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Should I use a visa agent for the Non-O retirement visa in Thailand and which bank should I choose in Bangkok?

Non-O retirement visa Visa agent Thailand immigration Bangkok banking Bank recommendations Kasikorn Bank Bangkok Bank SCB Opening a bank account in Thailand Visa requirements Expats in Thailand

Jul 13, 2025

2 days ago

Mark ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

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!

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TLDR : 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.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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James *******

I don't recommend Bangkok bank. I recommend Kasikorn, I took all my money from Bangkok Bank and will open Kasikorn account soon

12 hours ago

Nick ************

@James ******

I have had no issues with Bangkok Bank.

11 hours ago

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.

11 hours ago

Nick ************

@James ******

I believe that is related to extensions of stay. It doesn't affect me.

8 hours ago

Reply to

Nick ************

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

18 hours ago

Mark ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

This is what I'm hearing, you can't use them anymore for the Non-O when you get to Thailand.

18 hours ago

Reply to

Mark ****

Campbell **********

Is the GSB bank any good?

a day ago

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.

a day ago

Kevin ******

@Nick ***********

agree 👍

a day ago

Reply to

Kevin ******

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.

a day ago

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

a day ago

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

a day ago

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 😃

2 days ago

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.

a day ago

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 😃

a day ago

Robert *********

@Frangipani ******

I have to go to Jomtien on the 28th for my 90 check in 👍

a day ago

Reply to

Robert *********

Max *************

If you meet the requirements,you don't need an agent. Just get a check-list showing the documents needed.

2 days ago

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.

2 days ago

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.

2 days ago

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.

a day ago

Robert *********

@Kool ******

This is accurate and up-to-date information.

21 hours ago

Max *************

@Kool ******

I'm not talking about opening accounts on tourist visas which have actually never "officially" been accepted.

a day ago

Graham ******

@Max ************

it has never been illegal

a day ago

Reply to

Graham ******

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

2 days ago

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.

2 days ago

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 !!!

a day ago

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.

a day ago

Reply to

Stuart ***********

Mark ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes I'm in the US, and getting the Non O. The visa agents seem to be way overpriced.

2 days ago

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.

2 days ago

Reply to

Stuart ***********

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.

2 days ago

Brandon ************

The primary banks used by foreigners are Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and SCB.

2 days ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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