What do I need to do to open a bank account in Thailand for my retirement?

Thai Retirement Visa Bank Account Opening Financial Regulations Retirement in Thailand EXpat Banking Visa Requirements 800,000 Baht Account

Apr 16, 2019

6 years ago

Paula **************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Help with timing, please. I am retiring to Thailand in summer 2020. I'd like to open a bank account there and start funding the 800,000 baht account. Can I open the account online? Do I need a visa first? Do I need a Thai residency address first?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To open a bank account in Thailand for retirement, you generally need to have a retirement visa, which can be obtained through the Thai embassy before leaving your home country. While some banks may allow account opening procedures online, this varies significantly by branch, and many expats advise that visiting a bank in person is necessary. Additionally, a Thai address may be required, and it's important to ensure funds comply with local regulations regarding transfer sources.

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.

Terary **********

My two cents... Thai banks are a little hinky. The rules vary by branch and by branch manager. I would be very surprised if you can open an account online.

Secondly, summer 2020 is upon us. I think there are some rules about how long the funds have been in the account, and potencially where those funds come from (some people have complained about how Transferwise doesn't report it as foreign deposit).

5 years ago

Robert *******

Awesome good choice

5 years ago

Kelly ********

There is Bangkok bank and others in new york and around the world

6 years ago

Robert **********

Kelly Miller you cannot open a personal account there

5 years ago

Paula **************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes, but not one in Doha, where I live.

6 years ago

Reply to

Paula **************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for all the advice. I do not want to fly home to the US to get the first Visa, if possible. I will see what I can do out of the Thai embassy in Qatar. I am also considering a 5-year elite visa. Anyone have experience with that visa. Thanks again.

6 years ago

Evan ********

@Paula *************

in your original questions you said you want to retire in Thailand so I assumed you were still in your “home country”. Very different from inside Thailand or another country!

6 years ago

Reply to

Evan ********

You don’t need to any of that if you get the retirement visa in your home country before you get to Thailand! Plus you can get almost 2 years from that one AO visa 😄. Easy enough to get a thai bank account when you’re here too

6 years ago

Evan ********

@Paula *************

I’d suggest you look up if there’s a thai embassy in Qatar and then see if you meet the requirements to get an AO visa. If you can, you will only need bank statements to show you have 800,000 baht (equivalent) in your account (not in a thai bank) plus the other requirements of course

6 years ago

Steven ***************

The 800k in a THAIbank account is for an extension of your retirement visa. Youll have plenty of time to get a bank account before you need it.

6 years ago

Paula **************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Evan *******

and, don't I still need to prove 800,000 baht deposit before getting the visa?

6 years ago

Paula **************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Evan *******