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How soon can I apply for a bank account to switch to a marriage visa in Thailand?
Oct 2, 2025
7 months ago
Paul *************
ORIGINAL POSTERQuick question. Coming to live there with my Thai wife. The twenty first of october, I have already secured an e visa for ninety days she has her own property.
How soon can I apply to get a bank account to then? Change it to the marriage visa for the year. One
How soon can I apply to get a bank account to then? Change it to the marriage visa for the year. One
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is moving to Thailand to live with their Thai wife and holds a 90-day e-Visa. They are seeking guidance on when they can open a bank account and how to transition to a marriage visa. Responses highlight the importance of obtaining a bank account promptly, as funds need to be seasoned for two months before applying for a visa extension. Some responses suggest applying for the Non-O visa instead of remaining on a tourist visa, and emphasize the need to confirm the nature of the e-Visa. Additionally, there are warnings about potential banking issues for foreigners in Thailand.
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Frankie *******
Do not open a bank account in thailand.They hve frozen all foreigners accounts indefinitely with most banks in thailand
Simon *******
@Frankie ******
The only bank that is a problem is Bangkok bank, where did you get this information that it is all foreign bank accounts its not trueNico *************
@Frankie ******
not all.. Kasikorn is a good option. And you must use that account regularly, not let it sleep otherwise they can freeze it..Reply to
Nico *************
Reply
Ken *********
Apply for Non-O based on marriage from where you are living then come to Thailand. Don’t come on tourist visa
Paul *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ken ********
i was told to get the ninety day O visa then when in Thailand after 2months i can apply for the bank account in Thailand.To be able to get the year visa, I have the ten grand to go in the bank. (400k bahts ) based on being married and to get this, you need to show
Your wife's information which can only be done in thailand so how can you get a marriage visa year?One before you go?
Gerard **************
@Paul ************
If you check youtube "Cal in Thailand " he has a 30 minute interview with an Immigration expert and it's up to date. Although you are getting solid information here .Ken *********
@Paul ************
Apply online Royal Thai Embassy.Reply to
Ken *********
Reply
Frank **********
You do not need an Agent as suggested. You can do it yourself and cheaper then an Agent.
John ******
I have the Non O retirement visa based on 800,000 baht in a Thai bank. We were advised by the local immigration office, where I live, that this is the easiest visa. If you opt for the marriage visa the process is more complex. For example your neighbour is required to confirm to the immigration office that that you both reside together at the documented address and there are other requirements. Something you may want to consider.
I have a Thai wife and we hold an Australian marriage certificate.
I have a Thai wife and we hold an Australian marriage certificate.
George *********
@John *****
does anybody know how important this neighbour check is? We've been 2 years in our condo and never once seen our neighbours. Cleaners, handyman yes but not neighbours.Nico *************
@John *****
so you had your Australian marriage certificate registered at the local immigration in Thailand. Before you started your non o visum.?John ******
@Nico ************
No we just raised it with the immigration officer as an option but he advised to take the bank deposit route.Reply to
John ******
Reply
Robert *****
Open a bank account the day after you arrive, then take your passport and your bank book and go hire an agent to get your initial 12 month extension. No 400K required. Gives you 15 months time to figure it all out before your next renewal comes due.
Simon *******
You might want to consider using an agent to get the 800,000 into you Thai account and not bother with a marriage visa ,you can leave the money in your home country earning interest in a investment account and the interest will more than pay the agents fees every year.
Simon *******
@Robert ****
no need for an agent to help you will bank account you have a non O visa ,get a certificate of residence from you local immigration office then go to the bank to open an account a.s.a.p,do not use Bangkok bank I have changed to Kasikornbank much better customer service and easy to open an account.Robert *****
@Simon ******
using the agent prevents you from having 800 or 400 of your money tied up in a useless non interest bearing foreign bank account for long periods of time.Simon *******
@Robert ****
that's exactly what I put below an hour ago but no need for an agent to open a bank account for you as is nearly impossible these days without the Non O visaRobert *****
@Simon ******
right you open the bank account by yourself using your initial 90 day visa, then bring your bank book to the agent and let them handle the 12 month extension. IMO this is the best way to get what you want for the least amount of cost and time. No insurance, no money needed in any bank anywhere, no background check, and no 90 day nonsense.John *********
@Robert ****
And the cost of an agent for a 12 month extension based on marriage?Reply to
John *********
Reply
Bob **********
You’ll probably need a resident certificate open it right away and get your 400k in it you’ll need it there for 2 months before you apply
John **********
Assuming you got a Non-O 90 day visa based on marriage most immigration offices will allow you to apply for a 12 month extension of stay when you have 30 days or less left, some 45. But you also need funds in a Thai bank for 2 full calendar months before you can apply. Go to the immigration office for their exact requirements
Ralph *******
I think you should get the non O visa. If your visa is a tourist visa, then it isn’t suitable and you won’t be able to open a bank account with it.
What is the nature of your eVisa?
What is the nature of your eVisa?
Paul *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ralph ******
as you can see from the photo, it is a O visa, not sure.If there's a different style did say coming to live with my Thai wife, on line form ?Ralph *******
@Paul ************
A non O. That’s good. I thought you may have got a tourist visa as you weren’t specific.Paul *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ralph ******
sorry i didnt know there was a 90 day visitor one ? Thought it was 60 days maxRalph *******
@Paul ************
It is. But some people get confused as it’s valid for 90 days.Graham ******
@Paul ************
A TR60 is valid for 90 days but gets a 60 day entry stampReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Graham ******
@Paul ************
A 90 day visa as stated 👍Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Nico *************
@Ralph ******
yes must have a non O to start with. And a lot of paperwork translated etc.Nico *************
@Ralph ******
I tried with tourist visa, but that you can forget.. And went to the wrong bank because a lot of Thai banks do not except cross boarder transactions anymore..
Reply to
Nico *************
Reply
Graham ******
You need to get the bank account ASAP as the 400k needed for your extension has to be seasoned for 2 months before you can apply for your extension
Nico *************
@Graham *****
400k or two months pension. ASAP yes.Graham ******
@Nico ************
no it's 400k unless there is a 40k wage per month from inside Thailand or an Embassy affidavitReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Michael *******
@Graham *****
3 monthes now. Depends where!Graham ******
@Michael ******
it is 2 months but to show 2 full months on a bank statement you need statements from 3 monthsMichael *******
Reply to
Michael *******
Reply
Lynnette *******
Money probably needs seasoning for 2 months before applying. The immigration office will have a print out of what's needed too.
Yvonne *****
ask your Thai wife
Supreedee *****************************
@Yvonne ****
be kind.Hasan *****
@Yvonne ****
why are you answering? You’re not his Thai wife! 😂Nick *******
@Yvonne ****
that’s helpful. Well done you 🙄Kim *********
@Yvonne ****
why would she know? Funny advicePaul *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Yvonne ****
i have she says she thinks I can do it straight away.But I have read something about two months hence why I am asking the questionReply to
Paul *************
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