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What should I do about my Bangkok Bank issues affecting my Non-O visa application?
Non-O VisaBankingVisa Application ProcessBangkok BankExpat IssuesImmigration RequirementsFinancial Requirements for VisaRetirement VisaFixed Deposit AccountThai Banking System
Mar 29, 2026
a month ago
Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTERI currently have a Non-O Visa,
I deposited 800,000Baht into Bangkok bank a while ago, Bank says (new bank rule), they have to lock up the 800,000 for 4 months, that's when I first applied for the NON-O visa.
To apply for the NON O visa, bank gave me a letter saying I had 800,000 in bank.
fast forward 3 months, Today I'm starting to prepare my documentation for immigration.
They say, BANK, they cannot give me a bank letter saying I have greater than 800,000 baht in bank. They updated my Bank Book, it says I have over 800,000baht in my account.
Their reason, I have only, let's say, 80,000baht available.
however, at the bottom of the page, it says 800,000 is locked up.
Infront of me, they phoned immigration and asked if they will accept it, Answer was a NO
their solution was, send another 800,000baht to my account, then the account will say I have over 800,000baht
They wouldn't even give me the letter, the one that say that I have 80,000 available, with the sub text saying 800,000 is locked up for 4 months.
However, I can take a photo of it and show immigration, and if immigration say its ok, then I return to the bank, and they will give me a copy.
my head is spinning
Have I done something wrong?
This application process isn't my first in Chiang Mai, have done the process twice before, where I have let the visa expire as I was living elsewhere. No problems with bank letters in the past
I deposited 800,000Baht into Bangkok bank a while ago, Bank says (new bank rule), they have to lock up the 800,000 for 4 months, that's when I first applied for the NON-O visa.
To apply for the NON O visa, bank gave me a letter saying I had 800,000 in bank.
fast forward 3 months, Today I'm starting to prepare my documentation for immigration.
They say, BANK, they cannot give me a bank letter saying I have greater than 800,000 baht in bank. They updated my Bank Book, it says I have over 800,000baht in my account.
Their reason, I have only, let's say, 80,000baht available.
however, at the bottom of the page, it says 800,000 is locked up.
Infront of me, they phoned immigration and asked if they will accept it, Answer was a NO
their solution was, send another 800,000baht to my account, then the account will say I have over 800,000baht
They wouldn't even give me the letter, the one that say that I have 80,000 available, with the sub text saying 800,000 is locked up for 4 months.
However, I can take a photo of it and show immigration, and if immigration say its ok, then I return to the bank, and they will give me a copy.
my head is spinning
Have I done something wrong?
This application process isn't my first in Chiang Mai, have done the process twice before, where I have let the visa expire as I was living elsewhere. No problems with bank letters in the past
TLDR : Answer Summary
The author is preparing to apply for a Non-O visa, having deposited 800,000 Baht into Bangkok Bank, which is currently locked for four months due to bank rules. They are unable to obtain a supporting letter from the bank, leading to confusion about whether their current financial situation meets immigration requirements. The bank indicated that they must add another 800,000 Baht to be compliant, but it appears this may not be feasible. Many commenters suggest alternatives to Bangkok Bank, including opening an account with other banks for a smoother experience.
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.
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Kevin ********
Why is there so much bad feeling on here? It's like listening to a bunch of squabbling kids.
If you decide to go through the visa application process on your own, it doesn't make you a cheap Charlie nor does it mean you are any smarter than those who use an agent. Just because you can do something yourself doesn't mean you want to. For some people, time and convenience is more important than cost. Each to their own according to preferences and circumstances. Thailand is a wonderful country with mainly happy, welcoming, helpful people - let's follow that example.
If you decide to go through the visa application process on your own, it doesn't make you a cheap Charlie nor does it mean you are any smarter than those who use an agent. Just because you can do something yourself doesn't mean you want to. For some people, time and convenience is more important than cost. Each to their own according to preferences and circumstances. Thailand is a wonderful country with mainly happy, welcoming, helpful people - let's follow that example.
Tim *********
YOU MUST BE USING BANGKOK BANK
@Sys***
Claude *******
Change bank 😉
Brook ********
It’s your fault for not paying attention to how Bangkok Bank has been treating its customers for more than a year.
Burhan *****
What color is your book bank?
โร **************
your English is bad
Malcolm **********
I'm seeing a lot of reports concerning accounts being locked for expats and it's always the same bank, I've not seen any accounts being locked with any other bank. I'm with Kasiskorn Bank and have never had any problems, I know it varies from branch to branch but I've also not heard of accounts being locked with them so I would recommend changing to them when you can, You will probably have to get a bank letter from both the old and new banks for your next visa extension but shouldn't have problems in the future.
Matthew *********
Immigration site should say Bangkok is corrupt and are not immigration enforcement and do not use. The fucking idiots are losing customers so fast. This is not by any means of normal international standards. At least in Philippines the money goes into an approve escrow acct. At least with using agency your money is not locked up. Somehow Bangkok Bank forgot they work for their customers not the other way around.
Zito *********
I trust only Canadien banks.. the rest are shite crooks
Larry *********
if you can show
*****
baht per month income i believe you can show immigration that instead ?Knut ***********
Unfortunately TH is not expat friendly anymore. They locked and closed my account. They rejected my retirement visa. They rejected my DTV. My international driver's licence was not the "right format" - i had the book but only digitalized. I have been in / out of TH the last 13 years. I own my own condo. Mr A politics ... He don't want farangs
Shaun **********
I'm moving to Thailand in end of may. I hope I don't to go through what you have. There's a lot of greys of which I don't like. Goalposts seems to move frequently. I wish you luck
Yo***
who can remember that Bangkok bank was one of friendly Thai banks for foreigners. The most friendly Thai bank. But it changed at sudden, and now the most unfriendly Thai bank. Well, lessen learned if you are smart?? K bank, SCB, Krungsri whatever banks, can be also like bangkok bank in soon future.
Jake *********
Bangkok Bank is the next thing to an outright scam.
Patrick ********
Bangkok bank policy it's blocked for 4 months but other money is ok..
Jeff ********
Russ *******
Oh dear... more tales of confusion.
Sorry to hear.
Sorry to hear.
Jay *******
Yes, you did something wrong! You deposited your money in Bangkok Bank. A simple search here first and you would have found a lot of posts telling you to use a different bank. Live and learn.
However they will give you the bank letter as soon as you sign to freeze it for 4 months. You do not have to wait 4 months to get your letter for immigration
However they will give you the bank letter as soon as you sign to freeze it for 4 months. You do not have to wait 4 months to get your letter for immigration
Marty ******
Using you money to profit $ off poor thais with loans, an they talk about scammers !!
Kev ********
@Marty *****
and get 0.25 % interestReply to
Kev ********
Reply
雨**
I just opened K Bank few days ago. Easiest I presume
Max****
If you have enough time till your visa extension, open account in Kasikorn bank. Then tell bkk bank you would like to close the account and transfer the money to your new account. Hope this work for you.
Jesper **************
Max9378 its working. I did they same
Reply to
Jesper **************
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FarangJ********
Yes. By coming to live in Thailand. You're better off these days as a tourist.
Mex *****
Never use bangkok bank
อามานด้า ******
I would go to a different branch. Maybe they have more experience with this.
Krystian ******
This is only Bangkok Bank made up rule.
Sim ************
That’s horrible. To top up another 800k ridiculous.
The Bangkok Bank branch in Chaengwattana allowed me to temporary unfreeze the amount for me to update my bank book and issue me the letter confirming at I have 400k in the account. To unfreeze, you can go to any Bangkok Bank branch to request unfreeze, it is not instant. You have to do it few days before you need it.
After that, they freeze it again.
The Bangkok Bank branch in Chaengwattana allowed me to temporary unfreeze the amount for me to update my bank book and issue me the letter confirming at I have 400k in the account. To unfreeze, you can go to any Bangkok Bank branch to request unfreeze, it is not instant. You have to do it few days before you need it.
After that, they freeze it again.
Jim *********
I called into my local Immigration office looking for information on what they required for non O retirement. Mentioned I already had a Bangkok bank account. They said I should consider opening a different bank account with another bank as Bangkok bank very hard to deal with.
MagicalJac**********
@Jim ********
They said exactly the same thing to me. Why a bank would act like this I have no idea considering the millions of USD that are remitted annually in pension money .....Eric ******
MagicalJackfruit9772 it kind of sounds to me they were a major culprit in, and a big reason for the rule change a while back because of the people that were scamming the system. Now they’re over, compensating it and making it extremely difficult for people to open bank account accounts. Not sure if they got some huge fines or what, but it does seem like they want nothing to do with foreigners now.
Reply to
Eric ******
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John **********
Ah there are so few people applying for a Non-O inside Thailand these days due to the difficulties opening a bank account this doesn't really come up. Did you agree to your 800k being frozen when you got the letter for your initial Non-O visa? If so I'd say the bank are correct as you need accessible money for the extension which you don't have. I can't see how transferring another 800k will help as it needs to be in the account for 2 months, did the bank say that would be OK? How does it currently show up on a bank statement, does it show as being locked? If so I'd also clarify if it's OK with immigration.
Tim ***********
Onto use Bkk bank. Use kasikorn
Greg ***********
request the "rab roong thanakan" (the bank letter of guarantee) which confirms that the 800,000 THB have been sitting in your bank account for 2 months, and at the same time be willing and sign an agreement with Bangkok Bank that you won't touch the deposit over 800,000 THB for at least four more months
Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTERGreg Alexander Great, good backup plan
Reply to
Stephen ************
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Motivate*********
I’m also having problems with Bangkok Bank can you just walk into a bank and open up an account if you already have an account with a different bank or do you still need to go to immigration go to the process
Dean ********
This will be interesting as i will be asking for a letter in the next 2 months, but that will come with a full years statement which shows the amount and also the Bank Book. So i really cant see a problem if all 3 are used and seen by immigration. Although i must admit i always use an agent as i just don’t want or need the stress. 800k is in the Bank and it is Bangkok Bank, never had a issue before so i wait and see what happens
Andy **********
The key words here might be "locked up" because, strictly, you cannot use a fixed term deposit account (which generates more interest), for your extension because, technically, the money is not available for immediate withdrawal.
So Stephen Bretherton, if you have done this, your bank is technically correct, that whilst you have the money, it is nt available and thus not valid for your extension.
So Stephen Bretherton, if you have done this, your bank is technically correct, that whilst you have the money, it is nt available and thus not valid for your extension.
Borune ***********
Andy Johnston every fixed account you can withdraw from any time you like but you intrest go back to zero.
Dan *******
Borune Andersson Yes fixed term deposits accepted by immigration lots of bs floating around on here.
Reply to
Dan *******
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Mark ********
Andy Johnston It's not clear from the OPs post what type of account he has. It's slightly confusing as there is a Fixed Savings Account which has instant access and is therefore acceptable for immigration purposes and a Fixed term account which is completely locked for a set period without instant access which isn't acceptable.
Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTERAndy Johnston however, the bank originally 3 months ago would only give me a letter for immigration if I locked it up with the bank for 4 months.
Rick ****
Stephen Bretherton So, couldn’t you wait until the 4 months is up.. within the next month to get the letter? It needs to be seasoned for 4 months anyway. You are only at 3…
Reply to
Rick ****
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Martha's **********
There is some agency that can help you with this paper, a friend of mine had same problem and this agency help her with it..
Andrew ********
It fucks me how the banks can legally lock up customers money !
John **********
@Andrew *******
you do have to give permission, it's just if you don't they won't issue the letter for immigrationMick **********
Andrew Wilson As with any bank in the world once you deposit money it belongs to them
Ken **********
Mick Schumann incorrect. It still belongs to you but you have effectively loaned it to the bank to use.
They have no right to prevent you access to your money UNLESS you signed something from the beginning, saying that it was for a fixed term.
They have no right to prevent you access to your money UNLESS you signed something from the beginning, saying that it was for a fixed term.
Andrew ********
But cannot lock it up for 4 months , not in Australia anyway
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Andrew ********
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Wannikea *********
Immediately go and open another bank account at Kasikorn or SCB, then go tell Bangkok bank to go fuck themselves.
Jim *******
Wannikea Wanblee If you are a plain shit customer, as BKK Bank is not hiding it, go to elsewhere. The World is dealing with the BKK Bank. Losing paltry foreign pensioners as customers, they want to get rid of them (us).
Gregor **********
Jim Davis why would a Thai bank refuse thousands of pensioners who are willing to deposit 800,000 Baht into their accounts for basically no interest ? They would lose a business model. No, they are trying to avoid these customers for fear of falling prey to fake accounts or mule accounts. Actually a baseless fear, however the damage has already been done. . . . thousands of Chinese mule accounts have been detected, and the Thai government has called for action
Reply to
Gregor **********
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Mark *********
Wannikea Wanblee it will certainly help him to feel better about it all. Usually it’s better not to slam doors behind you tho as you might need to go thru them again.
Reply to
Mark *********
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Garetu ***************
Use an agent no hassle
Kyle ********
The whole immigration bank requirement & some banks are a joke, they don't know what each other needs and they seem to be getting worse with everything, only for haven a partner for over 8 years i wouldn't even bother to be there any more
Robert ********
been with bangkok bank since 2010, its time to move on , the bank is now a shambles of its former self , I am haveing so many problems !
Jussara ********
Send me inbox I know who can help u , it happen to my husband
Steve *********
Bangkok bank are a bunch of idiots
Willy *******
Run away from Bangkok Bank ! I changed to Krungthai Bsnk last year. And everything is smooth snd logical.
Bangkok Bank is shooting its own leg.
As thai people say somnamna
Bangkok Bank is shooting its own leg.
As thai people say somnamna
Jay ****
NEVER EVER EVER use Bangkok Bank. Kasikorn is the way to go.
Reply to
Jesper **************
Reply
Kevin *******
..... why are you f****** around with this process?
If you have as much money as you are proudly proclaiming, why not get Thai Visa Centre to do it all for you?
I can not, for the life of me, understand how you people insist in the self flagellating process of trying to get a DIY Visa., asking the same questions, time after time, after coming up against the same tiresome road blocks at every attempt....
The definition of stupid.....
Repeating a failed process, time after time, and expecting a different result.
If you have as much money as you are proudly proclaiming, why not get Thai Visa Centre to do it all for you?
I can not, for the life of me, understand how you people insist in the self flagellating process of trying to get a DIY Visa., asking the same questions, time after time, after coming up against the same tiresome road blocks at every attempt....
The definition of stupid.....
Repeating a failed process, time after time, and expecting a different result.
Paul_D******
@Kevin ******
nice promo for Thai Visa Centre, working off commission?Stupid if you don't pay someone to do something that can be easily done yourself?
Completed the whole process without asking any questions or paying anyone anything.
Why are even reading these posts if a group specifically for asking questions if you hate it so much.
Go have your warm milk and take a little lie down 🤣
Lee *****************
@Kevin ******
says the guy asking for the best value visa to get when married to a Thai wife 🤣🤣Dimitri *****************
@Kevin ******
That's the definition of "insanity".BB**
@Kevin ******
it's people like you who ferk it up for others, why pay an agency? The process should be fairly straightforward BUT they make it hard so idiots like you will use an agency, it's all about money... money 💰Kevin *******
BB20
...... soooooo....
You and your ilk are the smart ones in the room....?
It amazes me, the towering arrogance of those who proclaim their intelligence, as if they alone are the only ones gifted enuff to recognise their own superiority.
Cretins.
...... soooooo....
You and your ilk are the smart ones in the room....?
It amazes me, the towering arrogance of those who proclaim their intelligence, as if they alone are the only ones gifted enuff to recognise their own superiority.
Cretins.
BB**
@Kevin ******
Learn to spell or use a spell checker!Kevin *******
BB20
.... not me who needs a spell checker....
You need to familiarise yourself with slang, or phonetic terms.
Cretin.
.... not me who needs a spell checker....
You need to familiarise yourself with slang, or phonetic terms.
Cretin.
BB**
@Kevin ******
anazes? I see your years at school were wasted, what a wanker.Charoen *******
@Kevin ******
You sound like you are one of the poors in Thailand living from one gofundme me to another hence the need to use the agent.Kevin *******
Charoen Krung
You sound like one a those tiresome, arrogant, self appointed expat aristocretins, sneering at those you consider beneath your social level.....
Guess wot, Dickwad...?
There is a reason why you exprats are universally despised, and your demographic never fails to give real time examples of this phenomenon.
You sound like one a those tiresome, arrogant, self appointed expat aristocretins, sneering at those you consider beneath your social level.....
Guess wot, Dickwad...?
There is a reason why you exprats are universally despised, and your demographic never fails to give real time examples of this phenomenon.
Charoen *******
@Kevin ******
So you had a look at my profile and assumed I'm an old money man. So fun winding you up. Now get working on that gofundme.Kevin *******
Charoen Krung
I did not look up your profile.
Not interested in jerks.
I did not look up your profile.
Not interested in jerks.
Charoen *******
@Kevin ******
but I did. You like sniffing aholes. Thailand is the right place for youKevin *******
Charoen Krung
Sad little troll that you are....
Got no other gratification in life, but to try to put down others, for no reason other than to gratify your bitter and twisted self.
Why don't you stick to beating your wife, and jerking off to kiddie porn.....?
You know, activities you like.
Sad little troll that you are....
Got no other gratification in life, but to try to put down others, for no reason other than to gratify your bitter and twisted self.
Why don't you stick to beating your wife, and jerking off to kiddie porn.....?
You know, activities you like.
Kevin *******
Charoen Krung
The reason you have AI is you are not smart enuff, or intellectually advanced enuff, to form your own profile, you need a crutch to be a fake.
Tiresome prat.
The reason you have AI is you are not smart enuff, or intellectually advanced enuff, to form your own profile, you need a crutch to be a fake.
Tiresome prat.
Reply to
Kevin *******
Reply
Harry ********
@Kevin ******
exactly. My first submission for my non O visa here in the UK failed because I didn't show enough financial evidence. To sell a home and everything and emigrate is a life changing experience and potentially stressful, so I will employ Siam Legal to do it all. Yes it costs crazy money but sometimes using our money for something as important as a new life, is well worth itFrank *********
Harry Harris i for one will not be moving to Thailand to have that much stress. If an agent can handle it for me i am happy to pay them. My peace of mind is more important to me than a bit of money
Reply to
Frank *********
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Dany ********
@Kevin ******
many people here are retired. they have a massive amount of timeStephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin ******
Done the process twice in the past, its not hard, No problems in the past, Happy to educate myself and not rely on agents.Kevin *******
Stephen Bretherton
If you are happy to keep jumping tru the same hoops, in an endless loop, with no outcome, who an I to dissuade you.
Why ask the question, if you are such an expert?
If you are happy to keep jumping tru the same hoops, in an endless loop, with no outcome, who an I to dissuade you.
Why ask the question, if you are such an expert?
Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTERI find the process easy, and I find your comments surprising, maybe you have a lot of $$$
Reply to
Stephen ************
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Richard ******
Maybe you’re just too dumb to do it yourself.
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Richard ******
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Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTERQuestion, what time does immigration open, get in before the rush. (8am?)
Kevin ***********
Stephen Bretherton there's no set time it can be very busy well before 8 am but people say late afternoon is best. You need patience and plenty of it.
Reply to
Kevin ***********
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Olanda *******
I got a different type of visa, BUT couldn’t you just download copies of your monthly bank statements, which would show that you had the funds and maintained the minimum required amount in your account for the mandated time? 🤷🏽♂️
Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTERI'll find out tomorrow, I have updated my Bank Book today, which says I have more than 800,000, and all the transactions. But I'm sure immigration wants a letter as well. we will see
David *****
Stephen Bretherton you can request a statement with 12 months of balances through the app. Go to the bank and update your passbook. Go in the bank and get your certification letter. It's really quite simple
Reply to
David *****
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Cris ******
welcome to Thailand... haha. After a few times trying to fix this and get it done. Next year it will be completely different with a completely different set of problems.
Leonard *********
I am wondering if Vietnam is not a better alternative
Chris *********
Leonard Johnson Indonesia easiest after Cambodia.
Anna ****
Leonard Johnson last year also in Vietnam many bank account were closed without reason. It's the banks, not the country doing this.
Sue **********
Leonard Johnson for what? Vietnam has no such visa for retirement so there is no longterm visa only for employment or business.
Lynnette *******
Leonard Johnson for living in Thailand? But strange to do that. The problem is his bank and the manager, not the country.
Leonard *********
Lynnette Munoz there seems to be a lot of small problems
Reply to
Leonard *********
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Gray *******
Request the account verification letter for any other use and to be addressed “to whom it may concern “.
Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTERGray Allen I didn't think of that, But going by their attitude, that wont work
Gray *******
Stephen Bretherton It worked for me.
Reply to
Gray *******
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Lee *****************
Bangkok bank has become a joke recently, get your money out as soon as you can and go to k bank
Bent *************
Lee Turnbull-Torres
If you have nothing to hide and your money are not meant for laundering, Bangkok Bank is great!
If you have nothing to hide and your money are not meant for laundering, Bangkok Bank is great!
Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTERLee Turnbull-Torres I have a K Bank, but that was opened up in Pattaya years back. But its hard now to change as I've started the process, thinking I followed their rules. However, I'll look into it for sure. The bank doesn't care
Lee *****************
Stephen Bretherton my visa expired and while I was waiting for a renewal Bangkok bank closed down my account and gave a a pile of cash back, I now just have k bank and they have been so helpful getting my new non o visa
Jay ****
Lee Turnbull-Torres they ARE the EASIEST to deal with.
Reply to
Jay ****
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Allan *******
No hassles with krungsri ever in 22y.
Stephen ************
ORIGINAL POSTERAllan Rawai yep, same with Bangkok bank for 15 years, Until now☹
Reply to
Stephen ************
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