What documents are needed to open a bank account and apply for a Retirement Visa in Thailand?

To mention one important requirement that is often forgotten or neglected: an TM30 that was registered within 24 hours after you arrival, mostly done by the hotel where you will stay after your arrival in Bangkok. When you come to your condo later, register a TM30 within 24 hours after arrival there. Because you are the owner of the condo, you have to do that yourself. It can be done online:

tm30.immigration.go.th

I'm so surprised that people don't find out the requirements for extension of a non-immigrant visa before they enter Thailand. You can easily make a mistake or forget something and then the extension of your visa will be denied. Thai Immigration has become very strict. You can do it yourself without a problem and save the money for an agent, but you have to be well prepared.

The more and more I read about all these retirement visa problems, I wish I now never bothered to come to thailand, have a photo of the place of where you staying for residence lol, Christ sake do they want sperm DNA also . Think I just about had enough of it already and not even arrived yet ,I knew I should have stuck with Cambodia, phils or Vietnam where I am sure they would welcome my retirement with less hassle and stress

You will need a registry of where you live with photo of you infront of address you will need to have 800,000thb in your bank for a period of no less than 3 months very doubtful you can open a bank account without a agent they keep accounts with needed funds and attch your name until opened its a frustraiting process i have a bank account at bangkok bank but it wasnt easy willing to keep your money my account for 5% a month interest fee if under 1.5 million us

Great reply from John (as always) covers pretty much everything I think.

Get a folder and make copies of your documents (you will need copies constantly and some passport photos). Go to your local immigration office and ask for their list of requirements to extend your stay (every office is slightly different) and the application form. Good luck.

When you enter Thailand you will get stamped in for 90 days. You will need to open a bank account within the first couple of weeks as to apply for a 12 month extension of stay (not a visa) the money must be in the bank for 2 full calendar months. To open the bank account you will most likely need a residence certificate from your local immigration office. And yes you will need a Thai mobile number in your name. Retirement extensions are normally issued on the day but if you want to leave after that you will need a re-entry permit to keep it alive, you can get one either from your immigration office or at the airport. You need to have a minimum of 800k baht in a Thai bank for 2 full calendar months before applying for an extension. Getting a Thai licence is pretty straightforward if you have a home license and IDP, you go, you apply, you do a couple of very basic tests and they give you a 2 year licence, when you go for the next one they will give you one for 5 years