank account ..... saves many days of hassle

Classic Catch-22. You need a bank account for a long term visa but Bank Manager says you can’t open an account without a long term visa.

There is nothing in Thai law that prohibits a foreigner from opening a bank account - with or without a long term visa or work permit. That said each branch of each bank has its own rules and some won’t allow it yet some will. If one branch won’t allow it walk along to the next one. Try shopping mall branches, or ones close to an international school who are well used to people needing an account but have no long term visa.

If you’re in a major city or tourist centre then you’ll more likely have luck at some branch. Ask in a local Facebook group for that area who’s had success and what bank/branch. If you’re in the boondocks in Nakhon Si Nowhere then you may be out of luck.

Some banks/branches will ask you to take out a insurance policy to open an account. You may get away politely refusing, as they know it’s not mandatory, but probably won’t.

Some may want a “proof of residence” from an embassy or immigration. Again another classic Catch-22. Bangkok immigration office (perhaps some others) will only issue this is if you’ve done a 90 day report, but you need a long term visa to have done a 90 day report. Other immigration offices don’t have this restriction and you can get a certificate of residence as long as you can show a filed TM30 (address registration - ask your hotel or landlord). You may have better luck at your embassy, but don’t hold your breath.

Taking a Thai friend along may help in some instances, but no guarantee you’ll get an easier acceptance.

Perhaps show a wad of cash and say I need to deposit this somewhere. Again it may not help.

Unfortunately it’s just hit and miss.

Failing any luck yourself put a shout out for an agent to help. Generally visa agents offer a bank account opening service. Expect cost to be circa 5,000 baht.

You are absolutely correct it is a Catch 22 situation, but is possible.

I tried about 10 banks before finding a branch of Bangkok bank that would open an account for me and I think they are even stricter now. If that is the case an agent might be the solution, anecdotally they charge about 3,000 baht for this service and you are not tied in to do anything else with them. They do not need an agent to get the non o visa, that is a simple process to follow.

Either apply for the non-O visa before traveling to Thailand, then you already have the correct visa to more easily open an account.

Or go to a lot of banks and ask (10, 20, 30+)

Or pay an agent to open an account for you.