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

Non-O Visa Retirement Visa Thai Bank Account Thai Driver's License Visa Extension Immigration Requirements Thai Mobile Number Documentation for Expats

Oct 30, 2025

a day ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Peeps, my wife and I (abv 50y/o) just got issued our 90-days Non-O Immigrant Visa from outside of thailand. Once i arrive in BKK and get my visa stamped on my passport, i understand that I can open a bank account which I will do from Bang Saray/Sattahip, since I own a condo there (will bring all my property papers). Will the bank ask for a Thai mobile rgst'd in my name ? What are ALL the docs they need ?

Beside this, does anyone know how to go about obtaining a Retirement Visa while we are in Thailand(without going thru an agent) ? What are the documents and stuff needed to apply for Retirement Visa btw. How much must I deposit into Kasikorn bank ? How many days would the Retirement Visa approval take and must I be staying in Thailand until they issue it ? Also how to obtain a Thai Driver's lic ? I already have my country's one and a valid International Driving Permit. tyvvvm

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the process of opening a bank account and applying for a Retirement Visa in Thailand. The user seeks information on required documents and procedures, including the necessity of having a Thai mobile number and a residence certificate. Comments provide insights about the timeline for visa approvals, the amount needed for bank deposits, and the steps to obtain a Thai driver's license.

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.

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Stuart ***********

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.

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John **********

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

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Jason ******

@John *********

to get an extension of stay one year do you need police check , I have a police check when it was first done in 2019 printed certificate , all clear record, I then registered my police check on the online criminal update service this means I can give the info to look at it online only , they won't print another certificate with a new date of 2025 . Cos anyone can view the criminal police check online with my permission this is how our police checks now work in UK ,they have gone digital to stop having to print certificates to save paper and also as lots get stolen in the post which is Causing fraud and copy of Identity .Will my 2019 printed physical copy be accepted or will thailand accept looking at my criminal record online to view it themselves. ( I doubt it )

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John **********

you don't need a criminal police check for an extension of stay. Depending which visa you apply for you may need one but that's most likely in your home country before you travel to Thailand

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Jason ******

@John *********

ok perfect thanks, I am coming in Novemeber with 90 days retirement Non O ( single entry ) I was hoping to get extension of one year year retirement but multiple entry can you get that if you pay extra for the multiple entry. I got to possibly leave thailand for family visit to sick patient in hospital or even possible funeral . Thanks for info much appreciated

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John **********

yep you can do that, either a single re-entry permit or a multiple but be aware it doesn't add any time, just keeps your entry stamp alive when you leave

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Jason ******

@John *********

ok I see what you mean now, it dont add any time on extension of stay, If I leave for Uk Yeah I understand that , so if I got extension of stay from Feb 2026 to Feb 2027 , if I am out of Thailand for 3 months then I loose 3 months on the extension ,

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John **********

probably best to think of it as the extension just carries on until it's permitted date whether you are in Thailand or not, assuming you get a re-entry permit

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Jason ******

@John *********

so maybe best to stay with single entry and just pay at airport when I have to leave to keep my entry stamp alive ,

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Jason ******

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Andrew *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

what’s the “best” and most competitively priced telco there; True, AIS or DTAC ? My friend swears on DTAC. Haha 😁

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John **********

they're all ok, I use AIS

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Andrew *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

What are the documents needed to apply for Retirement Visa btw. I heard also need to show cleared of criminal record, some say don’t need.

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John **********

depends which of the 5 or so distinct retirement visas you want to apply for

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Andrew *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

What ? 5 diff types of retirement visa ? WTH ! I don’t know man. Just the standard retirement visa I guess. Heard the “standard” is one that allows 365 days and online reporting every 3 months ?

What type of insurance they need us to get and which company in Thailand provides that ?

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Graham ******

To get 12 months on entry that's the Non-OA and requires insurance, police check etc. The "standard" one is the Non-O which gets 90 days on entry.

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Graham ******

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Graham ******

@John *********

Glad uou got here before me 555

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Graham ******

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