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What recent changes affect bank account opening for visa-exempt individuals in Thailand?

May 30, 2025
3 days ago
We’ve received many questions about the recent restrictions on opening bank accounts, especially from those currently on a TR or Visa-Exempt entry who want to transition to a retirement visa.

To assist, we’re offering the following package in Bangkok exclusively for group members on a Tourist Visa, or Visa Exemption:

▪ Bank Account Opening

▪ 3-Month Non-O Visa

▪ 1-Year Non-O Retirement Extension

All for 55,000 THB in Bangkok

LINE [[[members only])

EMAIL help@tvc.co.th
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses recent restrictions on opening bank accounts for individuals on a Tourist Visa or Visa Exempt entry who are looking to transition to a retirement visa in Thailand. It introduces a package offered for 55,000 THB in Bangkok, which includes bank account opening services, a 3-month NON-O Visa, and a 1-year retirement extension. The post generated various community comments addressing pricing concerns, the perceived necessity of using such services, and discussions about visa regulations.
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.
Norbert ***********
Outrages Price only Scammer make!!!
Dan *****
I am applying Non-O evisa now. It requires to submit a booking information. So far I only booked 30 days hotel. I haven’t decided where I will stay after that. Is 30 days booking enough for 90 days Non-O visa application?
Son *************
Good days. Grace ,,Sawasdee khrab thuk khon I wondered I hold New Zealander certificates citizenship and Nz passport,,in future and I want to apply Non O visas in 3 months or 6 months could be alright for me,,,because my partner she it’s Thai citizenship and her holding Thai passport and I just want to come Thailand to meets her family members 🙏🙏🙏🇹🇭🇳🇿. And i never been to Thailand 🇹🇭 before at all ?
Alain ******
My initial question concerning "We still offer yearly retirement renewals for 14,000 THB" = Is this the expected price regardless of the expected renewal date in 2025?
John ********
every agent for same service is around
*****
baht.Why so expensive
Mike *********
Yve ********
Everyone is getting ripped off now.My beautiful Thailand is gone.
Bill *********
@Yve *******
So leave. Those of us that are just fine that don't have that feeling, we'll carry on quite well.
Yve ********
@Bill ********
you probably eating Bat shit already ,bunch of negative posts before mine and u want to pick on me.😡f***u
Chris ******
Since I am tagged, I sincerely hope your business goes well, please kindly reminded those money launderers might use yours to get the visa …aka your risk. IIRC, formally only condo owner, visa which allow to generate income local in Thai and dependent are eligible/safe to open bank account thesedays ( not law but ordinance and guideline that gov gave to banks
THAI ******************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris *****
Thank you for your concern.

We have strict screening procedures in place for all customers, and if we detect any suspicious activity, we immediately coordinate with the police and relevant authorities.

Anyone attempting to misuse our services for illegal purposes would be making a very poor decision, and we take these matters extremely seriously.
Alan *********
Been tagged also. If it was Facebooks fault then I would be tagged in everything. Seems like blatant advertising to me trying to sell a product that just jumped from 35k to 55k. Quite the coincidence..
THAI ******************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alan ********
Our price for this service in bangkok immigration has not increased.
Alan *********
@THAI *****************************
So it was expensive from the start? It's worth the trip to Pattaya and getting it completed a lot cheaper and have a couple of nights holiday thrown in.
Stephen ************
Still many agents doing it for 12,000 and very professional like the one in Soi Post Office
Brandon ************
@Stephen ***********
There's not a SINGLE agent in all of Thailand that offers a bank account, conversion from tourist to retirement non-O, and then the 12 month extension, for 12,000 baht. The price you are talking about is for someone who already has the bank account, already has the visa, and is just looking for the 12 month extension. Completely different case.
Yvan **********
Do it yourself, respecting the law and requirements for 1900 baht 😂🤣😂
Todd *********
@Yvan *********
yes, for people don't understand basic personal finance and the benefits of outsourcing, you have a good idea.
Yvan **********
@Todd ********
let’s say 400,000 baht at 4% return is 16,000 baht… I am not sure I understand your point 😂😂😂
Todd *********
@Yvan *********
ok - you are assuming marriage visa amount- why? Let's use a real life example - i currently make 7.75% on my 800k equivalent by banking in Mexico. (but feel free to choose 5% - that you can get pretty much anywhere now) It's in govt backed term investments, fully guaranteed. Govt tax withholding 10% so net gain is 6.975%. So annual gain is 55,800 baht equivalent. Annual renewal costs using agency are 14k baht. Now do you understand 😂😂😂
Yvan **********
you are lucky you make 7% after tax
Yvan **********
I assume a marriage visa because this is what I have and this shall be the figures to use in my « real life » case 😂😂😂
Endre ********
What kind of documents do I need except my passport
THAI ******************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Endre *******
Only passport, and come to our office:

*********************


We will handle all documents, and photos.
Garth **********
@THAI *****************************
I just want to confirm.

For Non O, Opening a Bank Account, and a 1 year extension, all you need is my passport or
*****
baht?
THAI ******************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garth *********
Yes, you come with our team, and they take you to the bank, and immigration for the visa for this package.
Brandon ************
@Garth *********
yes, that should be correct. You likely also need at least 15 days left on your existing entry stamp
Duncan ********
At that price are you throwing in 3 weeks in Koh Samui also 😂😂😂
Hakan ************
@Duncan *******
14k renewal fee works out cheaper mate.
Roberto ************
Il did without you 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 free
Todd *********
@Roberto ***********
'free' 🤣😂🤣
Marty *********
14,000 baht for a retirement annual renewal is robbery. Here in Chiang Mai an agent charges 5,900.
Brandon ************
@Marty ********
they definitely don't charge that for people that don't have 800,000 in the bank. That's the price if you already meet all the requirements including having a bank account with the required money in it
THAI ******************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
Our price includes full-service renewal.

We’ll come directly to your condo or chosen location to collect your documents, and deliver them back to you once everything is complete.
Neal ********
Why tag everyone for this?
THAI ******************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Neal *******
We tagged everyone because we've received a large number of messages and seen a spike in posts about the recent news regarding bank account openings for those on TR or Exempt visas.

This update helps address the concerns all at once.
Andy ********
As someone who has written very regularly about not using Visa Agencies I applaud
@THAI *****************************
for putting their head above the parapit and stating a price and what they are going to do for that price. I hope that I will never need assistance with my visa but if I did I would use these guys.

If people think opening a bank account is going to go back to what it was a couple of years ago I think they are very sadly mistaken.
Hécate ***************
Why the f you tag me here ? I’m not a retired person
THAI ******************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Hécate **************
We wish we could filter on tags, but facebook has not added this yet.
Richard *********
I did everything myself
Todd *********
@Richard ********
that's hilarious. You seriously left 800k in a thai bank?? loll And love standing in line at the bank and immigration office every year? Wicked fun way to spend retirement
Heikki **********
@Todd ********
now you proved your total ignorance, and donnot understand any of how to play the system, understandable though for US people😂 visitors from democratic civilized countries know the drill how to run things without thinking of % most of the time. We enjoy our life and live it in full wo presure of % from one’s bank account interest🤪 you can keep your money in your ” Mongolian” bank account or where eve, we from Europe direct our income from retirement or whatever it is to Thsi bank monthly= puzzle solved🤪 no need for 800K or 400K in bank, anyhow my fixed account i can use in full all year around and still have 400K balance🤙

Wuite amusing to kerp you busy to calculate your earning %!, becuze we do not need to do it

Easy peasy, done deal😂
Heikki **********
@Todd ********
😂😂😂😂 you wish soooo hard to experience Thailand as ” normal” visitors, but you will never get there🤪 Btw, i play most of my golf rounds with my thai friends, great way to learn new things and socialize, you should try it’s , i guess for it’s far too flavorless🤪

Get over it boy, at least try to enjoy your stay😂
Todd *********
@Heikki *********
you have been dismissed. Absolute liar and imbecile. Best of luck, my little finnish dolt.
Heikki **********
@Todd ********
AND proud of it 🙏💪 BTW, your reply’s are spot on DJT suporter answeres/reply’s when they are faced by the truth🙏
Tim **********
@Heikki *********
not sure where you are getting the DJT connection?

Just check out his page, it’s not trumpy

You seem to be very angry

Calm down
Heikki **********
@Tim *********
well just check his reply’s and you see the ” nasty” coments, quite funny . Not angry person, just the oposite actually. Kind of enjoy teaching him there are other ways to get retirement visa than LTR visa program which 98% of expat visitors do not have economical prerequisites, and doing yourself is really, really easy;

Documents to be submitted

1. Application form

2. Copy of applicant’s passport ( front page + all pages w earlier visa/extensions)

3. Evidence of income such as a retirement pension, interest or dividends; and/

or

4. Account deposited (saving / fixed account) certificate issued by a bank in Thailand and a copy of updated bankbook (depending immigration office update/certificate same day or 1-3 days earlier)

5. Copy of Rental-/lease agreement or Yellow book copy

6. All copys must be signed by applicant ( blue pen)
Tim **********
@Heikki *********
you just don’t get it

People don’t want to put money into a Thai bank

If paying an agent $500 a year to avoid that doesn’t make sense to you it’s because you don’t get economics

For $30k USD (to make it simple) you can get at least 4% a year, or $1200 from US banks

For Thailand you would get less than 1%

So why would you advise people to have a Thai bank account?

Your step 4 is what an agent can help you avoid

Sorry you do t seem to get basic economics
Todd *********
@Tim *********
he simply cannot grasp the economics or value of time. And obviously has zero experience or knowledge about agencies. Raving on like a lunatic about how 'easy peasy' it is to send over funds from home nation, invest at 0.5%, stand in line every year at the bank to gather documents, then do the same for immigration every year.... telling guys doing it the easy way to 'relax and enjoy' lol. Dude has absolutely no clue. As the weird DJT comments demonstrate
Tim **********
@Todd ********
I want to personally thank you for opening my eyes and showing me exactly what I have been looking for

Less than $500 a year to not only avoid the lines and BS you always have to deal with, you Make Money this way

So really, thank you as I know what to do now

With the dollar being so weak and the baht so strong, I don’t want to transfer any funds at all right now
Heikki **********
@Tim *********
oh, i really get economics, believe me. I just give you an option as 65K retirement/intrest or divident income monthly is enough for 1 year visa extension, or 40k if one is maried w thai. And you can keep your money in US account, do not forget your international wire transfer fees and Thai bank fees for your money transfers. Everyone does what fits one best. ALL my friends and acquaintances have Thai bank account, and i mean All. Why, it makes their daily life easier! do shoping or whatever you and pay everything everywhere by using Scaned QR code for money transfer from one’s account to sellers account, works everywhere here up to 99%! No need for debit/credit card, if you need cash use ATM

”cardless withdrawl”

Easy peasy, just relax and enjoy🤪
Heikki **********
@Todd ********
LTR is for for the incapable who most often not know where they are and why. Not want to adapt or to interact with the local population, not interested in local culture but spend time w their expat friends speaking about work, business…lol

fortunately these people gather certain places&locations so 99% of us normal happy expats can avoid to listen to them😂😂😂

At least try to enjoy your stay in this wonderful country and respect local customs while your stay🙏
Todd *********
@Heikki *********
😂😂😂sort yourself out lol.

You are ‘adapting to the thai culture’ by golfing and drinking with your other poor expat buddies are you?? Do you even think before proving how stupid you are! You are an imbecile. Shut up. Go away.
Heikki **********
@Todd ********
😂😂😂 lol, i know exactly what LTR visa is and I do not mind extending my visa once a year. As i said, you do it with prebooked visits, download extension form from thai imm website, fill it (10 min), book via Thai imm App your visit ( no waiting time) and get your visa in 30 min. After you go to country club and play a round of golf with your friends and enjoy a cold beer or two afterwards, Easy peasy 🤪 90 day’s reportind done via Thai imm website (5 min), approved via mail and no need to print out just save mail in your phone😋
Todd *********
@Heikki *********
lol. You clearly don’t have a clue what LTR is. U just said it cost 2.6M per year lol? What are you babbling one about? You failed to sort yourself out for LTR. Which means a cold beer or two is all you can afford. Move along now. I suffer fools poorly.
Heikki **********
@Todd ********
well, if one want pay 2.6 miljon baht/year for that, they’re welcome. I’ve done it by myself past 8 years for 1900 baht/ year for visa, max 2-
****
hour efective time spent ( incl. travel time, 20 min one way for me totally), easy peasy, no jumping, bank, immigration all prebooked, no waiting🙏😀 worth every minute
Todd *********
@Heikki *********
obviously you don’t have a clue what LTR visa is. 2.6M per year lol. What the hell are you talking about.

Also you do it ‘by yourself’ lol. It costs LESS than your multi-entry And you save going back to the bank and immigration every year.
Heikki **********
@Todd ********
what’s the problem? Fill in extension form, bank cerificate 20 min, copy rental-lease contract, couple of Photos, immigration 30 min! Done deal, easy peasy 1900 baht. Done it past 8 years🙏😀
Tim **********
@Heikki *********
I’ll type really slow so you might have a chance to understand

But we have explained interest to you many times and you refuse to accept the facts presented

That is the very definition of the word ‘stupid’

Thank you for your demonstration of stupidity

You have 800k baht earning like 0.3% interest

That means you make only 2400 baht, or $74

We have our 800k in a US bank giving 4%

That’s 32,000 baht made every year

Compared to 2400

Can you grasp the numbers now? Or are you still defining the word stupid?

Or are you even keeping 800k in a static Thai bank account?
Todd *********
@Heikki *********
Yes, we agree. a chimpanzee can do it. And many of them do. But the 'problem' you seem unaware of, is the basics of finance. 800,000 in the bank somewhere pays at least 5%. (i make 7.75% on fixed income) which would result in 40k baht in annual interest gains. An agent renewal costs about 14k. So that leaves 26k (at least) in your jeans every year and you didn't waste a single second of your retirement life standing next to Jeremy in lineups. And 'people watching' at CW.... because there is nowhere else to people watch in BKK. We know that doing it yourself is easy, it's just not financially very smart.
Phil **************
@Todd ********
where can I get 8.25% on fixed income? I'd love to have that
Todd *********
@Phil *************
Mexico! And I also believe very close to that in Cambodia. 8.25% (ps - just verified and I’m actually 7.75% now) is the current annualized rate on a 180 day, government backed, term deposit. Interest rates have been between 6.75 and 9.5% for the last 6 years mate
Heikki **********
@Todd ********
actually you do not need 800K in Thai bank, you can also use 65K/monthly retirement ( or other) income to support your Retirement visa economical requirements. I have a

”special” fixed and

”locked” account for this purpose. I can use 250K of this all year around and account allways has 800K balance. Today i’m married with thai so it’s 400K or 40K monthly retirement or other income ( from abroad). You can also use combination of monthly income from abroad and your thai account balance so that you reach 800K/400K
Todd *********
@Heikki *********
actually if you had planned ahead for retirement, all you need is $80k annually and you have a ten year residency visa. But if you couldn’t sort yourself out over 45 years of working, you will need to jump thru the hoops you describe.
Tim **********
@Heikki *********
and you don’t get paid much interest at all on that $800k
Todd *********
@Tim *********
I make 7.75% right now. So can anyone.
Nick ************
@Todd ********
that is why you change to monthly income method.
Tim **********
@Nick ***********
I am not sure you understand

Thai banks pay little to no interest

If we round up to 30k US, 4% gives you $1200 a year that you make on that

In a Thai account, you get much less than 1%

If you do a million baht you can get 1.5 to 2%

As to a license, I am on a tourist visit and I got both my Thai car and moto license

So while it seems you do t mind losing money, others prefer to make money off their money
Nick ************
@Tim *********
so you are on a tourist visa and used an agent to get it. That realy is a joke because all you have to do is turn up and you get 60 day visa exempt. That really is a joke. And I like spending money that's why I went to monthly payments ASAP. That released my
*****
0 baht and I put in another
*****
0 baht and bought a new car.
Tim **********
@Nick ***********
oh look, it’s everyone’s least favorite dickhead

I did not and have never used an agent to come to to Thailand over the last 30 years

So swing and a miss Mr Moron

Sorry you flunked out of high school
Todd *********
@Nick ***********
agreed! for anyone capable of the 65k method, it is the BEST answer
Tim **********
@Todd ********
so you pay an agent 14k a year and you don’t have to have any Thai bank account at all? Clue me in and sign me up

4% is easy and 5% is possible

So would rather not have Thai bank account

But I DO want to be totally legal
Andy **********
@Tim *********
you still need a Thai bank account, for a 12 month extension based on retirement, even if the agent helps with the financial side of things, because the bank statements need to be in your name.
Todd *********
@Tim *********
I clearly DO realize don’t I? I’m the one NOT putting my money in a Thai account at less than 1%. That would be silly wouldn’t it.

Yes paying the agency 14k annually makes your 800k problem go away. The owner of this page is one such agency.

Reach out to them for absolute clarity on your situation
Nick ************
@Todd ********
but you get other problems like not being able to get a residence certificate from your local IO to buy a car or get a DL or get your stamp transferred to a new passport. Trust me my life has been a lot easier since I got my extension myself and last time I entered with agency visa at BKK I was instructed to do it myself next time.
Tim **********
@Todd ********
thank you, PM sent
Todd *********
@Tim *********
they will give precise numbers and explanation.
Jeremy ********
@Todd ********
it’s called an adventure from the mundane daily life

I personally love going to CW and people watch

Plus not everyone is living the skint life like you
Tim **********
@Jeremy *******
you seem very confused

Going to an agent and paying a bit under $500 a year is not the skins life

If YOU had any real money you would understand what is being said here

But it appears YOU are the one struggling to do it all yourself to save a couple bucks

That’s the skint life right there

So look in the mirror pal
Todd *********
@Jeremy *******
your life would have to be awfully mundane to call standing in immigration lines an ‘adventure’!!! But sounds like you have found your niche in the 'save a few nickels' line. 🤣🤣😂. If I need people for this some year, how about if i pay you 300 baht every year to stand in line for me? Saves you a few more satangs and the added advantage of some more people watching at CW.
Colin *******
That's quite an increase from the
*****
bhat price you were advertising yesterday
THAI ******************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ******
37,000 THB without bank opening service is still available, but it may take longer than 1-2 days.

The quoted package is a 48 hour service.
Todd *********
@Colin ******
didn't include bank account....
Erik *******
@Colin ******
Don’t wait too long : tomorrow will be 100,000 THB …
Grace ************
@everyone Quoted price only applies to full package in Bangkok (15 month + bank opening).

We still offer yearly retirement renewals for 14,000 THB.
Gord **********
@Grace ***********
, does the price include multiple entries?
Xu *****
@Grace ***********
The renewals fee
*****
B is included?
THAI ******************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Xu ****
Yes it is included in the 55k package.
Todd *********
@THAI *****************************
for clarity, what do you mean that the renewal is included? The post above states 55k for this package; Bank Account Opening

▪ 3-Month Non-O Visa

▪ 1-Year Non-O Retirement Extension
Dennis *********
@Todd ********
I would assume the first extension after the three months Non-O Visa is included.
Todd *********
@Dennis ********
ah yes, true enough. - it’s 3 months Non-o plus 12 months
Todd *********
@Xu ****
obviously not
Alain ******
@Grace ***********
"We still offer yearly retirement renewals for 14,000 THB" ... confirm you this price until 2025 october ?
THAI ******************************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alain *****
Please contact our team, and they can do your extension without losing any days at the quoted price.
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