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What are the experiences of opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?

Bank Account Opening Non-O Visa Thailand Immigration Expats in Thailand International Banking KrungThai Bank Bangkok Bank Visa Regulations Personal Experiences

Apr 10, 2025

3 days ago

Lester *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post shares a personal experience of opening a bank account in Thailand as an expat on a 90-day Non-O visa. The author faced initial difficulties at Bangkok Bank but successfully opened an account at KrungThai Bank after obtaining an immigration letter. The total costs included visa fees, immigration letter costs, and bank fees, totaling approximately £60 plus some minor expenses. The post highlights the variability of bank requirements in Thailand, indicating that outcomes may differ based on various factors, including staff discretion and the day of the visit. Comments further discuss individual experiences with different banks, emphasizing the inconsistency in processing applications for expats.

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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

a day ago

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.

2 days ago

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 😭

a day ago

Reply to

George *******

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