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What should I consider when opening a bank account in Thailand and transferring funds for a retirement visa?

Nov 11, 2025
2 months ago
Somsap ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So after getting an account yesterday, the bank teller (new girl) F-ed up. I gave her the residence certificate and said one was for banking and the other was drivers license. After perusing it, she picked the drivers license one to submit. I should have used Google translate to make sure. My wife was occupied, and so things happen. I received a call this morning that I almost didn't pick up. It was the teller and she wanted to talk with my wife. Initially she wanted us to get to khon kaen immediately, not today, my nephew was busy elsewhere. My brother went to the Orbitor and made a few copies of the correct certificate. I signed one and became one of her contacts on Line. I sent a picture of the copy to kind of cover her ass, then went to an overnight service to send her the actual copy for tomorrow. I sent her tracking and she was happy. Hopefully it goes well and I can start putting money into the account. I did a small test this morning with wise, instantly in the account. I played around and if I keep it under 500k, it should be within seconds. If I go for the whole 800k, it will be a week. Fingers crossed 🤞
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares their experience with a bank teller mishandling residency certificates for opening a bank account in Thailand. They encountered a mix-up when the teller submitted the wrong document, resulting in a series of actions to rectify the situation, including sending correct documentation and testing money transfers. The community responds with questions about the visa process, concerns over misunderstandings, and discussing procedures for money transfers relevant to residency requirements.
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.
Sue **********
So all this hassle for you only happened because of misunderstandings?
Bent *************
Transfer directly from bank to bank, then you are sure it will show a transfer from abroad
Carl ********
Do you send from wise already converted into THB? Would this still show as an international transfer?
Steve ********
@Carl *******
wise has option to send as long term stay funds (something like that) which should show as international tfr.
Braulio *********
So?
Phil ******
@Somsap *******
my understanding for the retirement visa application is the ฿800,000 needs to be from overseas
Gordon *******
There's issues every day with visa issues and uncertainties.

No wonder people are getting confused and upset
Sue **********
@Gordon ******
No there is not. Everything is listed what you need. Its all upon communication and misunderstandings, as you can read the OPs post.
Gordon *******
@Sue *********
Thank you for your post.

Fortunately it doesn't apply to me.

But I reiterate every day there are posts about visa uncertainties
John *********
No need for fingers crossed. That’s inserting unnecessary drama.
John *******
@John ********
Wow, crossing or not crossing fingers is an element in the drama? How odd. 😊
Todd ********
Small amount of 500k?
Somsap ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd *******
500k baht
Todd ********
@Somsap *******
i knew it was baht. That’s not a small amout as a test
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