What are the requirements to open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant O Visa without a 3-month lease?

Question

I apologize if this has been asked recently.  I'd like to open my bank account and establish my banking requirement for my Thai Non-Immigrant O Visa Extension prior to signing a 3 month lease.

I read it could be accomplished with a TM30, two passport photos, and your passport to the Jomtien Immigration office and apply for a **Certificate of Residence for Banking Purposes**.  My preference is also to do this myself without an agent.  Is this possible or do I absolutely need a 3 month lease to open a bank account?  Which bank do you recommend?

I'd just prefer not to be rushed looking for accomodation.  My current plan is to stay in Jomtien for the 3 months to get my extension.  I don't think Jomtien is my final destination and may move to another area later in the year.

I guess if there's both 1 week and 3 month accommodation recomendations that wouldn't hurt.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user seeks to open a bank account in Thailand for their Non-Immigrant O Visa and is unsure if a 3-month lease is necessary. They mentioned needing a TM30, two passport photos, and their passport to apply for a Certificate of Residence. Community responses suggest that bank requirements can vary by branch, with some branches potentially accepting short-term accommodations like a hotel stay instead of a lease. Additionally, most banks require a Thai phone number. Recommendations include opening an account at Kasikorn Bank with required documents, plus more information about temporary accommodations.

Simon ******* · Answer

You can get a TM30 from a hotel you are staying  in,it doesn't need to be a rental agreement.

Sturgess ******** · Answer

I recently opened an account at Kassikorn with the documents you describe PLUS a Thai phone number. The advice you're getting  here about different requirements at different branches is accurate, but I think just about everyone requires a phone number. This is no biggie. It's cheap and  easy to get one and if, like me, you have to buy a phone because your current phone is locked, you can get a perfectly functional phone for 7,000tb. Since you're in Jomtien I recommend the Kassikorn in the Big C Supercenter on Pattaya Central Road. They were tuned into helping expats and had no weird requests. Regarding agents, I've used agents for various things but not for this. With the docs you have plus a phone number it will be a breeze.

Tom ********* · Answer

The documents you have were sufficient for me at Kasikorn Sakon Nakhon, as others have said banks and branches have different requirements. You will need a Thai phone number registered in the same name as your passport.

Tim ****** · Answer

I just did this last week .

Residence certificate issued, bank account opened with Kasikorn  , I am on a non o visa ( accommodation staying in a 1 month air BnB )

Brandon ************ · Answer

You won't know what the requirements are until you go there and ask. Each bank branch, even of the same Bank, have different requirements based on what the manager of that branch requires. Some might require a 3 month lease, some might require a 12 month lease, and some might not require any lease at all. There's no way to know until you try. And then if they say no, go try a different one.

What are the requirements to open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant O Visa without a 3-month lease?

Activity

Related

Resources