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What are the current challenges faced by expats in Thailand when opening bank accounts?

Thai visa bank account opening expat challenges retirement in Thailand immigration regulations NON-O visa Thai banking policy

Jul 17, 2025

a day ago

Mark *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Received this from THAI VISA CENTRE - visa agent this morning:

We've received many concerns from first-time retirees about opening bank accounts.

We can assist with this, but space is limited.

Please note we may not be able to offer this service after July.

If you would like our help, please reply to this message so we can reserve a spot for you.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Recent communications from a Thai visa agent highlight growing concerns among first-time retirees regarding the process of opening bank accounts in Thailand. The agent notes imminent changes and limited availability for assistance after July, prompting urgency among expats. Several community members share their personal experiences of difficulties faced at various banks, citing stricter requirements due to concerns about money laundering and liability, especially since a new law was enacted earlier in the year. Successful account openings have been reported, but they vary significantly by bank and location.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Mark *********

Hurry hurry hurry, limited space and time

They sound like door to door sales men

14 hours ago

Michael ********

The Law was changed in April holding bank liable, guess they been having issues and this is the result.

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66/new-law-holds-banks-telecoms-social-media-companies-responsible-for-scams

16 hours ago

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

@Michael *******

This is the base reason all of this is happening now. The banks simply don't want to accept any liability. If there's even a .01% chance you might cost them money, they won't do business with you.

13 hours ago

Michael ********

@Brandon ***********

Yes you get loads of posts everyday but no one mentions this, course they dont want to be held liable

10 hours ago

Reply to

Michael ********

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

Just ask for the price and which bank it is.

21 hours ago

Tony **********

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

and where it is. Could be 100km away...

17 hours ago

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

@Tony *********

No it can't because these agents knows why you need a bank account. But now when requirements are changing,they might not be able to do accounts. But as always,it differs between branches and provinces.

17 hours ago

Tony **********

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

your assumption is that agents have your best interest in mind...

14 hours ago

Reply to

Tony **********

Ron ******

@Tony ****

I'm married to a Thai and still needed the yellow book. My embassy issues the income verification letter so it wasn't an issue.