Answered2 years ago
What are the experiences of opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
Update 10/04/2025 opening a bank account
Recap
Yesterday I went to Bangkok Bank with my Passport, Ninety Day Non O Visa, issued in the UK,UK driving licence, Stamped TM30 and Immigration Letter addressed to Bangkok Bank and was refused an account.
Today after returning to immigration and collecting a new letter addressed to KrungThai bank and having the same documents, I managed to open an account. I did approach the bank first to make sure that they would accept them.
Costings As Follows:
£60 for 90 day Non O issued in the UK
500 baht for immigration letter
500 baht for one years fees on bank account
40 baht on coffees
Time taken in total
Approximately 4 hours over two days
The problem is, is that what has happened to me may not happen to the next person, as you learn quite quickly that processes are very rarely followed in Thailand and the outcome can be very much dependant on who you speak to and on which day.
As I’ve said in my earlier posts, I have only wanted to give my experience and highlight the pitfalls of trying to do things by yourself in Thailand and I hope that my posts help people, rather than encourage ridicule and negativity.
Recap
Yesterday I went to Bangkok Bank with my Passport, Ninety Day Non O Visa, issued in the UK,UK driving licence, Stamped TM30 and Immigration Letter addressed to Bangkok Bank and was refused an account.
Today after returning to immigration and collecting a new letter addressed to KrungThai bank and having the same documents, I managed to open an account. I did approach the bank first to make sure that they would accept them.
Costings As Follows:
£60 for 90 day Non O issued in the UK
500 baht for immigration letter
500 baht for one years fees on bank account
40 baht on coffees
Time taken in total
Approximately 4 hours over two days
The problem is, is that what has happened to me may not happen to the next person, as you learn quite quickly that processes are very rarely followed in Thailand and the outcome can be very much dependant on who you speak to and on which day.
As I’ve said in my earlier posts, I have only wanted to give my experience and highlight the pitfalls of trying to do things by yourself in Thailand and I hope that my posts help people, rather than encourage ridicule and negativity.
Answer summary
This post discusses the author's experience of opening a bank account in Thailand, specifically with a Ninety Day Non-O Visa. Initially, the author faced refusal at Bangkok Bank despite having the necessary documents. However, after obtaining a new immigration letter addressed to KrungThai Bank, the author successfully opened an account. The post highlights the varying experiences individuals may have due to inconsistent processes and offers insights into costs and time involved in the process. Comments from other users share similar experiences, emphasizing the unpredictability of banking and immigration procedures in Thailand.
21 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Werner ************
4 hrs over 2 days lol
Mike ********
If when you say immigration letter, you mean residence certificate, then the Bangkok Bank around the corner from immigration, was easy and almost no waiting to open a savings account. Did it 2 weeks ago. And be careful, ask the account mgr if deposits are not marked as overseas deposits. Can't remember which, but either SCB or Krungsri said they are not
Did *****
I've been two times to SCB without any COR from immigration but my wedding certificate. Headquarters handled the approvals both times, took a couple of days. Third time the branch processed immediately.
I don't know if it's a common policy of SCB that headquarters is approving foreigners application requests, but it seems more professional than bullshit refusals from branches.
I don't know if it's a common policy of SCB that headquarters is approving foreigners application requests, but it seems more professional than bullshit refusals from branches.
George *******
@Did ****
I opened an SCB account back in 1999, armed only with my passport and visa exempt 30 days. How times have changed. The account was closed by the bank after I moved back to the UK as all the funds had been withdrawn before I left. I didn't think to leave a few thousand in for debit card annual renewal. I still have my old pass book and Debit card. When I was in Thailand in 2023, I went into a branch of SCB with my pass book, expired debit card, two month tourist visa and a slip of paper from immigration stating where I was staying. Asked if I could open new account, sorry no can do 😭
Cyrill *******
Happy for you. Good is work out for you. A friend of mine had a Yellow Tabienbaan with Pink ID and was turn down by Bangkok Bank. Reason no NON O Visa. 😅🤣
Finally Kasikorn works for him. 🙏
BTW I open a Account with NON O Visa by Bangkok Bank without problems.
This is " Thainess ". 555
Finally Kasikorn works for him. 🙏
BTW I open a Account with NON O Visa by Bangkok Bank without problems.
This is " Thainess ". 555
Jesper *******
Congrats in getting a bank acct by yourself..I will not talk about my first acct as it happens few yeas ago with a tourist visa I will share a recent experience with SCB I went in with a passport (non O extension 1yr) and my thai driving licence even I have brought along the lease agreement the counter staff doesn't even look at it as there's address on the thai driving licence easy process and they don't need anything else......as this is my third acct mainly for daily use I didn't even apply for a debit card(save on annual fees) with the SCB easy app u practically can withdraw cash and pay without a card
Brian *******
i opened at bangkok bank no issues other than the 4 hour wait. they have a branch in america which may speed things up
Christina *****
Goodness.... I wonder how's my out come gonna be.
Julian *******
Same at immigration, it’s basically roulette and if the officer got laid the night before and which direction the wind blows.
Peter **********
Good to see it worked out for you. Now get the money in to reach two months seasoning! 👍
Paul ****************
Well done mate 👍🏻
Mike *******
After my 1st year (15 months), I did my 1 year renewal for my O retirement visa by myself yesterday. Start to finish was 35 mins in Krabi. They fixed a few tiny mistakes and all was good. Got %99 of the info off of Facebook sites in Thailand.
Adam **********
Good info proper fpr this page 👌
Jan ******************
I was approved in Bangkok Bank and turned down in Krungthai Bank with the same documentation.😉
Lester *********
OP@Jan *****************
There is just no logic. You can understand why people use agents!
Michael *******
@Lester ********
that’s part of the game, banks and immig especially, make life challenging in order to drive impatient people towards agents, nice pay day for them - DLT is doing the same since Covid - encountered this for 20 years working across Africa……
Timothy *******
@Lester ********
Yes but you shouldn't have to use a agent if you have the correct documentationLester *********
OP@Timothy ******
The problem being is that each bank even in the same group has a different interpretation of what is the correct documentationJan ******************
@Timothy ******
It’s not just about the correct documentation. Krungthai demanded as an example that I did the first year extension of stay on my 90 days Non O for opening a bank account. That’s not easy without a bank account unless you get a affidavit letter from your embassy. An agent can still open for you while your on the initial visa.Activity
17 joined17
people
Related
25What steps should I take to successfully open a Thai bank account as an American on a visa exempt entry married to a Thai national?
908793mo
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
19.7k1622474mo
Which banks in Thailand are best for opening an account with the 800K visa deposit on a Non-O visa?
14.3k1032105mo
What are the steps to obtain a retirement visa and open a bank account in Thailand?
14.3k722886mo
Can an agent assist in opening a bank account with an entry visa in Thailand?
13.9k882337mo
Do I need to file a new TM30 every time I re-enter Thailand if registered at my Thai wife's household?
3.7k36259mo
What is the process for opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
10.4k6415110mo
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O retirement visa application pending?
371121y
What are the requirements for applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand and how to open a Thai bank account?
2.7k20281y
What are the requirements and experiences for opening a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O visa?
5.9k40841y
Can I open a bank account with a non-O spouse visa in Thailand?
3.5k30251y
Can retirees on a Tourist Visa or Exempt Entry open a bank account in Thailand?
8k591071y
What are the steps to open a bank account and get a SIM card in Thailand after receiving a Non O Visa?
1.7k6311y
Is it easy to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
7.6k81381y
What are the challenges and recommendations for opening a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O visa?
12.6k431671y
Why did I encounter difficulties opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O marriage visa?
4.1k19752y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a DTV visa?
933572y
Can you open a bank account in Thailand with a DTV visa?
5.2k45152y
Why is it difficult to open a bank account in Thailand with a 90-day Non-O visa?
15.5k1431282y
How can I open a bank account in Bangkok without a permanent address for my Non-O visa?
5.8k48483y
What are the easiest bank branches in Nonthaburi for opening a bank account to extend a NON-O visa for the first time?
1.5k10124y
What are the requirements for applying for a Non-O visa and opening a bank account in Thailand?
2.9k2984y
Which banks allow opening an account with a short-term visa in Thailand?
5.8k59226y
What do I need to open a bank account in Thailand while on a Tourist Visa?
6k50546y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa issued for 90 days based on having a Thai child?
920658y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served