What documentation do I need to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non O visa if I have a Nakhon Pathom address?

Jul 18, 2024
4 months ago
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, even though I have Non O visa, a letter from the owner of the place I’m staying and everything else you can think of, I’m having a hard time opening a bank account in Nakhon Pathom. If need be, can I open an account in Bangkok with a Nakhon Pathom address? Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user with a Non O visa is struggling to open a bank account in Nakhon Pathom despite having a letter from their landlord and other documents. Responses indicate that a residence certificate from immigration is required, and that it might be difficult to obtain one without already having a visa extension. Some suggest checking with multiple banks, using an agent, or providing a TM30 form. There are also considerations regarding the duration of stay in Thailand and the purpose for opening the account.
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Henrik *****
How long have you stayed in Thailand.

The definition of a residence certificat, is that the foreigner have stayed at least 3 month, so anything short of that, is up to a friendly Immigration Officer.

What are the reasons for wanting a Thai Bankaccount, is “nice to have”, or because you will deposit large amounts of money .

That could affect the willingness of the bank employe to open the account.

You may have had the same difficultness to open a bankaccount in your homecountry as a foreigner, so it is not specific to Thailand.

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Or use google to get the form.
Bob **********
With a non-o there shouldn’t be a problem,a TM30 or a residence certificate should do it
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
That’s what I thought but it’s not happening in a smaller city like Nakhon Pathom which isn’t exactly crawling with tourists. I think I need to go with an agency and open a bank account in Bangkok.
Brandon ************
You most likely need a residence certificates from immigration. A letter from the place you're staying at is worthless.

Bangkok won't give you a residence certificate until you already have your extension so that's not an option. You'll need to hope your current immigration office will provide you with one, or you'll need to check many more bank branches into one finally says yes. The final option is using an agent.
Peter **********
@Brandon ***********
I was told, by the immigration officer in Bangkok, they give me a residence certificate provided my (hotel) TM30 shows at least 15 days of stay.

No extension required.

As we were going to the village after a week I decided not to bother.

Went to immigration in Sakon Nakhon together with my wife and her sister (who had a house ook and my wife was register in this book). The immigration lady did the TM30, did not require me to fill out any form, just sign what she filled out. She asked for passport photos and when I didn’t have any she used her phone to make one.

Then I asked for a residence certificate to open an account. She did the paperwork again, made me sign and pay 100 baht. Done.

I went to SCB and they gave me loads of shit. Then went to Kasikorn and 1 hour later I had 405k in my own bank account.

YMMV.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter *********
Hi Peter, thanks for the information. I was wondering if you could perhaps send me a photo (private message if you prefer) of the residence letter the immigration office gave to you. Perhaps if I show it to the immigration office here, they will understand what I need. Thanks.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Thanks for the quick answer. The immigration won’t give me the letter so I don’t know what to do now. Do you think an agency can help me?
Max *************
@Kay *****
Why couldn't you get a Residence Certificate at the immigration office? What was the reason?
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max ************
Your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea. They said they can give me one only if I need to buy a motorcycle. 😂 I have a feeling the person there didn’t really understand what I need. If you happen to have one, would you mind taking a picture of it and sending it to me? (pm if you prefer). Perhaps if they see what it looks like, they’ll do one for me. Thanks.
Tullio *******
@Kay *****
can’t you get a residence certificate from your embassy? That should sort it out.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tullio ******
the Italian Embassy? 😂😂😂 It took me 9 months to get my passport renewed.
Tullio *******
@Kay *****
if you are not a resident it takes long time I did it this month in 30 minutes
Brandon ************
@Kay *****
then your only options are to try many bank branches. Sometimes it can take 20-30+ or to find an agent to help you. Normally costs about 5000 baht but the prices have been going up lately
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Here in Nakhon Pathom, the branches are small so, either they ask the main branch or they read some standardized document that says I need to own a house here. I never thought it would be so hard. Do you know any good agencies that won’t force me to have to use them every year at renewal time? Thanks again. What a headache!
Max *************
Kay Rush What did they say at Bangkok Bank? It's by far the most foreigner friendly bank in Thailand. With a Residence Certificate it shouldn't be a problem.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max ************
I’ve been to so many banks I can’t even remember anymore! Also, I don’t speak Thai yet so I had two friends translating (and battling) for me. I wonder if I go to Bangkok Bank in Bangkok it might be easier.
Jared *********
@Kay *****
using an agent to open a bank account is easy and is a one time event not an annual renewal type of situation.

The renewal comments that people make are in reference to having an agent help get their visa and "fund" their bank account so that they dont have to deposit 800k baht. Since you're only opening an account that is not relevant for you.

I used an agent recently to open a bank account (different region but process is similar). There are a few things needed but it is a simple process and I had the account open within 1
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hours. Total cost was 8000 baht. Part of that was the agency fee and part was the banks insurance fee (which you will likely have to pay even if you open yourself and costs up to 5000). So the extra cost to have the agent do it was not bad, saved time of trying to go to 20+ bank branches, and saved a lot of stress. Worth it in my opinion.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jared ********
Hi Jared, thanks for the answer and the wise advice. What agency did you use?
Jared *********
@Kay *****
it was in Jomtien so probably not helpful for you. Called Thai Visa Pattaya.

You'll want your bank account to be in the region where you live because of fees and paperwork for visas. Each branch appears to be separate from what I've heard. The agents have a "relationship " with someone at the local branch and this allows the process to work to get set up.

There are many agents across the country. Suggest you find a local one near you
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jared ********
Nakhon Pathom is only an hour from Bangkok so, that would work for me. I do everything on line anyway. Thanks for your help and your suggestions.
Jared *********
@Kay *****
I tried Bangkok with no luck. After three banks there I gave up. Two said no because of my visa type and one asked for a document from my embassy that they will not provide.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jared ********
Hi Jared, what type of visa do you have? Did you consider paying an agency?
Max *************
@Jared ********
In Jomtien,there's no need for an agent.Bangkok Banks branch on Jomtien Second Rd is probably the smoothest bank in Thailand when it comes to open a savings account.
Jared *********
@Max ************
depends on your visa according to the new rules supposedly
Max *************
@Jared ********
What new rules? Fyi, I've been banking with that branch many years and if I'm saying that's the easiest bank when it comes to open a savings account, then it is. You seem like a guy who uses agents. Don't argue against better knowledge.
Jared *********
@Max ************
ok, I'm just telling you what Bangkok Bank told me and my experience. How many new accounts did you open this year at this location?

Banking there for many years doesn't equal opening an account this year nor is it relvant for the original post because they aren't in Jomtien. So checking if you have recent knowledge of opening new accounts or just banking there for many years.

And feel free to assume what you like about me. I've seen your smart-ass comments on other posts before.
Brandon ************
@Kay *****
you need an agency to open the bank account. That's it.
Kay ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
Hi, I’m in contact with the agency that opened this FB page. 😊
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