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Is it possible to open a bank account on a Non O visa in Thailand?

Non O VisaThailand BankingExpat LifeVisa ExtensionBank AccountImmigration ProcessThailand Expat Tips
Feb 19, 2025
19 days ago
Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all, so I was planning to get my Non O visa in the UK and fly out next month to Bangkok, the intention was to get the 1 year extension visa on this trip.... given all these issues getting a bank account, is it now going to be impossible ? I didn't intend on using an agent and I was going to try and sort it myself in one of the bank branches...I would be grateful for any advise, as I'm currently stuck in limbo..

thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the challenges and experiences of opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non O visa. While some users report difficulties, especially in Pattaya, others share successful experiences and suggest visiting immigration for assistance. Overall, obtaining a bank account is generally manageable for those on a Non O visa, but may require specific documentation.
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David **********
It is not impossible I did it last week go to immigration and do your tm30 ask for a letter for opening up a bank account and its easy
19 days ago
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Ran ****
Just today I got my Bank opened in Nan Province. Took me about 3 days running between immigration and all the different bank branches. Some banks asking Yellow book, some wanted Kor Ror 22, Kasikorn bank said straight they cant open me if not have work premit or already long stay visa.

Finally got my bank opened in Bangkok Bank where they also asked me and my wife all kind of documents. Even my home country ID card was one of the documents i had to have for opening bank and opening bank account delayed 1 day due not having my ID card with me in bank..even though I had letter of residence letter from local Immigration Office especially made for Bangkok Bank.

BTW I am on my Non O visa visiting my Thai Family.
19 days ago
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Randy ******
@Ran ***
Congrats, fella! Now you can finally replace the sick water buffalo!
19 days ago
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Randy ******
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Stuart *********
At the moment there is an issue in Pattaya (only) with new bank accounts. Unfortunately that’s also the place that many hopeful retirees are looking to stay (I’m not going to get into the politics of that decision).

Elsewhere we haven’t seen many issues with people on Non Os getting bank accounts.
19 days ago
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Jan ******************
@Stuart ********
 Tried to open a second savings account in Krungthai bank last month with a Non O visa. They didn’t allow me even if I’ve been a customer in their bank for 11 years with a debit account and could provide a residence certificate. Requested a yellow book or a work permit as well.

They referred to general written guidelines from their head office and gave me a copy.
19 days ago
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Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
thanks
@Jan *****************
, where was that branch ? (not that it makes a lot of difference 🙁 )
19 days ago
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Jan ******************
@Andy *******
@Stuart ********
 Can add that I tried again today at Krungthai Bank in Pattaya with the same Non O visa and got the same answer; Yellow house book OR a work permit as well.

(Same branch who told me two years ago that I could open a second account only with a Non O visa as I showed up with an exemption. Definitely getting more strict now).
18 days ago
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Jan ******************
@Andy *******
 This was in Buriram same branch where I opened my debit account eleven years ago on a visa exemption.
19 days ago
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Jan ******************
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Nick ************
@Stuart ********
 what is the situation in Pattaya? My friend has an extension in progress there and he is being told by the agent everything is fine.
19 days ago
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Steve ********
@Nick ***********
 the reason this is happening is the Thai government is cracking down on money laundering. This has the banks scared.
19 days ago
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Stuart *********
@Nick ***********
 Two of the bigger agencies there recently posted on their websites that they could no longer offer “opening bank account” services nor offer new Non Os or extensions off of O visas.

They mentioned that they hope both situations were temporary but didn’t elaborate as to why.
19 days ago
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Stuart *********
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Tatpicha *********
There is one agency who can assist you to open bank account just in case but try diy first there’s no harm to learn the Thai process 🙂
19 days ago
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Stuart *********
On a Non O visa you should have little trouble getting a bank account. The main problem currently is with people on tourist visas or exempt entries trying to get one - which they need to convert to a non O in country.

I’m not saying you can breeze in to any branch and they’ll open one but it shouldn’t be that difficult especially if you’re willing to pay for their useless “insurance” policy.
19 days ago
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Dave **********
@Stuart ********
 you said it...useless insurance
18 days ago
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Brian *********
blame the Russians and Ukrainians
19 days ago
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Steve ********
@Stuart ********
 at this time is not true. The Thai government has Thai banks scared. They are not allowing foreigners to open accounts even with Non-O status. It’s been widely published. Even popular agents are saying they can’t do it.
19 days ago
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Chris *********************
@Steve *******
 yes iv see that on this site
18 days ago
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George *******
@Steve *******
 If this is the case then nobody from now going forward will be able to retire to Thailand?
19 days ago
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Steve ********
@George ******
 it’s not permanent. It should ease up in a few weeks. And yes, that is the concern right now. It’s a real and serious problem. All brought on by banks allowing the money laundering to happen in the first place.
18 days ago
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Steve ********
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Stuart *********
@Steve *******
 In Pattaya yes. Elsewhere not so.
19 days ago
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Steve ********
@Stuart ********
 ok if you say so
19 days ago
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Steve ********
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Andy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 thanks Stuart, it's a bit of a leap into the unknown at the moment....
19 days ago
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Andy ********
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