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What are the requirements for foreigners to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
bank accountrequirementsNon-O visaThai banking systemexpat issuesKasikorn BankKrungsri Bankimmigrationfinancial advice
Feb 12, 2026
3 months ago
Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTERJust a FYI regarding banks… After three attempts at two different branches of Krungsri and getting denied each time I was able to easily open an account at Kasikorn. I have a non O visa and what I thought was ALL required documents but Krungsri seemed to insist that I need proof of paying electricity and water bills even though I’ve be renting the same room for 15 months with utilities included. 🤷
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges faced by foreigners in opening a bank account in Thailand, specifically highlighting the differing documentation requirements at various banks. The author shares their personal experience of getting denied at Krungsri Bank despite having all necessary documents and successfully opening an account at Kasikorn Bank with a Non-O visa. Comments from others provide insights on common requirements such as a certificate of residence and the inconsistencies in requirements some banks impose, reflecting broader frustrations with the banking and immigration processes for expats.
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.
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Andy *******
Kasikorn today wanted my non o visa to be valid for at least 3 months when I went to open new account today ( mine is due for renewal next month so refused)
Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTERAndy Jones Well I think your experience is exactly what my post was intended to highlight. The inconsistency and unpredictability of opening a bank account in Thailand. I have no complaints. Just sharing info…
Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTERAndy Jones Yikes! What city?
Andy *******
Doug Olson PKK (Phrachuap khiri khan)
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Andy *******
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Larry ******
Any official receipt with your address on it will suffice.
Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTERLarry Ryan I posted to inform people this is not always true. I’m confused why you would make such a statement.
Larry ******
Doug Olson If you don't want advice then don't post questions on FB. Go and get a Cert of Residence from the IO....... a bank cannot deny that.
Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTERLarry Ryan My post had ZERO questions.
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Doug *******
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Kevin *********
What city or branch was that krungsri bank in
Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTERKevin Giblett Rayong city
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Doug *******
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Graeme *******
How many months here have you registered with Revenue for 180 rule.
Alex ******
I wander if Thai authorities at the upper levels of government have any idea what a nightmare it has become for expats trying to secure or renew long term visas? There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the rules or process for a year now.
Rjw *******
I do remember reading somewhere, around 20 years ago, that Kasikorn was much easier to open bank accounts - even back when you could do so on a Tourist Visa.
Andy *******
Rjw James kasikorn wanted my non o visa to be valid for at least 3 months when went open new account today ( mine is due for renewal next month so refused)
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Andy *******
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Alexander *************
Well the misery just started. Wait and see when you have to file a tax declaration and demand foreign credits as per DTA
Andreas *********
We are aware that some bank staff has no idea how to proceed when a foreigner wants to open a bank account. Being a Thai, he/she will NEVER tell you "I don't know". He/She will pull out of the nose some requirements you cannot fulfill, in order to get rid of you. It is called "greng djai" and one of the interpretations are that you must avoid "face loss"
Andreas *********
why would you complicate matters? Passport, proof of Non-Imm visa category, Thai mobile number registered to you and your passport number, and certificate of residence from Immigration . . . are the minimum requirements to get a bank account opened
Yo***
Andreas Mueller if things are going like what you said, every one would be happy. but in reality, it is not. Sadly so. 🤣🤣🤣
Doug *******
ORIGINAL POSTERAndreas Mueller I understood all this and brought all documents to Krungsri. Unfortunately the three page longterm signed and notarized rental contract (I’ve already been paying rent for 15 months) was not sufficient. So of course I could be blamed for not going to Immigration but one attempt at Kasikorn was successful and they didn’t even look at my Thai phone documentation. The point of my post is not to complain but only to clarify my experience.
Nigel ********
Andreas Mueller 🙄 OP was NOT complicating anything.
If you read the post properly it was the member of staff at Krungsri bank that was asking for documentation that is not normally requested.
If you read the post properly it was the member of staff at Krungsri bank that was asking for documentation that is not normally requested.
Andreas *********
Nigel Bunney agreed, you are right . . many a bank staff will pull out of their noses random requirements. They don't want to be caught out not knowing how to open an account for a farang. It is called "face saving" . . I actually described this one hour ago, maybe you should look up in the whole thread from the beginning
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Andreas *********
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Andreas *********
what they normally require is called a simple "certificate of residence" from your Immigration. This is enough proof for the bank that you live under the adress you told them
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Andreas *********
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