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What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?

Dec 8, 2025

21 hours ago

I arrived in Thailand on the 29th of November with my Non O visa planning to retire. TM30 sorted at local immigration then on to Kasikorn bank to open an account. Even though I had all the correct documents and my Thai girlfriend with me to translate I was refused. They said I needed a yellow house book. We went to the local government office to ask and were told it would take 6 months. Impossible as I only have 90 days to get this sorted. On to another branch, no success again. OK let's try Krungtai , 45 minutes queueing before being told no again. 

What do I have to do to open an account here?

I tried the above banks because they have good reputations and I am avoiding Bangkok bank.

Should I keep trying different branches of the big 2 or are there other options? I'm in Bueng kan province on the border with Laos. I would appreciate any input.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user faced difficulties opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa and a TM30 registration, being told they needed a yellow house book. Despite having the correct documents, they were unsuccessful at multiple banks in Bueng Kan province. Commenters provided various suggestions, including finding a knowledgeable bank staff member, acquiring a certificate of residency, or hiring an agent to facilitate the process.

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Tez ******

I found getting the residential cert was difficult at Bueng Gan immi.

6 hours ago

David ******

For reference, my story, everything handled with ease at Krungthai but it took getting passed around until they put me with a lady that spoke perfect English and knew her shit. All it took was my US Driver License, Resident Certificate, and Non O Visa, passport. Simple and easy. You need to find someone in the bank knowledgeable and willing to do all the paperwork.

And oh Yeah, I went to one of those branches in a shopping mall with a lot of foreign folk.

8 hours ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David *****

I think the main problem is that no one in any of the banks nearby can speak or understand English. I do also get the impression that it would be too much hard work for them to do for me. Thanks for your help 👍

7 hours ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

John *********

Why do you need a Thai bank account? Wait until you have a retirement visa then apply, use wise etc works fine in Thailand 🤷🏾‍♀️

8 hours ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John ********

I must have 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account for 2 months before I can apply for a retirement visa. First I need a bank account

7 hours ago

Ossie *********

@Stuart ********

not if you use an agent they sort it all out for you

7 hours ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ossie ********

do you know of an agent who could help with opening a bank account? I don't need any help with the visa

6 hours ago

Ossie *********

@Stuart ********

you need the visa to open a bank account what visa have you got if you come in on a 90 day visa that can be converted as far as I’m aware this is not the case with a tourist visa over the last weeks all the rules have changed so I’m not 100% up to date there is a lot of confusion

6 hours ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ossie ********

I have the Non immigrant O visa. This is the visa everyone needs to then apply for a year long retirement visa,which is my goal. No one speaks English in the the banks up here in Bueng kan and I think this is the main problem. I'm even considering asking an officer from immigration to accompany me to a bank. Maybe such a suggestion would be laughed at in immigration. Going to look further afield in Udon Thani where there are more falang and maybe an English speaker in a bank.

5 hours ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Ossie *********

You need an O visa pay an agent they will do everything for you yes it costs money but at least you have peace of mind I suggest you contact

************************

shes a straight talker no BS will give you a price !!!

9 hours ago

Jeffrey **********

@Ossie ********

they are insanely expensive

5 hours ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ossie ********

Thank you, this sounds positive 👍

9 hours ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Greg *********

Find yourself an agent, they will get an account

11 hours ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg ********

Thank you. Maybe this is what I should do 👍

9 hours ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Terrence ************

Welcome to Bueng Kan province. I have been trying to do exactly what you are trying to do for the past year. I got exactly the same runaround as you. I hope you have success. If you do please let me know how the immigration office helped if at all.

11 hours ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Terrence ***********

Thanks, I will let you know

9 hours ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

Chang ******

K,bank is easy to open

But you need certificate of residency, along with visa to open ,

11 hours ago

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

Each bank branch manager sets the requirements for their own bank branch. So you'll need to keep trying other branches until you find one that will do it. A yellow book should not be a requirement as it's not possible for everyone to get one.

You said you got a TM30 but that doesn't do anything for a bank account. Have you gotten a residence certificate from immigration that specifically says it's for opening a bank account?

20 hours ago

Stuart *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Thank you. I do have a residence certificate that is for opening a bank account. I think I will contact an agent. Time is running out!

9 hours ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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