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How can US citizens in Bangkok open a Thai bank account for a retirement visa?

Thai Retirement Visa Bank Account Opening US Embassy Bangkok Affidavit for Bank Account Proof of Residence Visa Requirements Expatriate Banking Issues

Nov 6, 2018

7 years ago

Bill *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hopefully a helpful (and visa related enough) message for all US citizens in the BKK area grappling with the coming end of affidavits out of the embassy: opening a Thai bank account can be ‘challenging’ but it is now required for a type O ‘retirement’ type visa. However today I simply went to the US Embassy in BKK and got an affidavit from them giving me permission to open a bank account. I then walked directly across the street to the Sindhorn building and applied at the Bank of Bangkok there on the ground floor, using my passport and that affidavit. Within 15 minutes, I walked out with an account, an ATM card and on-line banking. It can be done. Thanks to Tod and the rest of the admin team here for all your help 🙏🙂

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TLDR : Answer Summary

This post provides information for US citizens in Bangkok regarding requirements for opening a Thai bank account, particularly for those applying for a type O retirement visa. The author successfully obtained an affidavit from the US Embassy, which serves as proof of residence to fulfill bank requirements. The conversation highlights varying experiences among expats, with some mentioning alternative documents accepted by other banks.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Tod *********

Thanx for the update about getting a proof of residence letter from the US consulate so you could open a bank account (y)..

7 years ago

Bill *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

@T**

, sorry for the incorrect wording in my post. The bank wanted to see some sort of certified ‘proof of address’ from me in Thailand. That was the purpose of the affidavit.

7 years ago

Tod *********

Yep, that's common. Some banks want it some don't. You could have went to the Krungsri Bank out by Emquartier and opened the account with your passport and where you're staying written on a piece of paper. They don't require anything to open an account at that branch for some reason.

7 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Jason ***********

I never needed an affidavit, but then again I am on an ED visa. Kasikorn bank was just fine with a enrollment letter from my school.

7 years ago

Tod *********

There actually is no affidavit for opening a bank account

@Ma***

. :/

Many banks want a proof of address from either the immgiration office or from your consulate before they will let you open an account.

Seeing as you can't get a proof of address form from the immigration office in Bangkok unless you're on an extension AND have done at least one 90 day report, the only way to get the proof of residence certificate is from your consulate.

7 years ago

Marty *********

What affidavit is there for opening a bank account?

7 years ago

Reply to

Marty *********

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