*Update*
I eventually managed to open an account with Bangkok Bank. What I had was correct and the only additional thing required was a certificate of residency which I got today from immigration. One other thing you really should get is your own Thai mobile number to use the banking app and get alerts about your account which I also got today. I did have to point out my visa was an e-visa but the lady behind the desk listened and understood unlike in the other branch last week. Looks like I’m here for at least a year yay 🥳
Please could someone who is knowledgeable help me out? I applied on the Thai embassy in London’s website for a non O retirement visa which was granted and it even says retired on the visa print off which I received from the embassy via email. I have just been to the Bank of Bangkok to open a bank account so I can transfer the 800,000 baht to start the two month process off in order to be granted a year’s extension but the lady in the bank is telling me that I only have a tourist visa. I’m confused as there was nothing else I could apply for on the embassy website so now I’m worried that I won’t find a way around it. Thanks in advance for any help. I have heard that Bangkok bank can be difficult to open an account with so if there is another bank that is more leanient I would try there. I’m going to call immigration and see if they can help but I get the worrying feeling that I’m back to the start again of going to be a forever tourist which ideally I don’t want to be as I wish to buy a vehicle and have the full benefits a retirement visa offers.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster successfully opened a Bangkok Bank account but faced challenges related to their Non-O retirement visa. They were initially told by a bank employee that they had a tourist visa, which caused confusion. The community suggested obtaining a residency certificate from immigration, a Thai mobile number for banking alerts, and trying different bank branches or banks such as KASIKORN Bank. The importance of showing the correct visa documentation to bank personnel was emphasized, as some employees might be unfamiliar with the requirements for foreign accounts.
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.
