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Is it better to open a bank account in Bangkok or Singburi for my non-O visa needs?

Thai Visa Rules Banking in Thailand Non-O Visa Opening a Bank Account Expat Life in Thailand Immigration Procedures

Jun 27, 2024

10 months ago

Michael *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I just arrived with a non-o 90 day visa.  I will ultimately be settling in Singburi but I’m in Bangkok for a month as a home base.

Q: Should I open my bank account in Bangkok or Singburi. Would one place be easier? Why should I open the account where I live vs. the big city?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When deciding whether to open a bank account in Bangkok or Singburi, it is generally advisable to open it where you plan to live (Singburi). This is because you will need to visit the branch for certain transactions, which could be inconvenient if it's far away. Having an account in the local region also ensures your funds are readily available for immigration purposes, such as maintaining required balances for yearly extensions based on marriage or retirement. Additionally, consider ATM fees for using machines outside your bank's province, and verify with Immigration that they will accept bank statements from an account located in a different province.

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Khun *****

In addition to the info Stuart provided, here's two things to consider: 1) Most banks will charge an ATM fee if you withdraw money from an ATM outside the province of your "home bank". This can be worked around by using the ATM withdraw function on your bank's phone app, 2) Be sure that Immigration will accept your annual extension bank statement from a bank outside the province. Shouldn't be an issue but each Immigration office do their own thing, so you never know.

10 months ago

Will ************

Remember if you want the yearly extension based on marriage or retirement you MUST have your money in your account 2 months before the date of application

10 months ago

Stuart *********

Generally you’ll want to open a bank account where you live.

For certain things you’ll need to do them at the branch where you opened your account. If that’s hundreds of miles away then that can be a pain.

Recently it’s got a lot better in that you can do most things on the phone app but you may still find a need to visit your branch now and again.

10 months ago

Bernd ***********

@Stuart ********

I got my branch in Bangkok but live now in Phuket. Bangkok bank at Central is very helpful and I can handle all stuff at their branch. For withdrawal at ATM I use cardless without any charge.

10 months ago

Achanster ******

@Bernd **********

For change of passport no. they asked us to go to the branch where account was opened

10 months ago

Bernd ***********

@Achanster *****

I will see what will happen when I get a new passport

10 months ago

Achanster ******

@Bernd **********

It's fact.