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.