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What documents are required for opening a bank account in Thailand as a retiree, and how does one apply for a Non-O visa and retirement visa?

Thailandbank accountNon-O visaretirement visaexpat advicevisa requirementsTM30residency certificate
May 1, 2023
2 years ago
Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
UPDATE!

I opened a Thai bank account today with my resident certificate and my T30. After going to 2 banks, I found the one I’ll post in the map to allow me one.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

This message is for anyone who has applied for a Non-O, or a Retirement Visa themself. Thanks in advance for your help and any tips you may have.

I’ve looked online for help and I’m getting conflicting information. I always get such helpful information here that I thought I’d reach out on this topic.

So here’s where I’m at -

I picked up my visa extension today here in Chiang Mai. 🎉

Next, I open a bank account with my passport, TM30, and Residency Certificate.

❓Are there any other documents I’ll need to open a bank account?

❓Do I immediately apply for a Non-O?

❓After I get the Non-O, do I wait 45 days to apply for the retirement visa? Or, am I waiting until I only have 45 days on my visa to apply for thr retirement visa?

❓Is #2 in that photo asking for the residency certificate?

❓Is #3 asking for my TM30?

I think that covers it. If I’ve missed anything, please let me know.

Thanks again.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the process of opening a bank account in Thailand as an expat, particularly for retirees seeking a Non-O visa and a retirement visa. Key documents typically needed include a passport, TM30 form, and possibly a residency certificate. Users report varying requirements from different banks, underscoring that each bank may have unique rules. Additionally, the conversation touches on the timeline for applying for a Non-O visa after obtaining a bank account and the necessity of maintaining a certain amount of funds in the bank to qualify for a retirement visa.
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.
Us *****
This is why Thailand doesn't have a strong economy. You have foreigners willing to put money in your bank and you make it impossible for them to do it. The banks can lend out our money to loval business vendors or buy short term US treasuries for a profit. Some countries don't know what to do with their cash cows.
2 years ago
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Robert **********
Many thai refuse those without work permits. You have to keep trying. Also, to get a residency certificate from many immigration offices, you have to have done at least 1 90-day report. I understand that the US Embassy, if you are American, will stop issuing residency certificates June 1.
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@Robert *********
 The US Embassy in BKK, as well as the US Consulate in Chiangmai do not issue residency certificates, nor have they ever in recent memory.
2 years ago
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Brook ********
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Steve ********
Take your Thai woman with you, especially if she has an account at the branch. I've done that at both SCB and Bangkok Bank. They only wanted passport and lease. Nothing else.
2 years ago
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Steve ********
@Paul ******
 Yep. Both times Passport & Lease & Thai woman. Very easy
2 years ago
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Paul *******
Steve SmytheLease? When I opened my first account they wanted a certificate of residency from my embassy and my passport. Thats it. Second account at a different bank, was opened using my work permit and a stack of documents that came from my employer.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Burnard ************
Conflicting information in Thailand? Nah...never. 🤣
2 years ago
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Han ********
Find a different bank or different branch office.
2 years ago
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John-Paul ******
Not true everywhere. Oh they may say it on a card... but as with everything else in Thailand.... maybe but maybe not. Certainly I have never needed anything other than passport... visa stamp in it.... that is it. I have both BKK bank and K bank. Neither required anymore.
2 years ago
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Taz **********
Get a letter from where you are staying, stating you reside there. List your name, country, date of birth, passport number

Take this letter & passport and passport sizes photos to your local immigration & request a certificate/ letter of residency to open a bank account, they usually charge 500 baht per letter.

Take this residency letter with your passport to a bank

The residency letter is only valid for 30 days

Go to a main branch usually helps

Bangkok bank & ? Kasikorn are the easiest

SCB requires a yellow house book to open an account

Krungshri requires you to have a retirement visa

Bangkok bank will usually ask you to buy a bank product

Accident insurance for 12 months, cheapest option is just under $6,000 baht
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Taz *********
 thanks a lot! Super helpful.
2 years ago
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Taz **********
@Tara *******
 just note, Things in Thailand very from one town to the next & from one person to another

I opened an account at Bangkok Bank, about 1 month later I took a friend and had issues, tried another branch with success, then went with my girlfriend about 2 months after that to the first branch and opened an account. No normality in Thailand 🤣
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Taz *********
 this is not an easy thing. Thanks for the input. Enjoy your day!
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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Charles ***********
"Are there any other documents I’ll need to open a bank account? "

No. In fact, I doubt if they ask for all these documents. With Bangkok Bank, I think all they need is your passport, TM30 and rental contract.

"Do I immediately apply for a Non-O?"

If you've just extended your tourist visa, then yes. Immigration offices (Chiang Mai anyway) need, I think, 15 WORKING days to process your non-o, so that's 21 actual days. Your extension is for 30 days, so you need to go to immigration within 9 days of getting your extension.

"After I get the Non-O, do I wait 45 days to apply for the retirement visa? Or, am I waiting until I only have 45 days on my visa to apply for thr retirement visa? "

(You mean "to apply for the one year extension".)

You need to wait until you have less than 45 days left on your stay permit before applying for your one year extension.

"Is #2 in that photo asking for the residency certificate?"

No.

"Is #3 asking for my TM30?"

No, it's asking for your rental contract. But take your TM30 to the bank anyway.
2 years ago
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Alex ********
@Charles **********
 obviously someone who either hasn't had to open an account in Thailand or got lucky
2 years ago
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Alex ********
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Alistair **********
Just try a few different banks till you find one that'll open an account for you. Kasikorn is pretty good and had less requirements than Bangkok Bank when I opened my account recently.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *********
 thank you.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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Nick *******
I opened a Bangkok Bank account in Patong 3 months ago on a tourist visa. All I needed was a letter from immigration (500bht) my passport and 6000 bht, which is mostly the insurance scam they tell you that you have to pay on a tourist visa. 500 baht and 199 baht of that 6000 baht were 500 to go in as account funds and 199 baht to pay for my ATM card.
2 years ago
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Joe *********
@Nick ******
 same experience for me. AND I was able to use the insurance when I had a bad fall. Way more than paid for itself.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe ********
 really! That’s so awesome. Was the coverage good? I could use some insurance anyways.
2 years ago
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Nick *******
@Tara *******
 I asked what it covered and was told everything. Haven’t read the small print tho.
2 years ago
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Nick *******
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Nick *******
@Joe ********
 Glad to hear it came in useful 👍
2 years ago
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Nick *******
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Luc ********
Non-o + valid address + big cash + a good reason why you need a bank account (retirement visa, etc), should do the trick….
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Thai *****************************
This post is exactly why visa agents do a booming business in Thailand.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
 exactly.
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Todd ********
 don’t use them… it will haunt you forever. Talking about experience… be brave and succeed. Immigration officers prefer that!
2 years ago
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THAI ******************************
@Luc *******
 Well you are advising people not to use our services, and telling people that it will haunt them forever.

But as you mentioned you never used our services.

Also your case would be considered an emergency case, and our team always handles these cases with care.

The main reason you were declined is because you did not file a TM30 in Bangkok, and you were registered in Chonburi or another province. In the future you can avoid this issue by simply applying in the same province your last extension was issued in, or filing a TM30 for the correct province.

LTR is obtainable with, or without an agency. But many applicants also choose our LTR services as we have successfully handled over 100 LTR cases, and only accept cases if we are confident we can obtain your visa successfully, and within a reasonable timeframe.
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Thai *****************************
 tm 30 : ok…. Residence certificate: ok. Living in Bangkok for a year now: ok. 👌
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Luc *******
 you tried to play the system. And you failed. It’s a good lesson for many people whom think they are smarter. But using a company like TVC to facilitate and assist you is hardly ‘illegal’. Your suggestion earlier was to ‘trust me’. You have proven that wrong already.
2 years ago
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THAI ******************************
@Luc *******
 Sometimes immigration tries to send the applicant back to the visa agency.

Your encounter is a common situation if registered in a different province from where you are actually living.

While you may not have been granted an extension that time, your visa also remained valid as you left immigration.

We try to support expats as much as we can, and we regularly help them transition away from agency services if they wish to apply on their own in the future.

Everyone's situation is different, and for some doing it on their own is worth it in many ways. But for others it may not be worth it at all depending on their time, and circumstances.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Thai *****************************
 thanks a lot! 👍🏼
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Tara *******
 they can assist you if you choose to go that route
2 years ago
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Todd *********
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Todd *********
@Luc *******
 it won’t haunt anyone. Au contraire. Fantastic service. And saves you money and time. And you never have to see an immigration officer again. Perfect. Be brave and don’t waste your time or tie up 800k in the bank. You have much better options
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Todd ********
 people who cheat the system will be deported at some point. Don’t try to outsmart the system. Just my experience and advice. Regards
2 years ago
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Ernesto ********
@Luc *******
 some one sounds jealous about your wife. Some people want to be married and some can’t keep one. I agree with what you say.
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Ernesto *******
 ya, wives are incredibly difficult to find.... astute observation
2 years ago
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Ernesto ********
@Todd ********
 your being a jackass. If he want a Thai wife , it’s not your business. Keep running your mouth.
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Luc *******
 'Cheat' the system? Deportation?? For what exactly? Agents are not cheating the system. They are the system. Listen, you ride the coattails of your wife. She is the only reason you can even get in long term. That part is easy but it's not applicable to everyone
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Todd ********
 don’t talk bad . I am talking the truth and been here on a retirement visa for 2 years. I have enough money to stay here forever. You are advising people to pay bribe money and to break the law. I for sure will not go that route anymore. Be careful what you say an who you accuse of lies! Regards
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Luc *******
 No Luc, I'm not at all. I have been here longer than you, and have more than enough money to last forever. And if you actually do have enough money, the smart route is LTR. But let's face it, you are exaggerating. There is no 'bribe money and no breaking the law' involved in getting a visa thru an agent here. As i asked... why lie? Be careful if your knowledge is limited.
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Todd ********
 there is no breaking the law using an agent if everything is ok and one is just to lazy to go to immigration. True. Once you don’t have the funds (seasoned). Or any other obscure reason to use an agent, both parties are breaking the law. Same with using an agent for a driving license. I laughed my guts out being served faster…. Regards
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Luc *******
 why would anyone waste their time at immigration if they don’t need to at all? Most people come here to enjoy life. Not sit in line. And nobody with any reasonable understanding of basic finance would move 800k to Thailand and tie it up at less than 0.5% interest. It’s totally fine and it works. But it’s not very smart use of your time or $$
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Todd ********
 I don’t lie !! Be careful to accuse people of lies. I come to Thailand since 2004…. Ltr is indeed the best way…. Without any agent. Regards
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Luc *******
 no? Then why are you talking about deportation, bribes and breaking the law? All untrue.

I can appreciate you don’t like agents. That’s great. They do a good service. And you are simply not being honest about the reality. And as TVC has made clear to you… they own this page. You may have tried a cheap, back alley ‘agent’ in Pattaya… but that was simply foolish. It’s a good lesson for all. But no need to exaggerate about the consequences. It doesn’t help anyone
2 years ago
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Todd *********
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THAI ******************************
@Luc *******
 Please explain?

If you use a visa agent to support your case you can still apply without an agency as long as you file your TM30, and can support your application on your own.

We are supporters of DIY applications as well (after all we manage this group).
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Thai *****************************
 . As you’re the admin. Another issue: my wife (who is my host), was very happy when I told her about the tm30. So she downloaded the app , creating an account, and filling in the details. Mind that there is only one field available for house number. We live in a condo, so need 2 fields : condo name and room nr …. When I went for my 90 days reporting, the officer complained that I only had the condo name, not the room nr, sending me back home with the instructions we had to amend… as they tried and didn’t succeed…. There really is no way to amend. Seriously!! So she created a new account and showed me there was no way to do it…. I as an ex it professional thought to be able to make it…. So instead of the app, I went onto the web based application and created it myself. Now the condo name merges with the user name, and we also have the room number…. So I told my wife: this is how you can try. When she tried, she got the error message: ‘address already registered’. Since than, I’m doing my tm30 myself….. great system…..
2 years ago
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THAI ******************************
@Luc *******
 When we do the TM30 we do not use the online systems (same with 90 day reporting).

It may have become easier, but we had too many issues in the past.
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Thai *****************************
 i did use an agent in Pattaya on a non o visa during covid times. After 15 days quarantine, I still had 15 days to visit hospitals due to unforeseen circumstances ( tumour). Had to register my drone within 30 days , and had to open a bank account. Obviously I failed on the last and used an agent in chonburi.

The year after, I tried extending my visa for another year, but they found out, that previously, I cheated with an agent…. So agent again in chonburi.

The year after, I tried to extend my visa again in Bangkok this time. And they declined because I used an agent before in chonburi. I had to leave the country and reapply for a new non-o visa. I am married in the mean time. True story. Regards
2 years ago
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Incognia **********
@Luc *******
 for marriage visa not using agency is better option.Especially about showing money in bank account.
2 years ago
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Incognia **********
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Phil ******
@Tara *******
 yes...

And try bangkok bank the main branch as all apply different rules
2 years ago
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Oliil ******
I stayed in Phuket. Right now, the rules here are more stringent than before, and you cannot buy insurance for open a bank account. Just for residents certificate agent here charge about 2500 THB include housing contract, no need driver’s license .

if your type of visa not right they not open, but you can try other brunch.

Now Bangkok bank sell insurance about 5,900 for foreigner instead of 2900(last year) 🤣😂

Kasikorn and Bangkok bank recommended
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nene ***
 I’ll try Kasikorm first since they don’t require insurance. Thanks a lot. Really jerks requiring insurance when really we’re just letting a huge sum of money sit in their banks.
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Nene ***
 get an agent
2 years ago
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Todd *********
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Nanthakumar ***********
If so how can a person, who wants to come here and get retirement visa for which deposit in the bank is required , open account?

Any idea ?
2 years ago
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VaiAna **********
I opened a bank account w no work permit or driver's license and was on a tourist visa last year
2 years ago
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René ********
@VaiAna *********
 It’s finish that now
2 years ago
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René ********
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James ********
No need to use an agent. Just shout at them until they do what you want. Works a charm.
2 years ago
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James **************
Just use an agent, this is all ridiculous, why mess about with all this nonsense, especially if you need the bank account to season the
*****
0 for 2 months in order to get a retirement visa. Its too stressfull and time wasting. I meet all the requirements, but I'm blowed if I'm gonna run about to various banks, immigration etc etc... and then hv to keep
*****
0 in the bank (for 5 months, 400k for the other 7) when i could be getting
***
% interest on it. Decision made - I'm just gonna use an agent.....
2 years ago
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James **************
Or Thai Visa Centre in bkk, I used them ok
2 years ago
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John-Paul ******
@James *************
 they are the best by all accounts! Also Admins of this site
2 years ago
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John-Paul ******
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James **************
I've never used these but seem ok
2 years ago
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James **************
I've used one in bkk before....
2 years ago
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James **************
2 years ago
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Roger ********
@James *************
 hi James, which agent did you use?
2 years ago
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James **************
@Roger *******
 any agent, but some more reliable than others....just ask on this site and you'll get some recommendations....
2 years ago
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James **************
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *************
 thanks for your input. Are you saying that with an agent I do not need to keep 800k in the bank?
2 years ago
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James **************
@Tara *******
 correct, but there are down sides. I was thinking do it all my self as its just 2000 plus 1900 bhat at immigration. But all the hoops and messing about, I can't be bothered. Of course the agent fees are 25-35k bhat and yearly renewal at ~12k bhat, but everything is done for you.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *************
 it’s amazing your agent doesn’t require the 800k. This is the first I’ve heard of it. What agent did you use?
2 years ago
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John-Paul ******
@Tara *******
 try the Admins of this site .
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Tara *******
 amazing? Has always been this way...
2 years ago
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James **************
@Tara *******
 The agents dont always require the 800k. If they did I'd prob still do it myself
2 years ago
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James **************
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Jo **********
the comments here are ridiculous before i opened a bank account visa exempt.
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
@Jo *********
 opening an account on visa exemption use to be extremely easy. It's not anymore though.
2 years ago
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Jo **********
@Alistair *********
 ok i did not know
2 years ago
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Jo **********
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Luc ********
@Jo *********
 you were lucky.
2 years ago
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Luc ********
You were lucky, trust me.
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Luc *******
 trust him Luc. You just don’t understand yet
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Todd ********
 Btw I have a bank account, and live here.
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Luc *******
 BTW, many of us do. And most of us aren't in the country only because our wife is thai. We don't need babysitters. Yes indeed some of us 'succeeded' at using agents, or LTR, O-X visa, 65 embassy letters etc. The agent visa stamps are completely legitimate and thousands (at least) have them already. No issues. And no need to pretend they cause any harm in the future. They don't.
2 years ago
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Luc ********
@Todd ********
 I trust him, some have succeeded, many have failed. Please explain
2 years ago
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Luc ********
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Jo **********
@Luc *******
 not really i wish
2 years ago
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Jo **********
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Jo **********
ridiculous I have an LTR no work permit, no driver license, no housing contract and I opened a bank account in 40 minutes
2 years ago
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John-Paul ******
@Jo *********
 sorry but I am on a Non O retirement... opened mine actually in 50 minutes and that was only because they could not find the cards. Where in another desk. This was with BKK bank. K bank was even faster. Yes ... I have 2 accounts.
2 years ago
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Jo **********
@John-Paul *****
 yes I think it’s much easier than others are making it out to be
2 years ago
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Jo **********
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Todd *********
@Jo *********
 for sure. LTR is definitely the best visa available. And it’s not really a close race
2 years ago
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Todd *********
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Tony ********
25 thousand agency..without money and only passport
2 years ago
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Russell *******
I think 3 is rental contract from you landlord . I had to show rental contract landladys blue book and landlady ID .
2 years ago
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Jo **********
@Russell ******
 bill I live with my wife she owns the house I have no contract, no license, no work permit, no nothing
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Jo *********
 ok , can't you show proof of the house ownership ?
2 years ago
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Todd *********
@Russell ******
 farangs can’t actually own, so they won’t accept the paperwork of your company owning…
2 years ago
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Jo **********
@Russell ******
 no sorry
2 years ago
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Jo **********
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Julane *******
In Pattaya last week, i couldn't open an account until I got my (retirement) 1 year Visa first. (I only had a 90 day non Immigrant O visa). Asked at Kasikorn and Bangkok bank.

My husband opened his Bangkok bank account last June with ONLY a Visa on arrival and showing Certificate of residency and passport. Since this April, banks seem to be requiring a 1 year visa now.

Fortunately I converted my 90 day visa last week into a dependent Visa now and dont need my own account with 800k.
2 years ago
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James **************
@Julane ******
 that could be a problem as you need to have the
*****
0 in the bank to season for 2 months before getting the retirement visa. So the bank account is the first thing you need to do (after getting a place to stay obviously).

You seem to be saying they wouldn't allow you to open whilst you had the 90 day non imm O, but then you wouldn't be able ro get the
*****
0 seasoned and thus you would not be accepted for the retirement 1 yr visa?! Or have I miss read it?
2 years ago
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Julane *******
@James *************
 yes, that's correct. The work-around is using an agent to open it for you. I saw one agent that quoted 4000B. Seems they can "circumvent" that rule.
2 years ago
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Julane *******
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Marc ********
That's why I just paid for the insurance at Bangkok Bank.

5900b exept passport no documents needed🤷‍♂️
2 years ago
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James **************
@Marc *******
 or use an agent....
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marc *******
 that’s awesome!
2 years ago
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Marc ********
@Tara *******
 Go to Bangkok Bank if you don't mind buying a useless insurance😅
2 years ago
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Rafael *******
@Marc *******
 I heard you can cancel the insurance during the 2 weeks cool-down period and get the money refunded, while keeping the bank account.
2 years ago
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Rafael *******
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Donna ***************
Note: we are RETIRED, so we didn’t have a work permit (but we did have our stateside Thai Consulate approved Non-Immigrant O-A papers in hand, plus passports (and matching stamps), our TM30 copy from our landlord as well as our 12mo th lease, our USA driver’s licenses, and copies of everything to boot!

And we were rejected at 9 different Thai bank branches of the 4 most popular ones. It was utterly confusing not knowing exactly what document you need!

For US Citizens, you need to make an online US Consulate appt to Notarize an Affidavit of your Thai address—literally you will raise your hand and swear I front of consulate employee and they will notarize and charge you $50 for each! THIS is what Thai banks require, the consulate staff member in Bangkok confirmed she had to do the same, as well as manager of the whole facility—Thai banks do not discriminate!! (and be sure to take a screen shot and a make a printed copy of appt confirmation for showing front door security—and it’s tighter than TSA—check online, but no laptops or even extra phone batteries are allowed!)
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Donna **************
 thanks a lot! Wow! The second paragraph surprises me. I’m in Thailand now. I guess I have to figure out where the US embassy is. Probably good to know anyhow. I’ll make an appointment online and come ready to prove that I do, indeed, have an appointment. 😁😉
2 years ago
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Tara ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Every story has a silver lining! 😄 I like how you added Songkran and shopping! Very smart.
2 years ago
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Donna ***************
@Tara *******
 I’ve heard there’s one in Chiang Mai and in Bangkok. It’s like a red tape thing here in Thailand, and every branch is different in their requirements, I think it’s outdated and nobody is sure, so instead of losing face and admitting they aren’t sure, they say they can’t do it. We were aware of this and were always outwardly polite! I was told conflicting advice beforehand from many sources, that the US Embassy needed to notarize your passport (not true), that you needed a “residence certificate” from the Thai immigration office (also not true, we actually went there and that’s a form a foreigner needs to buy or sell a vehicle!), and we even looked into a visa agent for help in opening a bank account, and they asked for 10,000baht EACH, or almost $300usd x 2 = $600! We were like, NO way! And if we are over 50 with retirement visas, why would we need a work permit?? Sometimes…things in Thailand just don’t make sense. You just play along with it. For example, it says right on the affidavit we signed and was notarized: The US Consulate does not guarantee or check the information! I think it’s the official seal they want, on something. Even that was questioned when we went to Bangkok Bank, the teller said she then needed to call the Consulate and confirm that it was official—even when we had our printed copies of our appts in hand, along with our notary payment receipts from the Consulate, and even online Visa card payment information…at that point we said thank you and went to Kasikorn Bank nearby (this was at huge CentralwOrld mall). Even then we waited over two hours until everyone else was helped before they opened our bank accounts. Our staff member was professional and fluent in English, and everyone had to stay after hours before we were finished, but it got done!

We wondered why they make it so difficult to just open bank accounts just so we can deposit 800,000baht (retirement visa requirements) and let it sit there??

Best of luck to you!
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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@Donna **************
 exactly! Wow! What an ordeal. Whew! I could feel the frustration. I hope renewing your visa is a lot easier! 🤗
2 years ago
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Donna ***************
@Tara *******
 I think it should be. All ducks are now in a row…. Our 90 day check went okay at the immigration office, but a word of advice: take a screen shot if any official appt you make in Thailand, as we did make online appts at the (huge) Thai Immigration office in Bangkok, at 11am and 11:05am, but since we couldn’t show “proof” for my husband’s 11am appt on our cell phone (only mine came up), they wouldn’t allow him to get a queue ticket for his appt, and there was no way they could check the appts?? Nope. So mine took 5 min, and he had to get a non-appt queue ticket (nearly 60 numbers away from being called!). We waited about 30 min (that place is like the biggest DMV you have ever seen/Hell on earth) when a worker came out and informed us we all had to leave the waiting areas at noon—they close down for lunchtime!😳. Luckily it was right before Songkran holiday weekend, so there was a big indoor fair with lots of food booths and retail stuff, so that was good. He went back at 1pm to wait, I shopped and ended up buying a swimsuit and two colorful Songkran shirts (60b😜!). He took about 30 more minutes and was done with no problems. But no “proof” of appt, I guess it doesn’t matter exist…
2 years ago
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Donna ***************
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Craig ********
This list is BS, find another branch. How would a retiree open a bank account since they do not have a work permit.
2 years ago
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Wylie *******
@Craig *******
 the bank I opened an account at had a similar list. However it stated that only 2 or 3 (can't remember which) of the 5 listed were required. In the end I only had the residency certificate and signed lease. I tried to get what they wanted from the embassy but the bank couldn't even say exactly what it was (my thai wife talked to them so it was not a translation issue) and the US embassy had no idea either so just gave a certified copy of my passport. Which the bank then told me wasn't what they wanted. Luckily they opened an account without it.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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@Wylie ******
 that doesn’t sound fun, but otherwise this place is pretty laid back!👍🏼
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Tara *******
Well, they're not at all laid back regarding mask wearing. Now of course right now they aren't strict anymore but amongst themselves Thais have taken mask wearing to heights even the Japanese never envisioned, such as newsreaders wearing them inside the TV studio and game show hosts and contestants wearing masks.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Tara ********
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@Wylie ******
 what an ordeal. I’m sorry you and your wife went through this. Thank you for sharing. Super helpful. What bank and where did you get it done?
2 years ago
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Wylie *******
@Tara *******
 thanks, but it really wasn't that big of a deal. Living in Thailand one learns real quick to accept the obsession with paperwork and the inconsistency and ambiguity of what requirements are between different branches of the exact same organization and even people within the same building or day to day. TIT
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Wylie ******
So what document did the bank actually want?
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Tara ********
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@Craig *******
 thank you.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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Brook ********
I’m not sure where or when you took the photo, but the list, unsurprisingly, appears ambiguous, and beyond what might be required by law… or by other banks, or even other branches.

Required Documents for

oreigners to open account

1.Original Passport (ok)

2. A reference letter from

Embassy located in Thailand (most embassies don’t issue and not required by law)

3.Housing Contract

4. Work permit (Not legally required and not lawful for retirees)

5.Driver's license (Thai or foreign?)

I opened my account at a Maya bank branch on a tourist visa with a passport and a ฿50 Residence Certificate from immigration. However, I wasn’t dressed like a begpacker, and it was substantially more than the ฿10k minimum.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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@Brook *******
 thanks a lot. This photo is from January. I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Take care.
2 years ago
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Ivan ************
@Ta**
 it's not necessarily that you need all of these, I think these are options, like if you have a work permit, you don't need the embassy letter, if you don't have a work permit they want embassy letter (or certificate of residence from immigration which is the alternative). If a particular branch is strict, I have heard branches in Nimman, the one near Thapae Gate and MAYBE the one north of Chang Phuak gate should be flexible (that last one is where the KSK branch moved to after it closed, and it was always one of the most foreigner-friendly).
2 years ago
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Ivan ************
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Lyndon ************
Bangkok Bank head office in Bangkok allowed me to open an account on a tourist visa 2021.

They wanted an Embassy Certified copy of my passport, you have to make an online appointment for the UK Embassy.

They also wanted proof of address, lease etc. However, I live with my partner... They accepted a copy of her housebook, and a signed copy of her ID with a short affidavit that I lived with her. Plus a copy of my TM30.
2 years ago
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Andrew ***********
Only the individual bank can give you the correct advise. As others have said they all have different requirements.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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@Andrew **********
 thank you.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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Ken ***********
What I did was get a letter from my embassy and go straight to the main Bangkok branch in silom. I was on tourist visa. Passport, letter from embassy. That’s it
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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@Ken **********
 Thanks a lot. Do you just walk into your embassy and ask for one? What evidence of address did they need to give you this letter?
2 years ago
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Ken ***********
@Tara *******
 Nop. Not needed. Because in my embassy there’s a open bank account template example. I just write follow the example given by embassy, and the embassy will give you the letter from the embassy. Give a call to your embassy and check with them will be the best. Walk in to the HQ at silom and ask what are the requirement, because different bank, different manager, they have different requirement Mc
2 years ago
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Ken ***********
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Brandon ************
We can't answer the question if the bank will require any other documents because every bank branch makes their own rules. Go there and ask.

You can apply for a non-O visa after you meet all the requirements.

The non-O IS the retirement visa. You will have to wait until you've had the money in the bank for 2 full months to be able to apply for the 1 year extension, so if you apply for your non-O immediately after opening your account and sending the money, then you will not have 2 months of seasoning after 45 days.

Go to the bank and ask their requirements. It's clear the photo you are showing is for someone who has a job in Thailand because it says work permit. But a TM30 is not a rental contract obviously.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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@Brandon ***********
 got it. Thank you.
2 years ago
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Tara ********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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