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What should I do if the bank claims my Non-O retirement visa is a tourist visa?
Thailandbank accountNon-O visaretirement visaexpat lifeimmigrationresidency certificateBangkok BankKASIKORN Bankaccount opening challenges
Nov 1, 2024
a year ago
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER*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.
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.
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Giovanni ****************
Just opened bank account. On the residence paper, bring your tm30 to immigration and ask specifically for a residence certificate “to open bank account”.
I went to the bank the first time with a certificate of residence issued to “buy a bike” but not accepted
Kasikorn bank
I went to the bank the first time with a certificate of residence issued to “buy a bike” but not accepted
Kasikorn bank
Raymond ******
This might be like my 1 year family visa I did. Visa was good for 1 year, but every 90 days I had to go to an embassy and give proof of address, they stamped it and I was on my way, till the next 90 days, continuously. Just a thought, it is what I had to do. They have offices all over the place so I didn’t have to travel far.
William **********
That is not an Non o visa,a non o visa is a large sticker stuck on your passport
Jeffrey *******
@William *********
E Visa is read when passport is scanned going through immigration,in my case had to show the pdf doc from my home countriesThai embassy because the scanners where not working,there was no paper attached to the passport,only the 90 day stamp as I passed through immigration
Jeffrey *******
@William *********
I had a non immigrant O E visa,passport scan was down when I came through so had to show the visa email from the consulate in Aus and got the same 90 day stampNongnuch ********
@William *********
it is an entry stamp! It grants him a 90-days stay permit. He entered showing the Immigration official the printout pdf. of his 90-days single entry Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa. You will get no visa stickers any more since the start of the E-Visa online system . . . . . . . . It is clearly marked at the right upper corner that he used a Non-Imm-O "visa class" upon entering ThailandDave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
correct. I think that’s half of the trouble is the bank are still looking for the old style sticker and not realising everything is done online now.Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
Jeffrey *******
Three weeks ago went to immigration HuaHin with Non immigrant O visa with all required docs for 12 month extension marriage visa. 1 hr later walked out with fully stamped passport for a 12 month retirement visa.was tossing up which one to go for anyway so went with it.
About bank account I opened mine February on a tourist visa Bangkok Bank but had to take out a 7,000 baht a year accident insurance policy. With Non O Visa you should have no problems,Bangkok Bank beside Market Village Route 4 HuaHin
About bank account I opened mine February on a tourist visa Bangkok Bank but had to take out a 7,000 baht a year accident insurance policy. With Non O Visa you should have no problems,Bangkok Bank beside Market Village Route 4 HuaHin
Nongnuch ********
@Jeffrey ******
you went to apply for the marriage 1-year extension but left Immigration with a retirement extension? How much THB did you prove in your bank account, 400K or 800K ?Jeffrey *******
@Nongnuch *******
No surprise thereJeffrey *******
@Nongnuch *******
probably because was all done on the spot within I hr meaning the agents fee was probably shared around,Nongnuch ********
@Jeffrey ******
well, I do the application all by myself since 16 years, it takes 20 minutes on the bank for the bank letter, and then 20 minutes on my Immigration for the "1-year Extension of Stay", together with the purchase of a single re-entry permit for 1000.- THB. I spend 1900+1000=2900.- THB, plus the trip to my immigration. If you got that bank deposit in your account, why would you need an agent? It's the same documentation needed every yearJeffrey *******
@Nongnuch *******
it will cost me 1900+3800 next time in 11months if fees stay the sameNongnuch ********
@Jeffrey ******
keep in mind if you hand over two 1000.- THB bills, they will say "sorry we have no change" 😂😄Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Jeffrey *******
@Nongnuch *******
I had more than that in there,but would have needed 800,000 It cost a bit over 13,000 baht for multi entryNongnuch ********
@Jeffrey ******
why would an application to a 12-months Extension of Stay based on Retirement cost more than the usual 1900.- THB fee, plus the 3800.- THB for the multi re-entry permit? Did you use an agent ?Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Sylvia ********
I went with a friend last week and an agent, new rules at Bangkok bank, needed his country social/national insurance number, SIM card setup as must load app and also take insurance out for 1 year, total fee was 5000 baht including ATM card
Sylvia ********
You have a non-O visa, stop is valid for 3 months, so not for one year, this is the problem.
Ian **********
It is very difficult to open a bank account now due to money laundering rules. You need a permanent address and proof you live there. Just because you have a non O visa is not enough. Some banks will open an account if you sign up for their insurance and some will accept a sponsor. Your best bet is to find a visa agent and pay them to open an account for you or you could just keep trying different branches.
Sylvia ********
@Ian *********
and most certainly they need a certificate of residence from immigration so need a permanent address, you have a TM30 already?Ian **********
@Sylvia *******
Unfortunately you cannot get a certificate of residence until you have extended your non-O visa as immigration does not know where you live until then. It is a catch-22, you cannot extend without a bank account and you cannot open a bank account until you have extended your permission to stay. 😃Sylvia ********
@Ian *********
If you report a TM30 on arrival they obviously know where you live?Reply to
Sylvia ********
Reply
Tor ******
Just try a different branch. This lady was clueless, you have a non-o.
Cameron *******
It may take you several times at different banks. Having less than a year left on your Visa does not help your case.
Max **********
Get visa agent for bank account save all the hassle otherwise you could end up on merry go round.
Tim ******
I suspect that the banks in Bangkok recently issued an internal directive not to open bank accounts on the basis of a tourist visa.
Since dozens of tourists still come every day and want to open a bank account with a tourist visa, the bank employees are getting increasingly annoyed.
The fact that so many people still want to open a bank account in Bangkok with a tourist visa is also because in Facebook groups like this one, many people still claim that it is easy to open a bank account in Bangkok with a tourist visa.
Since dozens of tourists still come every day and want to open a bank account with a tourist visa, the bank employees are getting increasingly annoyed.
The fact that so many people still want to open a bank account in Bangkok with a tourist visa is also because in Facebook groups like this one, many people still claim that it is easy to open a bank account in Bangkok with a tourist visa.
Stephen ********
@Tim *****
what on earth has that got to do with the OP having a NON-O visa? 🤷♂️Tim ******
@Stephen *******
The bank employee may have been annoyed and did not read the documents properly.Stephen ********
@Tim *****
agreed, but that's the fault of the bank employee and nothing to do with a tourist visa. 🤷♂️Reply to
Stephen ********
Reply
Gary ******
Try another Bank. You definitely have a
Non O Visa. I have BKK Bank. They can be difficult! Good luck
Non O Visa. I have BKK Bank. They can be difficult! Good luck
Will ******
Bangkok bank are usually pretty good. Try the branch in Thonglor if you're in Bangkok. And go with a Thai. You may need passport certification from British embassy too
Damo ******
Looking at your stamp, you have to leave every 90 days. So I'm guessing you have an evisa of some kind.This is probably the difficulty you are having. I opened a bank account on this visa last year at Bangkok Bank in Pattaya.
Nongnuch ********
@Damo *****
He got stamped in for a 90-days stay permit when he entered with a 90-days single entry Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa. If he does not change the 90-days stay permit to a "one year extension of stay permit based on retirement", he will need to exit Thailand before the 90-days stay permit expires. After that he would have to start from scratch, again. He doesn't have to leave every 90 days, simply because since October 30, 2023, the Thai embassies have discontinued handing out multi-entry 365 days Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa. The multi entry type is not available any more, only single entryReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Nigel **********
Bangkok bank is easy to open an account but you may have to take a one year insurance out with them - cost about 5000 Bhat
Deanna *******
You'll get different answers at different banks. None of them are on the same page, seem to make up their own rules, and it depends on who you talk to, or if they're in a good mood.
We were told once at Bangkok bank, that we needed to bring the Puu Yai (headman) of our village to vouch for us in order to get an account! The guy is always drunk, and requires whiskey and 1000 baht for him to go to the bank with you. If he has a wreck on his way there (1.5 hour drive), you'll also be responsible for damages.
We ended up opening an account with Krungsri (yellow bank).
TIT (This is Thailand)
We were told once at Bangkok bank, that we needed to bring the Puu Yai (headman) of our village to vouch for us in order to get an account! The guy is always drunk, and requires whiskey and 1000 baht for him to go to the bank with you. If he has a wreck on his way there (1.5 hour drive), you'll also be responsible for damages.
We ended up opening an account with Krungsri (yellow bank).
TIT (This is Thailand)
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Deanna ******
TIT 😂😂 I’ll remember that one.Deanna *******
@Dave ********
Saying that is a "thing" here in Thailand. Everyone will know what you mean. LOL.Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Deanna ******
I presume it’s just an expat saying? I hardly see any farang where I am so I’m not privy to a lot of the western slang.Deanna *******
Yes. A farang saying. :)
Reply to
Deanna *******
Reply
Alison *****************
The lady in the bank can’t read then
Chris ********
Dave I did this three months ago, you will likely need the residency letter from immigration others have said about, but even with that the first two people at Bangkok Bank I spoke to said no, it was only after getting the manager and a twenty minute wait after explaining it to her that they said yes!
This was Ayutthaya.
This was Ayutthaya.
Stuart *********
@Todd ********
Nope. That’s a Non O stamp. The OP had a evisa that’s not even in his passport.Paul *****
This is why I always use an agency. It might be more expensive but it takes all the hassle out of it, and they are the experts after all… VIP Visa in Jomtien have always been brilliant for me.
Todd *********
That's a tourist visa exemption 60 day stamp
Non o is a full page sticker from memory
Non o is a full page sticker from memory
Dennis **********
Todd Sleightit clearly states a non o visa but for 90 days visa. ???? Thought it would be 12 months.??
Graham ******
@Dennis *********
A Non-O (single entry) Visa is a 90 day stampReply to
Graham ******
Reply
John ******
@Todd ********
but is states: 90 days!! So not tourist viusaOsian ********
@Todd ********
it states non-O and is valid for 90days, you cannot mistaken it for a 60day tourist visa 🤣🤣Reply to
Osian ********
Reply
Chani ************
Krung Thai Bank (light Blue bank) is very easy to get an account. More over, it has a branch near immigration in Bangkok.
As a foreigner can buy many vehicles and properties (not land).
DM for more information.
As a foreigner can buy many vehicles and properties (not land).
DM for more information.
Will ******
@Chani ***********
not anymore, at least for foreigners.. they were good a few years back.Reply to
Will ******
Reply
Carl *********
You got a fully fledged non o, unfortunately you spoke to someone in a branch who didn't have a clue. Go to a bank in a tourist area they are more likely have staff can understand you.
I'm with bangkok bank and Krungsri I can get 2 totally different answers if I ask a question in phuket Town or Patong. Patong tends to understand better
I'm with bangkok bank and Krungsri I can get 2 totally different answers if I ask a question in phuket Town or Patong. Patong tends to understand better
Simon ********
No issues with Bangkok Bank at all Non o
David ********
I got my bkk bank account with mot services pattaya.cost 5000 took 3 hours
Jim ********
I went to KBank in EmQuartier on the 3rd floor at the Phrom Phong BTS and didn’t have a problem. I had to show my hotel reservations and passport with with stamp and E-Visa PDF printout.
Nick *******
My guess what’s happening here is that Bangkok Bank only allow you to open an account on a tourist visa, ONLY if you buy their insurance.
With a NON-O you don’t have to accept their insurance.
Maybe she’s trying to tell you have TV so she could sell the insurance also. My gf worked for a bank and they have targets and are pressured to sell at every opportunity.
Where are you in Thailand?
You definitely need to go to IO and get a residency certificate first.
When you have your certificate go back and try again hopefully you will get a different teller. If you get the same response, ask to see the manager. If the manager says the same, go to a different branch.
With a NON-O you don’t have to accept their insurance.
Maybe she’s trying to tell you have TV so she could sell the insurance also. My gf worked for a bank and they have targets and are pressured to sell at every opportunity.
Where are you in Thailand?
You definitely need to go to IO and get a residency certificate first.
When you have your certificate go back and try again hopefully you will get a different teller. If you get the same response, ask to see the manager. If the manager says the same, go to a different branch.
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick ******
is the residency certificate the same as the white slip of paper I get when I do a TM30 or something different? I live with my better half in the house she owns so don’t have a rental agreement or hotel reservation list. We live up in Issan, Nakhon Ratchasima so nearest town is Pak Chong.Nick *******
@Dave ********
No not TM30, it’s a separate document.Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick ******
I’ll ask the wife about that in the morning in that case. Thanks for the heads up as I didn’t know about that one. Regardless, the lady in the bank still told me incorrectly that I had a tourist visa so I’ll tool myself up with this certificate and go back in on Monday presuming IO can issue it same day as I go. Have a good evening 👍🏼Nick *******
@Dave ********
Get your missus to go in and ask what they need. Probably only a passport and TM30. Been 2 years since I got mine so can’t quite remember fully. It cost me 500 bht to get. Good luck with the account, it really shouldn’t be a problem with a Non-O. They’re either trying it on or just bad at their job.Reply to
Nick *******
Reply
Zaher **********
Why don’t you show bank that’s not a tourist visa!! It’s obviously Non-o
Tony ********
The stamp in your passport isn't really your visa, and to the bank clerk it looks exactly the same as every other one, they probably have only been presented with big colourful stickers up until now. The pdf is your visa and that should be what they require.
Ann ************
@Tony *******
that is the most sensible thing anyone has said. Its just an entry stamp it is not the visa
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ann ***********
Ah, that’ll be why then as mine is an e-visa. There was no option to do it any other way in the UK.Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ann ***********
I fully understand what you’re saying, but I won’t get that colourful sticker in my passport until I have had 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account so all I can show them is my Non immigration O stamp and the pdf from the Thai embassy unless you are saying I should have what you have in your passport but I surely I will only get that once the money has been in the Thai account for two consecutive months? It seems to be a bit of chicken and egg scenario unless I’m missing something.Ann ************
@Dave ********
nope …. I only had to show Australian bank statement showing i had the required balance.The sticker in your passport is your official visa
Tony ********
@Ann ***********
its what they used to look like, very few people get them now as they just get a pdf print out, but the bank staff are used to the passport version.Ann ************
@Tony *******
this is current visaTony ********
@Ann ***********
e-visa's dont get stickers and almost all embassies are now on e-visa's.Ann ************
@Tony *******
obviously not Australia thenAndreas *********
@Ann ***********
you got a Non-Imm-OA visa, not a Non-Imm-O. All Non-Imm-O visa categories are pdf. printouts, no more stickers. If you would apply in Australia for a new Non-Imm-O/A visa, it too won't be a sticker any moreRoss **********
@Ann ***********
yes e visa now in AustraliaReply to
Ross **********
Reply
Michael ********
We used an agent to open our Bangkok bank account in Pattaya, think it cost 1000 Bahts.
Will be using an agent to do our Non O retirement in January, just saves all the hassle.
Will be using an agent to do our Non O retirement in January, just saves all the hassle.
Monn *********
You need a Thai person for help.
Joe ******
Bank got it wrong.
William ***********
Go see a visa agent. They know exactly what to do. Also they can fix you up to get a no hassle drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement. You can do what you want on your own but how many visits will you make first?
Ally ************
@William **********
What is, a 'motorcycle endorsement' exactly.. the motor car and motorbike licenses require completely separate applications.. and their own set of supporting documents.. and you receive individual licenses for each category.. however, your comment infers the motor car license will be 'endorsed' to allow you to also ride a motorcycle.. which is not true of course.. I'm sure you are well aware of this already.. but your terminology could be misconstrued and mislead someone if they are new to Thailand!Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@William **********
I really shouldn’t need an agent, plus I already have my bike license which I passed 21 years ago. I can’t see the driving test being that difficult considering the way people drive here.Eric ******
@Dave ********
"shouldn't" need one, correct. But if you had one, you'd have a bank account right now and wouldn't have to jump through any more hoops. It's just like immigration officers, it all depends on who you get, even if you DID do everything right. For the minimal cost, ease, and peace of mind, in my opinion, I just can't see a reason why I wouldn't use an agent. Good luck to you.Reply to
Eric ******
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Brandon ************
Bank employees are not immigration officers. They don't know anything about this stuff. She just wanted you gone so she wouldn't have to do the mountain of paperwork needed to open an account for a foreigner.
Jack *****
I was finally able to open up my bank account at Kasikorn bank yesterday... took over an hour... the Lady employee was excellent.. just a lot of papers to copy and sign plus the photos taken with tablet... getting the yellow book is another storey... 8K baht to the local district people from the head of the district to the manager in the office to the lady doing the computer input.. plus the hour long "interview" from the head of the district... I hope I am finished with the "extra" money being spent on anything..
Steve ************
@Brandon ***********
I agree with you on the paperwork, I just updated my passport details with Bangkok Bank and had to sign 18 documents and photocopies, the same task in SCB was completed with one document.Reply to
Steve ************
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Marty ********
Try KASIKORN BANK instead
John ********
@Marty *******
That's who I'm going to try next time I'm in Thailand. 🤔Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marty *******
I might do just that. I don’t see why they make it so difficult to put a substantial amount of my money in their bank, you’d think they’d be grateful you chose them over another bank 🤷🏽♂️Marty ********
@Dave ********
another fact. Others have mentioned that when we are applying for our ANNUAL VISA EXTENSION, we need that bank letter showing our monthly INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS some banks take weeks. In the last years, I must go downtown to the main KASIKORN office and that letter is produced in about 30 minutes, never longer.Robert **********
@Dave ********
it’s just their culture, they are taught that they don’t want foreigners bank accounts without a work permit.Reply to
Robert **********
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Stephen ********
I found Bangkok Bank on soi baukhao very easy to deal with, even on a tourist visa.
Al***
@Stephen *******
how recent, on tourist visa?Stephen ********
@Al***
it was last NovemberReply to
Stephen ********
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen *******
I’m based in Nakhon Ratchasima so tried the branch in Pak Chong. Perhaps a branch in Bangkok might be better albeit a bit of a trek.Alain ***************
@Dave ********
I opened my account in Bangkok bank lotus branch pak chong on a tourist visa in 2018. long time ago and a lot changed since. Now I’m on a longer term visa and still have it even after moving to Bangkok 🙏Stephen ********
@Dave ********
problem with opening an account far from home is that when there is an issue, you may have to go into 'your' branchTore *********
@Dave ********
get account from a branch where you plan to live. It would be a hassle to travel to BKK every time you need to do something to change something. In Thailand you always have to go back to the branch you opened the account with.
Kirsten *********
@Tore ********
you can change the branch easily. I changed from a branch in BKK to a branch in Phuket. No problem, the bank did everything. Now I do everything at the branch in Phuket.Tore *********
@Kirsten ********
that’s great to know 👍Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Pete *******
Bangkok Bank Jomtien. Passport, copy long term visa stamp, copy 2nd government issued photo id, copy 1 year lease, certificate of residency. At least 30 days remaining on current stamp. Different banks and even different branches may have different requirements.
Jim ******
Make sure your passport is stamped showing Non O visa. If it is try again at a different branch. I managed to open an account with Bangkok Bank with that visa and lots of supporting documents
Ruel *******
I was able to open an account at this Bangkok Bank on Non O Visa. Bring e-visa copy, TM30, passport , Driver’s License from your country. Dress up, not shorts and shirts. Bangkok Bank
L1, The Emporium Shopping Complex, 622 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Klongton, Bangkok
L1, The Emporium Shopping Complex, 622 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Klongton, Bangkok
*****
Nick ************
I went to the same branch of Bangkok bank 4 times before I got someone who knew what they were doing. On one occasion my re entry stamp marked used was mistaken for my Visa! Go back again and politely ask to see someone senior. A main branch is best not the ones in the shopping malls. And refuse the insurance unless you want it. they tried very hard to sell it to me. I opened the account with 500 baht.
Marc ********
@Nick ***********
They still open it for you if buying insurance?Nick ************
@Marc *******
they try to make it a condition of opening an account to buy their health insurance. I showed them my current health insurancec certificate and said I did not need theirs. In the end they gave up.Marc ********
@Nick ***********
I know it was a condition so they would open it for you without any other documents required.But people here in the group said it's no longer possible. That's why I was wondering if you experienced it recently
Nick ************
@Marc *******
it just depends where you go as all branches make their own rules and even different people at the same branch will do different things. I was insistent and eventually they said OK.Marc ********
@Nick ***********
And you didn't have to provide any documents beside your passport?Nick ************
@Marc *******
to bevhonestvi cant realy remember all of them. I showed them my Thai driving license which has my address on it but I dont think I provided any house books or lease agreement. Certainly not a cert of residence or medical.Reply to
Nick ************
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Jan ******************
You’ll need to check your e-visa and see if it says Non Immigrant O or Tourist TR.
If you mistakenly applied for a 60 days Tourist visa valid for 90 days -as several people have done lately- you’ll need to apply for a 90 days Non O visa in Thailand first and get an agent to assist you with opening a bank account.
If you mistakenly applied for a 60 days Tourist visa valid for 90 days -as several people have done lately- you’ll need to apply for a 90 days Non O visa in Thailand first and get an agent to assist you with opening a bank account.
John ********
I get the impression that some bank employees are vague about their banks rules.
Jan ******************
@John *******
and it varies between branches within the same Bank.John ********
@Jan *****************
roger that.Reply to
John ********
Reply
John ********
@Jan *****************
His entry stamp at immigration is for three months. There isn't a three month tourist visa as far as I'm aware.Jan ******************
@John *******
yes, he’s entry stamp is for 90 days and he for sure has a Non immigrant visa. But some people has mistakenly thought that a 90 days TR gave a 90 days stay as the visa was valid for 90 days but only give 60 days upon entry.Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Dennis *********
@Dave ********
still be helpful to see your actual stamp from passportJan ******************
@Dave ********
Correct, then the lady in the bank is mistaken.Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
thank god it’s not me who going mad. I have followed everything to the letter and even have tm30 in place as I live with my partner. I find the visa application is made more complicated because by the sounds of it the people in the bank don’t seem to know their own rules.John **********
@Dave ********
as a few others have mentioned, you will need a residence certificate. Go to immigration with your partner and their house book and Id, they will have to basically say the same thing that the TM30 says, that you are connected to that address in the province you are applying in. You will need that for many things, bank accounts, driving license, etc. Different immigration offices may have different rules. Khon Kaen was a pleasure to deal with, relatively speaking. It may seem obvious but dress appropriately when you go; I’ve seen people in shorts or skirts have a harder time than people dressed more conservatively. For more info see:
********************************************************
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Wylie *******
Did you show the visa printout and get stamped in using the visa? If not then perhaps they only gave you a 60 day visa exempt stamp? In which case you can do a border bounce before the visa expires or the 60 day stamp expires and re-enter using the visa.
Wayne ********
@Wylie ******
please look at the stamp. He is clearly stamped in for 90 days and it is printed non-o visaWylie *******
@Wayne *******
it was pretty hard to look at the stamp at the time of my comment considering it was not in the original post. He only added the photo after myself and others asked about it.Reply to
Wylie *******
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wylie ******
it’s got 90 days. See photo on first reply to my post I have just addedWylie *******
@Dave ********
then the lady you talked to definitely made a mistake. Go to a different branch or bank. You may or may not need the residency certificate from immigration first.Reply to
Wylie *******
Reply
Faye *********
When you entered Thailand did you show the print off?
Wayne ********
@Faye ********
he should not need to show the print off. The stamp is very clear as a non-o VisaFaye *********
@Wayne *******
he did not have a stamp in his passport until he arrived. He added the stamp he received after my first comment to his post.Reply to
Faye *********
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Faye ********
yes, I made a point of saying to the immigration officer I was here to retire.Faye *********
@Dave ********
I asked as I was sitting next to a couple in immigration last week who had not done that and were on a 60 day tourist stamp. I suspect the lady you spoke to just couldn't be bothered as your stamp clearly say Non 'o'. Just try again at that branch if you are set on that one or try a different bank.Ivan ************
@Da**
it says Non-O on the entry stamp and it's for 90 days so they stamped you in correctly.Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Faye ********
yesGraham ******
@Faye ********
good pointReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Graham ******
You will need a residence certificate from Immigration to open a bank account so get that first then try a different branch
Dave *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
I have my TM30 but she wasn’t interested in seeing that and we never got that far as I was just dismissed as being on a tourist visa.John ********
@Dave ********
I tried last year with a slip of paper that I got at immigration office that I went to with a Thai person whose home I was staying in, that said where I was staying. I was in a tourist visa, approached SCB, who I had a bank account with for 12 years previously and was refused. The pointed me towards B.Bank, but I didn't bother as I was leaving in a few days.James **********
@John *******
so Bother replying if you left .John ********
@James *********
What do you mean? I don't understand.Graham ******
@John *******
If it was a slip of paper that sounds like the TM30 receipt, about a quarter of a sheet of A4. A residency certificate would be a full A4 sheet.John ********
@Graham *****
Yes it was about the size you say. Thanks for that.Reply to
John ********
Reply
John **********
@Dave ********
tm30 is not a residence certificate. Go to immigration and ask for oneReply to
John **********
Reply
David ********
Ask to see the manager speak slowly and take your time sounds like she didn't have a clue
Steven *********
@David *******
or bring a Thai friend who can helpReply to
Steven *********
Reply
Stuart *********
A picture of your entry stamp would help here. Remove any personal details that may surround it.
My guess is the lady in the bank was confused, but it could be you have a bad entry stamp.
My guess is the lady in the bank was confused, but it could be you have a bad entry stamp.
Bob **********
@Dave ********
try another branch Central Festival should workNongnuch ********
@Dave ********
you definitely got stamped in on a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa. Visit Immigration and ask for a certificate of residence, then re-visit the bank, show them the entry stamp and your printout visa and the COR. It should be enough to let you open a bank account so you can deposit the 800.000 THB minimumTom ************
@Nongnuch *******
yes You need certificate of residence, I had the same problem with Bangkok Bank,Reply to
Tom ************
Reply
Stuart *********
@Dave ********
Then definitely the lady in the bank was wrong. That’s a Non O visa stamp valid for 90 days on entry.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
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