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What is the best order of tasks after receiving a Non-O visa and arriving in Hat Yai?
O visaThailand immigrationextending visabank account Thailandretirement visaHat YaiThai real estateexpat life in ThailandVisa application process
Jun 28, 2025
10 months ago
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTERLooking for some advice on what order to do things next, in now my O visa has been issued this morning.
I'm off to Hat Yai in four weeks time, looking to live there.
I have a condo agent ready to meet with to take out a years rental.
When I get there, what order should I do things in in relation to:
Extending to one year.
Opening a bank account.
Dropping the 800K in the account
Renting the condo.
I have one month booked in a rental when I get there which allows me to get on and sort things out.
Your advice, if you have done this, in what order I should do things, would be very much appreciated,
Feel free to explain the steps like I'm 9 years old. Many Thanks.
I'm off to Hat Yai in four weeks time, looking to live there.
I have a condo agent ready to meet with to take out a years rental.
When I get there, what order should I do things in in relation to:
Extending to one year.
Opening a bank account.
Dropping the 800K in the account
Renting the condo.
I have one month booked in a rental when I get there which allows me to get on and sort things out.
Your advice, if you have done this, in what order I should do things, would be very much appreciated,
Feel free to explain the steps like I'm 9 years old. Many Thanks.
TLDR : Answer Summary
After receiving your O visa and planning to settle in Hat Yai, it's crucial to follow a systematic approach. First, arrange your accommodation; you have a month booked, which allows some flexibility. Once you arrive, prioritize opening a Thai bank account, as you will need it to deposit the required 800,000 Baht for your visa extension. Following that, register your residence with Immigration (submit a TM30) and obtain a certificate of residence. After successfully transferring the funds and ensuring they stay in your account for at least two months, you can then apply for the one-year extension of stay. Be ready with all necessary documents throughout this process.
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.
Pelle Erikssonā
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Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTERFyi. Even though only my name was displayed on the photo originally posted with this post, the same name I've used in FB for 25 years, I have removed the photo, not admin. Every other peice of sensitive data was removed prior to posting but if it keeps one or two comments quiet..... š
Kal *********
First advise ... don't put your name on anything to show social media groups ... u don't know who's out to scam u ....
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kal ********
my name is fine. Its been in FB 25 years... I removed all other sensitive data from the photo which I have also now removed now i have the answers I hoped for. No one is going to scam me from my Facebook name.Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Sean *************
Rent short term before committing to a lease in an area you donāt know.
Youāre welcome to
Youāre welcome to
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sean ************
I've spent a month there recently scouting the place. CheersReply to
Mike *******
Reply
Linda ******
What a useful Post and answers, thank you āŗļøš
David **********
To open a bank account go to your immigration office get a rental certificate (residency certificate) and then ask for letter for the bank bring a international driver's permit and you can also get a letter for thai drivers licence
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
I have my Thai IDP and the licence for thailand is next on my list before the IDP expiresDavid **********
@Mike ******
you don't need a idiot to do your licence for you you just do the online test show the certificate on your phone to dlt and do the reaction test no driving test and for 300 baht get your licence if you get a letter for that from immigration I just did mineMike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *********
only I will be taking any required test šReply to
Mike *******
Reply
Mike *******
Hey
Options:
1) You don't have to deposit 800,000 THB into the account all at once.
2) If your statutory pension is 65,000 THB or more per month, you can provide proof of this ā for example, with a pension certificate.
3) If you're missing something, you can combine both (e.g., 400,000 THB and proof of pension of 65,000 THB).
@Mi**
, just a quick questionš: Are you retired or in early retirement? Then you don't have to leave the 800,000 unused in an account. Instead, you can simply provide proof of your monthly pension or early retirement benefits to the Thai authorities! Then you can still work with your 800,000 for other purposes! As I understand it, you're not allowed to touch the 800,000 at all or use it for stock trading, for example.Options:
1) You don't have to deposit 800,000 THB into the account all at once.
2) If your statutory pension is 65,000 THB or more per month, you can provide proof of this ā for example, with a pension certificate.
3) If you're missing something, you can combine both (e.g., 400,000 THB and proof of pension of 65,000 THB).
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike ******
I Retired last Sept. Well past due! I'm planning the 800k route but could do either. Im not overjoyed about losing the interest on that amount I currently get but at least it gets me in to Thailand easily. If I end up long long term I'll consider moving to monthly but for now its the lump sum. I don't need to touch it, i have monthly pension income.You can spend up to half of it but not a penny more and must be back at 800k three months prior to visa renewal Cheers.
Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Scott ***********
maybe not post youāre personal details online would be the first thing iād fix
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Scott **********
there are no details in the image other than my name. Had you not noticed I've erased the sensitive details??Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Mike *********
John *********
Don't rush look at rental options carefully, unless you already know the agent. Offer half of what they quote can always move up from there.
If you make the price good I may sign longer. The economy is in a bad way, so they are desperate for foreigners. You're in the driving seat. Buyer/renters beware as always GL
If you make the price good I may sign longer. The economy is in a bad way, so they are desperate for foreigners. You're in the driving seat. Buyer/renters beware as always GL
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
I have a very well known rental agent I've been chatting with for a while now, so I'm alright there. CheersReply to
Mike *******
Reply
Martin ***********
Thanks for the question, very helpful as I'm in the same situation right now. Only I will be living with my GF and her family. Stayed with them for two and a half years already and I built the house last year. 50% abroad so I made a new visa every three months. I live there for free but no lease contract or anything else documented on paper. So I guess we write a letter describing the situation or fill a TM30 and bring her to the bank and immigration in case there are questions. Or is there better advice?
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Martin **********
You might get a better answer by starting your own post with the exact issue of address and the TM30 in your case. Folk will look at this post and may not see your question. Good luckReply to
Mike *******
Reply
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI have a non monetized YT channel (that means I'm not looking for clicks to earn money, I don't care.... just for my own pleasure really) If you're interested in my travels I post very boring videos. There is a video of my first month in Hat Yai back in April when I went to see if I would like to live there.
I don't post snazzy videos with music and commentary, more like the boring slide show of the 1960's with your mum and dad. Feel free to have a look, I will be adding to this as I hopefully, and with your help, successfully, move to thailand and rent a condo in the next couple of months.
I don't post snazzy videos with music and commentary, more like the boring slide show of the 1960's with your mum and dad. Feel free to have a look, I will be adding to this as I hopefully, and with your help, successfully, move to thailand and rent a condo in the next couple of months.
**********************************************
Tracy *****************
Thank you for asking this question and thank you to all who replied. It does get quite confusing. Heading back in mid August and will get the exact same.
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThe visa is valid for 90 days once issued. That means you have to enter thailand within those 90days. Bear that in mind when you apply, mine only took around 12 days to be approved. You don't have to bein your home country to apply but you do have to apply from outside thailand to apply online. In my case, I am in Penang with a british passport and it was no problem at all. Good luck to you
@Tracy ****************
Phil *****
@Mike ******
what is that EVisa based on ? You mentioned not tourist.Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil ****
retirement, over 50yo.Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI am most grateful for all the help and guidance provided so far in the comments. Thank You all. I will go away and write up a 'to do' list, in order, in a couple of days time. Thank You for any more comments that will no doubt be posted.
Nongnuch ********
Arrive, show your visa and the TDAC, and get stamped in for a 90-days stay permit.
*** immediately meet the agent.
*** first, rent the condo.
With the agent and the rental contract, visit Immigration and register your name in the premises per TM30
*** get a ācertificate of residenceā from Immigration. Get a Thai mobile SIM-card and number.
***visit a bank (preferably Kasikorn, SCB or Bangkok Bank) and get your bank account opened. If you meet incompetent and unwilling staff, use an agent to get the bank account opened.
In Pattaya this service costs around 5000 THB. I donāt know about Hat Yai, maybe your condo agent can help
***once your account is opened, transfer a minimum of 800,000 THB onto it from your home bank. You can use a direct transfer or use WISE or Revolut for this transfer.
***visit Immigration and ask them for the handout list of requirements needed for the āextension of temporary stay permit based on retirementā
*** once the money has āseasonedā in your account for 2 months, and you are in the last 30 days of your 90-days stay permit, you can apply for the ā1-year Extension of the Stay Permit based on Retirementā (EOS). The fee is 1900 THB.
Always buy a single re-entry permit for 1000 THB on top of the 1-year EOS
You will need the ābank letter of guaranteeā ā a statement that the deposit has been in your account for the required 2 months. A freshly updated bankbook, a fresh receipt from a small withdrawal at an ATM from the same day. Some passport pictures (some Immigrations do them digitally). Your passport, filled out forms for the applications (can be had at the Immigration office) Have all documents listed on the handout list of requirements ready
Good Luck and happy days in Thailand
*** immediately meet the agent.
*** first, rent the condo.
With the agent and the rental contract, visit Immigration and register your name in the premises per TM30
*** get a ācertificate of residenceā from Immigration. Get a Thai mobile SIM-card and number.
***visit a bank (preferably Kasikorn, SCB or Bangkok Bank) and get your bank account opened. If you meet incompetent and unwilling staff, use an agent to get the bank account opened.
In Pattaya this service costs around 5000 THB. I donāt know about Hat Yai, maybe your condo agent can help
***once your account is opened, transfer a minimum of 800,000 THB onto it from your home bank. You can use a direct transfer or use WISE or Revolut for this transfer.
***visit Immigration and ask them for the handout list of requirements needed for the āextension of temporary stay permit based on retirementā
*** once the money has āseasonedā in your account for 2 months, and you are in the last 30 days of your 90-days stay permit, you can apply for the ā1-year Extension of the Stay Permit based on Retirementā (EOS). The fee is 1900 THB.
Always buy a single re-entry permit for 1000 THB on top of the 1-year EOS
You will need the ābank letter of guaranteeā ā a statement that the deposit has been in your account for the required 2 months. A freshly updated bankbook, a fresh receipt from a small withdrawal at an ATM from the same day. Some passport pictures (some Immigrations do them digitally). Your passport, filled out forms for the applications (can be had at the Immigration office) Have all documents listed on the handout list of requirements ready
Good Luck and happy days in Thailand
Steve ********
@Nongnuch *******
Excellent, concise and ordered advice. Very helpful for all.Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
thank you very much. I am hoping for a mulitple re entry permit and I know that is an option. I want to be able to come and go quite a bit of the time. Most grateful for your info, thanksNongnuch ********
@Mike ******
yes, a multi re-entry permit is 3800 THB and it will enable you unlimited exits and re-entries for the full duration of your "1-year Extension of Stay"Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
perfect. That will be my choice. Thanks again.Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Lee *************
The hardest part will be opening bank account.
Jim ********
@Lee ************
why?Lee *************
@Jim *******
up to the bank, have all correct visa and information they need all Id correct, have thai phone number but No, no can do at many, Bangkok bank yes.... you will need someone who speaks Thai and even then not easy.Jim ********
@Lee ************
yeh he has everything in order so wonāt have an issueMike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lee ************
I have a friend in Hat Yai who can assist me if I get stuck. He's a native. I made sure to make one friend last time I was there šReply to
Mike *******
Reply
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
So many bank fail stories, but they are usually accompanied by lack of paperwork and incorrect visas.....Lee *************
@Mike ******
up to the bank, not easy to do with the new scammer laws in place, Bangkok Bank yes others No.Jim ********
@Mike ******
this is exactly why I was asking him why? There is no issue opening an account on a correct long term visa I.e retirement visa like yourself šReply to
Jim ********
Reply
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lee ************
with the help of the comments I have here, it's not going to be a problem. I have all the boxes ticked. :)Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Giovanni **********
This is what I did in order . Arrived on Saturday organised address , Immigration tm30, certificate of residency, AIS to register my phone number to my passport 50 baht for the paper you will need for the bank. Bank to open account deposit 800,000 . All done on Monday morning. Mature your money for two months. Ask immigration for forms needed for twelve months , and requirements. This gives you time to familiarise yourself with the forms. Too easy...... good luck
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Giovanni *********
thank you, no one yet mentioned the phone number element of the process so thank you for pointing that out. cheersGiovanni **********
@Mike ******
Since moving here I now have a yellow book and pink id card I opened a bank account the other day without a ton of Paper work and a support team š and no need to go to immigration for another certificate of residency. Good luck once again things will just fall into place for you.Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Giovanni *********
cheers.Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Leong ***********
You might want to checkout the advisory from FCO with regards to safety and security in areas around Hat Yai.
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Leong **********
I am aware of the advisories regarding the area, I am just out of danger! šReply to
Mike *******
Reply
Robert ********
If you have informed yourself just a little then you know that the money must be in the bank long before extension. And obviously you will have to have a room the day you arrive.
And then: itās hard to drop money before opening an account.
So there you go:
Rent
Account
Money
Extension
If youāve prepared well, the first 3 are done on the first day and the last 90ādays later. Thatās what I did (although I opened the account on day 2 and the money arrived the next day š )
Just make sure that the bank recognizes the money as foreign!!
And then: itās hard to drop money before opening an account.
So there you go:
Rent
Account
Money
Extension
If youāve prepared well, the first 3 are done on the first day and the last 90ādays later. Thatās what I did (although I opened the account on day 2 and the money arrived the next day š )
Just make sure that the bank recognizes the money as foreign!!
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert *******
Thank You. Much appreciated. I will certainly not be wasting anytime when I get there, hence this post giving me a few weeks to get my head in to gear ready to hit the ground running.Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Grant *******
I would highly recommend to rent or stay somewhere for 1 month before signing a 1 year lease, or even stay for a week then try another place for a week. 1 year is a very long time and you can feel stuck quite easily
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Grant ******
I have a condo rental for the first month while I sort things out, I have been there before. The rental agent has three condos for me to see. cheersGrant *******
@Mike ******
thatās good, I meet a lot of people who see somewhere and love it then sign for a year then after 3 months wished they didnāt because of x y z, maybe even try to get them down to a 6 month initial period.Reply to
Grant *******
Reply
Dca *****
@Mike ******
Congratulations on your NonāO EāVisa! What was your experience getting a NonāO (based on over age 50) EāVisa at the Thai Consulate in Penang, Malaysia?? Did the Thai Consulate request a lot of paperwork or pretty much straightforward?Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dca ****
mixed experience. You can only apply online, not in person. create an account with the thai visa website. As you apply it will direct you which embassy to select in a drop down menu for the application. In my case I am closest to Penang but KL was an option. I guess that is incase they need to call you in for an interview. I proper messed up by wasting money by unwittingly applying for a tourist visa first. It was too late to go back and cancel it as I had paid the fee, so I wasted some money there, not sure what will become of that application now. The day after, having realised my mistake, I applied for the O visa. I am going from penang to hat yai by private hire car and submitted the passenger list from the hire company as proof of travel. They then came back and asked to see my driving licence and vehicle registration, which I obviously don't have as going by hire car. I created a pdf in google docs writing a few lines explaining that I don't have a car and going by hire car, pasted in the passenger list to the pdf and submitted that. Other than that I submitted 3 months bank statments in one pdf showing my balance, a new photo, entry stamp in to malaysia where I am now, which they also asked for afterwards, Passport main page, and that was it. I applied to Penang online around 12 days ago, came through this morning. The O visa is really easy to apply for online. Getting the paperwork ready first to upload is a must. You can only upload 3mb files so that can be tricky. It's good that you don't have to do the application in one go, you can save and come back as you want to, to update and continue the application, but you have a limit of two weeks before incomplete applications are deleted from thier system and you have to start again.Fyre ********
@Mike ******
your answers have been very detailed and so helpful! Thank youMike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Fyre *******
as have the answers to my question so I'm very happy. All I have to do now is read through them again and draw myself a massive wall chart of 'dads army' instructions to myself šReply to
Mike *******
Reply
Dca *****
@Mike ******
Looking back: do you think perhaps going by rail and taking a train from Penang to Hat Yai (time permitting) might have been easier??Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dca ****
that said, Once I am settled in and make the penang journey minus luggage, a train journey is definately on the cards just for the fun of it.Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dca ****
Not with four large suitcases, I was staying for a month and this time longer so prob five susitcase! The hire car was 600 MYR each way, door to door and the driver gave me amazing assistance at the border crossing. He is a regular cross border driver so he knows his stuff....I only had to get out of the mini van twice to show my passport. Much easier than border crossing by train.Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Klaudia **********
@Mike ******
for how long did you stay in Penang? Did you have to proof that you have a pension or just the bank statement?
You will need a thai simcard to open the account, best take a one year contract
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Klaudia *********
I've been in penang on and off since sept 24 living with family friends, I did a border hop to patong for xmas, stayed there for 2 weeks, entered by plane when my first 90 days were up in Penang, a land crossing for a month in to hat yai back in april on the next 90 days. I submitted 3 months bank statements showing I have the 800k baht (albiet in english pounds on a HSBC statement) Thai sim card no prob. The bank statement does not show the money in the account came from a pension as it is my saving account, they only want to see I can put 800k in a thai bank. I am not going on the monthly amount for the visa, I'm not sure that is possible anyway, on an online visa application.Leatrice *****************
@Mike ******
thanks for the detailed explanation ! Should I have the entire 800 k in the bank account when applying for the 90-day immig-0 visa, or is that when you apply for the extension ?Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Leatrice ****************
if your application is based on retirement...you need to prove 800k in your currency has been in a bank account in your name only for three months, so 3 consecutive bank statements. You'll need to put 3 statements in to one document. You can only upload one document up to 3mb. I used Google docs, pasted in each statement as an image file, downloaded as a pdf to my PC and uploaded that to the visa applicationLeatrice *****************
@Mike ******
got it. Thanks !Klaudia **********
@Mike ******
thankās, that shows them you were frequently travelling to MalaysiaWe have the issue, that we need to get the visa without pension, as we donāt have yet, but the funds ( Thai embassy in Vienna requiring this)
Therefore we are looking for alternative solution
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Klaudia *********
I hope you find a solution soon. Best of luck to you. The way my border hops worked managed to cross the new year *****
so I didn't raise any alarm bells.Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Dick ********
Ask your rental agent if he has information on what banks in the area require of you to open an account. Usually need a lease and a non immigrant visa. Youāve got the non o do maybe just the lease then. Some banks may require a residence certificate from immigration.
Wannikea *********
Move in, ensure TM30 is filed, go to immigration and get a residence certificate, go find a bank that will open an account.
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wannikea ********
perfect. thankyou š„° kasikorn seem the best option.Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Jay *******
Congrats on the visa. Just curious why Hat Yai? I went there once itās quite nice but just curious what appeals to you.
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jay ******
i have long time family friends in penang so being close to the border is handy. Im also not interested in the stereotypical farang haunts up north šJamie ******
@Mike ******
what the travelling time between hat yai and PeƱang ..what transport options are there ,,thanksMike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamie *****
You can fly (limited baggage, one carry on, only small planes like air asia fly between the two, we had four large suitcase for a month stay) train, penang to hat yai, large luggage on a train is no fun and border crossing with luggage can be tiring as you have to change trains at the border, hire a driver, which is what I did. He does it regularly and knows his stuff. He picked me up at my door, drove the three hours 30 mins to hat yai, helped and guided me across the border, dropped me right outside my rental apartment. He charged 600MYR each way. He stopped on the way so I could buy duty free things if I wanted to, I didn't, just took a pee break.
Him chatting to the border people was certainly making things easier... no questions asked, no bags searched. At the border for thailand I simply showed my booking dot com apartment to immigration and they stamped me in.
It was not a mini van full of people, just me and my friend in a 6 seater. Perfect.
We were carrying quite a bit of luggage for two people for a month stay so the train journey would have been horrible.
I found the driver in FB, he is very good, if you need his details let me know. He is 100% legal and very knowledgeable.
Jamie ******
@Mike ******
I normally just travel with a small backpack ,so good to know air Asia Fly between the two ..last time outward flight from Thailand 3 kg return from Vietnam 7kg because of coffee ā¦Penang has some high quality rare whisky shops ,so itās on my radar agsin ā¦.any hotels yoj would recommend Thanks for your reply .,very informative..
Just checked the price of your man ,,,not much more than a flight ..hats his details please ..Iām not in a rush to go Penang or hat yai ,,big itās on the horizon innthe next few years especially at high polution times in Chiang mai ,,thanks
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamie *****
in penang island I only ever stay at Cititel in Georgetown. Three times so far and again next week for 3 nights. I don't know any hotels in HY.Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Jay *******
@Mike ******
okay yeah figured border proximity may have been a reasonReply to
Jay *******
Reply
Archit *********
Why donāt you ask chat gpt also
Nongnuch ********
@Archit ********
you would be surprised when you find out that ChatGPT comes up with a truckload of WRONG information regarding Thai visa and related matters. The problem is that way to many people post wrong advice in all those Facebook groups, and ChatGPT is fishing in a pond full of bad advice. NEVER trust anything ChatGPT says about Thai laws and Thai visa rules. Better rely on the few experts that are maintaining the visa advice groups like Tod Daniels or @Brandon ***********
or @John *********
CT *******
@Archit ********
Because he wants answers from real people with real experience.Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@CT ******
what he said :)Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Archit ********
because I don't and won't use AI for anything other than what my phone does with photo editing but thanks anywayBlade ********
@Mike ******
faking your own photos is the worst thing you can do with AI. Be real. šMike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Blade *******
AI can't do much with my old face!Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Dca *****
the first order of business and priority is to open a Thai bank account and getting 800k Baht into that new bank account as soon as possible
after that, it's up to you
after that, it's up to you
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dca ****
as @Brandon ***********
points out, I need a lease first and then bank but thanks for commentingJim ********
@Mike ******
you can use your short term address just to open the account and then change it when you have your long term rentalMike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
I should have a lease within the first few days of arriving so I hope to use that address from the 'get go' for the bank account.Kirk **********
@Mike ******
mate you can simply ask for the tm30 from your first 30 day accommodation. Then get a Thai sim.
You can then take those plus your visa to open your bank account.
You donāt need a long term lease to open your account.
The reason you need to take the Thai number set up to bank is they will even set up the banking app on your phone.
I did this I donāt have a fixed address as I am traveling around generally only stay minimum 1 month in a location.
Also re agents to do everything is rubbish I have never used an agent for anything in Thailand.
Even condos walk in and ask for rental rates.
Pm me if you want I can even share past ones I have had direct with condos. Generally 2 months deposit and 1 months rent up front. Utilities at government rates.
Nongnuch ********
@Kirk *********
with all the banking rules tightened since February 2025, I reckon that many banks would now not accept a hotel address if you tried to open a bank account, regardless which longterm visa you are on. @Mike ******
is about to find out. Mainly in the deep South (where he is in Hat Yai) that are not touristy areas, he might find it difficult to get a bank account opened on a hotel addressKirk **********
@Nongnuch *******
true but I didnāt mention hotel, why would anyone stay in a hotel when condos are much more cost effective for 30+ day stays and a lot with similar facilities. I.e pools, saunas etc etcMike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
It won't apply to me as I intend to have a years lease within a couple of days arriving, and use that. But for others, maybe....Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kirk *********
Thanks for that. The only agent I am using is to rent an apartment, a real estate agent. I have no desire to use a visa agent but I do see the need for them.. I can do this... with a little helpJim ********
@Mike ******
perfect šNongnuch ********
@Jim *******
The bank will want an address and may even ask to see his lease. He should get the condo lease first, visit Immigration accompanied by the agent, get the TM30. Then get a Thai mobile SIM card, registered also on the address of the lease. After this he can get the bank account openedJim ********
@Nongnuch *******
I know many people that use short term addresses to open the account so they can start to season the funds whilst looking for long term accommodation. Completely up to Mike which way he wants to do it but he seems like he has a solid planReply to
Jim ********
Reply
Jim ********
@Mike ******
I opened my bank account using my hotelās address. Then changed the address once I got my lease.Nongnuch ********
@Jim *******
it's not easy any more to open a bank account on a touristic entry and with a hotel addressJim ********
@Nongnuch *******
I opened mine with a LTR Visa when I was still staying in a hotel.Jim ********
@Nongnuch *******
he hasnāt got. Tourist visa. Heās got a retirement visaReply to
Jim ********
Reply
Brandon ************
Get yourself situated. The bank will want an address and may even ask to see your lease.
That being said, you only have 30 days to get your bank account opened and get your money transferred. That's because in order to apply for the extension, your money must be in the account for 2 full months already. That means you only have 30 days to get that done or it won't be in your account long enough
That being said, you only have 30 days to get your bank account opened and get your money transferred. That's because in order to apply for the extension, your money must be in the account for 2 full months already. That means you only have 30 days to get that done or it won't be in your account long enough
Claude *******
@Brandon ***********
IMO open bank account with 90 days O visa is not easy nowadays šMelissa *********
@Claude ******
agreedMike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Melissa ********
with the correct papers its quite possibleMelissa *********
@Mike ******
cool. So glad I did all of this back in 2023 and now just doing yearly extensionsReply to
Melissa *********
Reply
Mike *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
wicked. So helpful. Im aware of most of the rules, just getting things in the right order within the right time. This is easy to do. I can get my condo address and lease sorted in the first few days. I've got a condo rental chap ready to meet me when I get there. Many thanks.Brandon ************
@Mike ******
yes. You can go from viewing a condo to moving in the next day normallyReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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