Bank account update.
Hi last week I posted here asking for personal experiences opening a bank account and I got some helpful advice. I also got the usual doom sayer , keyboard warrior stuff suggesting I had no chance without an agent. Anyway, here is my experience and this relates only to one bank branch in one specific place but it may assist someone. It’s specific to me a UK citizen on O-A 12 month retirement visa.
I went today to Bangkok bank in Karon Beach, Phuket , I was there a total of 55 minutes including waiting time. I signed what seemed like hundreds of forms then left with a savings book and master card for my newly opened bank account.
What was required :
1. My passport showing entry stamp and long term visa
2. Printout of E Visa
3. I was asked for a Thai driving licence but they accepted my UK licence and International driving permit instead.
4. Thai phone number
5. UK UTR ( Tax reference)
I had taken a residence certificate ( some people in this group refer to this as “ a letter from immigration” )this was not required.
I also took TM 30 also not required and I was never asked for a tenancy agreement. ( I don’t have one anyway)
As I say this was my experience in a specific branch. The experience may well differ in different branches of BKK bank and different banks. It may also differ with different nationalities and different visas.
I paid a small fee 699 baht for my Mastercard. There was an option for a different card at 400 baht. After my account was opened I was offered insurance but declined and this was no issue.
One last thing, despite having a Thai sim I could not set up online banking but was told if I got a top up invoice from an AIS store with my phone number on it they would be able to do this for me quite easily on my next visit.
BKK bank in Karon is the first and only bank I went to.
Hope this helps someone
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post shares a UK citizen's experience opening a bank account at Bangkok Bank in Karon Beach, Phuket, while on a non-O A 12-month retirement visa. Key requirements included a passport with an entry stamp, e-visa printout, and a Thai or International driver’s license. The author notes that no residence certificate or tenancy agreement was necessary. They had a smooth experience, completing the process in 55 minutes, but acknowledge that experiences may vary by bank branch and visa holder nationality. Several comments discuss misconceptions about necessary documentation and the variability of requirements across banks.
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.
