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What are my options for opening a bank account in Thailand with an O-A visa?
Thailand bankingO-A visaexpat bankingbank account requirementsNong Khaiembassy letterpension certificatebanking options for retirees
Jan 10, 2021
5 years ago
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi I am in Thailand nong khaki I have a O A Visa a bank reference from UK and my UK pension certificate I tried to open savings account with card Bangkok bank no luck they need letter from embassy any idea what bank I could try thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user in Nong Khai is seeking advice on opening a savings account with a Bangkok Bank while holding an O-A visa and having a UK pension certificate. The user was informed that the bank requires a letter from the embassy. Community responses suggest trying different bank branches, as requirements vary; some users had success with Krungsri and SCB without needing embassy letters. It is also mentioned that a letter of residency can be obtained from immigration. Several tips include bringing a Thai partner and being persistent with bank applications.
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Chulala **********
Bangkok bank need verify passport by emmbassy
Greg ********
@Chulala *********
Not at the branch I opened my account at.Chulala **********
@Greg *******
i asked them today for bankok bank bz tomorrow i have to go to open the business account and i m asking for my business partner personal account they said sold have the letter from embassyGreg ********
@Chulala *********
It depends from branch to branch. There really is no consistency.Chulala **********
@Greg *******
Maybe right as you said I asked with a branch that has international business. The procedure is a bit complicated.Reply to
Chulala **********
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Chris *********************
Try kasikorn bank all I needed was my passport but my wife came with me that was 10 years ago
Corwin *********
I had good luck with krung Thai bank
Robert ******
I had to deal with this incompetence in November. Tried SCB and was told OA wasn't a retirement visa 🙄
Went next door to Krungsri and opened an account straight away no problem. No requirement for any letters. Passport, visa, proof of address, phone number (so you can download their app) Done easy
Went next door to Krungsri and opened an account straight away no problem. No requirement for any letters. Passport, visa, proof of address, phone number (so you can download their app) Done easy
Jeff **********
Where I am in Ao Nang, Bangkok Bank wanted a letter from my pension agency in USA with an original signature. Then it was easy. Prior to that, they would not accept a pension statement I printed out myself.
Len *********
Take a Thai national like a wife sometimes helps
Bob **********
Every bank has different rules some want you to buy accident insurance which is ok if you ride a motorbike and your under 65
Greg ********
I would try different branches first. The requirements seem to differ fro meach branch. I have 2 Thai Bank accounts (Bangkok and Krungsri) and did not need a letter from the Embassy. They were opened in Pattaya and Bangkok which may be less strict than a regional branch in Nong Khai though.
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gr**
Bewick hi i tired bangkok.bank in central world in Bangkok maybe i just got wrong personGreg ********
@Colin *******
It really does depend on the branch. It might be better to ask in a separate thread where people have recently opened accounts.Reply to
Greg ********
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Adrian ******
2 options keep trying at other banks or branches don’t accept answer from 1st person that greats you explain you are retired not need work permit. It took me 10 attempts over 2 days & finally a manager heard me pushing issue & processed application & sent to head office & opened 3 days later. 2nd the letter from embassy is a letter of residency & can get the same from immigration you need a rental agreement & they will normally post to you within 2 weeks. But go immigration with partner to get information
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Adrian ******
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