Answereda year ago
Should I use a visa agent for the Non-O retirement visa in Thailand and which bank should I choose in Bangkok?
For the Non O retirement visa, would you recommend using a visa agent or not? I'll be in Bangkok.
Also what bank would you recommend for opening an account? From what I've read on this forum Bangkok Bank used to be good but now they're not anymore. People say Kasikorn is good, any others?
Thanks!
Also what bank would you recommend for opening an account? From what I've read on this forum Bangkok Bank used to be good but now they're not anymore. People say Kasikorn is good, any others?
Thanks!
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around whether to use a visa agent for obtaining a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand and recommendations on opening a bank account in Bangkok. Many participants suggest that handling the visa process independently is feasible and can save money, especially if the Non-O visa has been acquired before arrival in Thailand. Various banks like Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and SCB are mentioned, with differing opinions on their reliability and accessibility for expats. It's noted that Bangkok Bank has recently tightened account opening policies due to regulatory issues, making it potentially less favorable for newcomers. Kasikorn Bank appears to be a recommended alternative, with views on recent experiences varying.
31 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
James *******
I don't recommend Bangkok bank. I recommend Kasikorn, I took all my money from Bangkok Bank and will open Kasikorn account soon
Nick ************
@James ******
I have had no issues with Bangkok Bank.James *******
@Nick ***********
recently there are a lot of Bangkok bank related complaints on this forum, including mine, accounts and apps on freeze, 400k or 800k deposits on freeze for 4 months etc.Nick ************
@James ******
I believe that is related to extensions of stay. It doesn't affect me.
Matthew *********
You won't be able to use bangkok bank. They are agents for immigration and enforce visa rules. Stay away from them. Their new policy announce a couple weeks ago is they will freeze your money to comply with money seasoning. Agents are no longer welcome with bangkok bank
Mark ****
OPThis is what I'm hearing, you can't use them anymore for the Non-O when you get to Thailand.
Campbell **********
Is the GSB bank any good?
Nick ************
From personal experience and assuming you want to opt for monthly payments for your second extension, transfers to Bangkok Bank using Wise is the most reliable way of getting transfers marked as international.
Kevin ******
@Nick ***********
agree 👍
Ian **********
If you decide the agent route, I recommend Lawyers for Expats (Thailand) - Brian Ramsden and his business colleague, Mint. They are also open to an initial "free of charge" consultation.
David **********
No you don't need one when you get here go to your immigration office and get their requirements for extension and file for residency certificate ask for a letter for bank, go to Bangkok Bank and easily open a bank account
Bob **********
Get your non-o before you come open your bank account get your 800k in it right away and head to immigration get the hand out and do it yourself Agents are having big problems at the moment
Frangipani *******
No need to use an agent.
Just go to your local Immigration office once you get here (with your No O obtained from overseas) and ask them what their requirements are for an extension. The requirements vary from office to office.
Good luck 😃
Just go to your local Immigration office once you get here (with your No O obtained from overseas) and ask them what their requirements are for an extension. The requirements vary from office to office.
Good luck 😃
Robert *********
@Frangipani ******
I’m not sure if you know, but I’m wondering what the requirements are for renewing a non-o, mine expires in November.Frangipani *******
@Robert ********
it depends on which immigration office you will be attending. Apparently, some will do it in one day. Mine takes 7 weeks.My advice would be to go to your local Immi to get a list of their requirements.
Good luck 😃
Robert *********
@Frangipani ******
I have to go to Jomtien on the 28th for my 90 check in 👍Max *************
If you meet the requirements,you don't need an agent. Just get a check-list showing the documents needed.
Kool *******
Bangkok Bank is still very good. It's simply much harder to open an account there now. I have accounts at both Bangkok Bank, and Kasikorn Bank.
Max *************
@Kool ******
It's not that hard to open an account at Bangkok Bank. It actually depends on location. Bangkok Bank branches in for example Pattaya or Jomtien are imo more foreigner friendly than most other banks.Kool *******
@Max ************
they used to be, until two months ago when a Bangkok Bank branch in Pattaya was tied to a bunch of mule accounts opened by Chinese involved in the scam centers in Myanmar, and used to transfer the money out of Thailand. Three executives at that branch, including the manager there, were arrested, with a number of Chinese there. Since then all banks have put a restriction on opening any bank account for a tourist visa. Because of the incident in Pattaya Bangkok Bank is very careful on new accounts now. When the crackdown on mule/proxy accounts used in scams all over the country started in April 180,000+ accounts have been shut down, frozen.
Robert *********
@Kool ******
This is accurate and up-to-date information.
Graham ******
@Max ************
it has never been illegalMax *************
@Kool ******
I'm not talking about opening accounts on tourist visas which have actually never "officially" been accepted.
Sue **********
If you already have the non-O visa, no agent is needed to open an account as you meet the requirements. In case you haven‘t got visa yet and you are in Thailand, I doubt you will be able to open an account even with agent, according to latest information
Stuart ***********
Are you already in Thailand? If not get the non O visa before coming to Thailand as that makes it much easier. No need to use an agent to extend the visa, it's easy and takes less than an hour.
Ralphy *****
@Stuart **********
I just arrived on 4 July from Australia with O visa 90 days. How do I extend without agents. I get lifetime indexed superannuation pension, currently *****
baht per month. I have not been transferring the required *****
baht per month into Thai bank so far. I could transfer the *****
0 baht but prefer not. What suggest ? Thanks !!!Stuart ***********
@Ralphy ****
for the first extension (unless your Embassy will provide the letter confirming your income and I don't think Australia will) you need to deposit 800,000 baht in your Thai account and wait 2 months before applying for the extension. If you transfer 65,000 per month for 12 months, for the second extension you can change to the monthly method and withdraw the 800,000 baht.Mark ****
OPYes I'm in the US, and getting the Non O. The visa agents seem to be way overpriced.
Stuart ***********
Excellent, yes that's the way to do it. The online process was a bit clunky from the UK, but with a bit of patience it's not difficult and similarly in Thailand, there's a lot of photocopying and a couple of A4 forms to complete, but it's not difficult. Good luck.
Bruce **************
SCB and k bank are both good. Do it yourself if you have time and like to save money. Get an agent if you have the money or no time for it. It is not so difficult, but it can feel like it is, sometimes.
Brandon ************
The primary banks used by foreigners are Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and SCB.
Activity
20 joined20
people
Related
25Which banks in Thailand welcome Non-O retirement visa holders to open bank accounts?
6k241372mo
What is the best bank to open an account for a married visa in Thailand, and what are the requirements?
2.8k22333mo
What are the opinions on the reliability and interest rates of Thai banks, especially for expats?
2k10355mo
What are the best agencies or banks for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand?
1.7k525mo
What are the safest Thai banks for expats to avoid account freezes?
15.2k1241886mo
Can I open a Thai bank account if I own a condominium in Thailand?
2k13179mo
What are the experiences of expats in opening bank accounts in Thailand?
6k51609mo
Which bank is the easiest for expats to open an account in Nonthaburi, Thailand with a Non-O visa?
7.8k635910mo
What are some banks in Thailand that are easier to open an account with for expats on a Non-Immigrant Visa?
3.6k35171y
What issues are expats facing with Thai banks regarding account freezes and visa types?
2.9k20301y
What are the best options and agencies for applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Udon Thani, Thailand?
11.1k991061y
Which bank should I choose to open an account for my retirement visa in Thailand?
8k74601y
What banks in Bangkok are recommended for Americans with a non O visa to open a bank account?
2.3k17151y
What banks can be used for visa money in Thailand?
4.8k38482y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a retirement visa?
7.4k57432y
What are the best recommendations for visa agents in Bangkok for those seeking a retirement or DTV visa?
45.2k2237462y
Which bank in Thailand allows you to open an account for transferring money from abroad while on an O visa?
2.5k20122y
What are the best options for opening a bank account in Chiang Rai as a Non-B visa holder?
6.3k61262y
What are the current requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand for long-term visa applicants?
2.8k21223y
How can I ensure my money transfers from the UK show as Foreign Telegraphic Transfers in my SCB account for my Long Stay Marriage Visa in Thailand?
9.2k93533y
What is the easiest way for expats to open a bank account in Thailand?
33.2k2614063y
What are the best Thai banks for expats using Wise to transfer money?
16.2k1281753y
What is the best way for my fiancé to switch from a tourist visa to a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
2k14184y
How can I successfully open a bank account in Thailand with an O-A visa?
12.1k1121015y
What do I need to open a bank account in Thailand while on a Tourist Visa?
6k50546y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served