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What do I need to open a bank account in Thailand with a retirement visa?

May 10, 2025
3 days ago
Tyronda ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I just arrived to Thailand and I have my retirement visa. Is the only thing that I need to do is get a bank account? And if so, is it hard to get a bank account?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To open a bank account in Thailand with a retirement visa, you'll typically need your passport, visa, a Thai phone number, and potentially a residence certificate. Many users reported the process as straightforward, especially at Bangkok Bank, but some noted challenges related to banking regulations and requirements for account stability. For those with less time in the country, employing an agent may facilitate account opening without needing a residence certificate.
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.
Greg ***********
@Tyronda *******
It is easy to open a Thai bank account on a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa. If bank staff doesn't know how to help you, use an agent to open the account. . . . . You got stamped in for a 90-days stay permit. You need to transfer a minimum of 800,000 THB onto it as soon as possible. The application to the "1-year Extension of the Stay Permit Based on Retirement" requires that the deposit has seasoned for two months on the day of the application
Bob ********
What...are you a MAGA? Do your research beforehand. Stupid is as stupid does...
Henrik *****
But “the only thing” may be hard to get, when you haven’t stayed in Thailand for a period of time ( 3 months +++)

Banks in Thailand are like everywhere in the world, interested in having good stable custormers, that have a permanent address, a steady easy traceable income, and use the account all year round.

That is why the banks are reluctant to give accounts to people on short time ( read: tourist ) visas, and who only spend part of the year in Thailand.

Don’t expect to get a residence certificat, until you have stayed at a permanent adress in at least 3 month, since that is what the residence certificat should confirm.

Furthermore the added attention on whitewashing of money, is an added burden on the banks, so reluctant depositing large amounts isn’t a guaranteed way to open an account.

The value of a resident certificat, had gone down, since Immigration Officers are giving them to people that are not on a longterm visa, or have stayed severel months at 1 adress in Thailand, so even if it is a formal requirement, the bank make up their own assesment of the stability of the want-to-be customer.

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Be aware there is a error in the start of the article ( and several other copy - paste media with the same article )

A Thai Bankaccount has never been a requirement to get DTV, on the contrary it has been one of the big advantage over other visa, that you could get DTV as long as you could show 500.000 Baht equivalent in any bank anywhere in the world.

It has never been the intention that DTV visaholders should be in need of a Thai bankaccount.

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929?
Leatrice *****************
@Henrik ****
I'm a bit confused... I will be moving to Thai on a 3 month retirement Visa with plans to do a one-year extension. So, how would I get my 1-year Extension Visa, if I have to stay there 3 months before I can get a bank account. My 3 months Visa would have ran out by then.
Greg ***********
@Leatrice ****************
don't believe anything this guy wrote, it is just a lot of hogwash. Visit an agent, on a 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa, an agent can open a Thai bank account for you. No "certificate of residence" is needed when using an agent. No problem at all. The service fee of the agent will be something like 5000 - 7000 THB
Marianne ********
Get yourself Thai phonenumber and a Residence Certificate and you should be good to go along with your passport and visa.

I like Kasikorn
Simon *********
Bangkok Bank is the esiest
Michael *******
@Simon ********
and the most painful to deal with, zero interest on deposits and make you wait a week for statements for visa renewal also lied about online banking (we had a joint account) switched to SCB 4 years ago statements and letter while you wait and 2.5% on my 800k never looked back they also closed their branches in Rawai - so glad we moved.
Simon *********
@Michael ******
do you know if international transfers, show on statements as International transfers, with SCB?

They do with Bangkok Bank, but not with Krungthai
Michael *******
Never had an issue in 6 years so guess answer is yes 🤔
Stephen ********
@Michael ******
I got a statement for visa last week in 10 minutes , never an issue in Bangkok bank Hua Hin
Michael *******
Must just be Phuket, they say they have to wait for Bangkok to send, Hua Hin closer I guess
Wayne *********
I went yesterday and had one in 30 minutes. BUT I meet the banks requirements to be able to apply.

They declined 1 farang whilst I was there. The person asked me why I get and they don't.

I have an email from Bangkok bank confirming what's required. Thing it did not mention was having a receipt from AIS to confirm my phone number.

Anyone wants the email fwd pm me your email address
Jan **********
Paul ********
@Wayne ********
paul.ehmsen
*************
, would appreciate it thanks.
Wayne *********
David *******
Go to Bkk bank

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