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How does staying with my son in Thailand on a Non-OA visa affect my TM30 and opening a bank account without a lease?

May 9, 2025
4 days ago
Susan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Planning on entering from the US with a non OA visa. Will be staying with my son (US citizen teaching english) in Petchabun for approximately 3 to 6 months while determining where I want to live. How will this affect my TM30 and opening a bank account if I can’t show a lease agreement? Thanks in advance
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual plans to enter Thailand on a Non-OA visa and stay with their son, who is teaching English, while seeking a long-term residence. Concerns are raised regarding the TM30 filing requirements and the ability to open a bank account without a lease agreement. Community members provided guidance to have the son file the TM30 upon their arrival, ensuring they obtain a Certificate of Residency from Immigration for the TM30 approval. It seems possible to open a bank account with the necessary documentation, as experiences shared suggest that even without a lease, proactive communication with the bank and a strong presentation of credentials may suffice.
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Charlie ********
I entered last month on a non O-A and found opening a bank account very easy. If your son owns the property he must file TM30 with immigration. If he is a tenant his land lord must.

To get a residence certificate you need to attend immigration with TM30, your passport with signed photocopies of data page and stamp page. You need to complete a form , have a passport size photo and the fee is 500 baht ( that was at Phuket , may vary from place to place) You can get a residence certificate on day one in Thailand.

All banks vary with their requirements. Some vary from branch to branch in same banking group.

I used BKK bank in Karon Phuket and needed Passport , Thai SIM card , home country address , home country UTR and driving licence. As I didn’t have a Thai DL they accepted home country DL as I had an IDP ( international driving permit) I would suggest you get one before you travel from your home country. The whole experience lasted 45 mins. But as I say different branches of the same bank may have different requirements. After all TIT ( this is Thailand)

I was never asked for residence certificate or tenancy agreement. Best to check with your preferred bank first and when you go back try to see the same person you checked with.

Hope this helps
Brenda *******
Non o visa Thailand
J **************
Find the best value agent in your sons area and ask them

These questions
Tony **********
@J *************
she doesn't need an agent.
J **************
@Tony *********
I didn’t say she did…but she needs answers
Bob **********
@J *************
no she has a long stay visa that’s all she needs
Tony **********
You're probably okay because you have a 12 month visa. Make sure your son files the tm-30 each time you return to stay with him. You can most likely get a residency certificate from that tm-30 but probably good too have him write a letter that you are staying with him long term. Immigration like documentation...

Take all that with you too the bank. Dress reasonably and act professionally and if you don't get an account at the first bank, try another. Use the main branches in the town you're living in.
Susan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *********
thank you
Robert *******
@Susan ********
and make sure you have a Thai mobile phone number in your name
Tony **********
@Robert ******
thank you, forgot that element!
Frank **********
If you are staying with your son have him do a TM 30 showing that you live with him. Having a Non O visa already should make it easier to get a bank account. Just make sure you get a Certificate of Residency from Immigration when the TM 30 is approved.
Susan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bob **********
@Susan ********
having a OA should be enough to open an account
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