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What are the best banks in Thailand for expats applying for the over 50 retirement visa?
Feb 24, 2026
2 months ago
Arron *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAny recommendations for good reliable banks to gain documents easily for somebody planning to apply for the over 50 retirement visa 👍.
Thanks again
Thanks again
TLDR : Answer Summary
This discussion revolves around recommendations for reliable banks in Thailand for expats preparing to apply for the over 50 retirement visa. Various users suggest banks like Kasikorn and Krungsri as favorable options due to their ease of account opening and document processing. Some caution against Bangkok Bank due to recent complaints about their service and increased regulatory measures. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of having a Thai bank account for accessing funds during the visa extension process.
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.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Ant ***********
Depending on your location
KrungThai bank helpful and easy
KrungThai bank helpful and easy
Alek *********
I use SCB since 8 years. Never had any problems.
Nigel **************
You do not need any documents from a bank but you do need a Thai bank ac in your own name eventually.
Adam ******
Nigel Q. Reynolds You will need the proof of funds statement from the bank at extention time.
Nigel **************
Adam Thom yes you will but that is not what the OP asked about. 😉😉
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Nigel **************
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Hari ****
For opening a bank account they will ask you for a certificate of Residency, therefore you need a place to stay , better a renting contract… you get the Certificate in the Immigration…. And NO don’t do the visa in the UK … it’s more complicated and need an insurance and a police record…. All easy without hassle here !
Just come in with the 60 stamp and go directly to the immigration they will help you with all .. the volunteers here are on Phuket are very nice
Just come in with the 60 stamp and go directly to the immigration they will help you with all .. the volunteers here are on Phuket are very nice
Sylvia ********
Hari BO incorrect information
You need insurance and police record for OA visa, then no need for funds in Thailand.
Apply for O visa online and you have 3 months to prepare opening thai account and seasoning the funds
You need insurance and police record for OA visa, then no need for funds in Thailand.
Apply for O visa online and you have 3 months to prepare opening thai account and seasoning the funds
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Sylvia ********
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Graeme *******
Well I'm with BKK Bank and never had a problem in 6 years. Only minor compliant they are just a bit slow, but that appears to be Thailand. Used a letter from immigration to open two accounts.
Mark *******
Graeme Drake BB has had massive problems from Russian money laundering, they are forced to adopt extra security measures. So a international transfer takes approx 1-2 days compared to Kbank which takes seconds
Graeme *******
Mark Evans no it doesn't, I use Wise and transfers take 5 hrs, if Wise use BKK Bank for transfer, if Wise use Kaskorn then it takes 3 hours
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Graeme *******
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Thrilling*********
KASIKORN, no hassle and they know what is required! Get your ducks in a row and its easy!
Gerald ********
Don't use Bangkok bank as Allan said Krungsri bank is good I have both.
Miyamoto *********
Gerald Wilkes Been with Bangkok Bank for 20 years and not one problem.
Gerald ********
Miyamoto Musashi If I transfer money from the UK via Wise it now always takes a day or more, we're Krungsri is within 10 seconds. Some people have said on FB chat that Bangkok bank has closed their account, I've never had a problem apart from Wise.
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Gerald ********
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Lynnette *******
You apply outside of Thailand using your own bank account for the Non-O. Then enter and open Thai bank account. Extend for 12 months once that money's seasoned.
Gregory *********
The only thing that would be good to do before leaving UK is to open a WISE account and then in Thailand you can use that to transfer money into Kasikorn bank in minutes. Kasikorn is directly related to WISE in Thailand. Kasikorn is the easiest to open an account with at present. Kasikorn also have the best process for getting the letters needed for the Immigration dept same day for retirement visa 12 month extension. In my limited experience with friends I know the Bangkok bank has become the most problematic in that they made it more difficult to get those letters and put controls on the 800,000 for a 4 month period. I experience none of that with Kasikorn. The app is good too.
Riwalt *********
Gregory Kleiman ......totally agree....have three bank accounts in Thailand and find your comment spot on.Wise to Kasikorn transfer takes seconds...good app,easy documents for immigration and excellent service.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
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Riwalt *********
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Arron *********
ORIGINAL POSTERYes I'm fully aware of the process I was only asking for recommendations for thai banks from xpats living there as I have been told to avoid some such as Bangkok bank
Lynnette *******
Arron Doherty you said you wanted a Thai bank to apply for the retirement visa. The Non-O you get in UK is the retirement visa. What you get in Thailand after opening a Thai bank account and depositing the money is not the visa but the 12 month extension of stay. Just avoid Bangkok bank seems to be the advice.
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Lynnette *******
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Arron *********
ORIGINAL POSTERLynnette Munoz really ? I was told I applied + opened a bank account once in thailand , is this something my uk bank will have to assist with then ??
Lynnette *******
Arron Doherty You apply in UK using your home bank account to show whatever funds needed. Your bank doesn't assist with anything. That infos on embassy website. Once issued you've 90 days to enter. Get 90 days in entry and open a Thai bank account. Deposit the money required. Then when seasoned apply for 12 months.
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Lynnette *******
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