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What steps should I take to activate my Non-O visa and open a bank account in Thailand?
Non-O VisaBank Account Opening ThailandVisa IssuesExpat Advice ThailandImmigration ProblemsThai ImmigrationVisa ActivationBank Requirements
Jul 15, 2025
10 months ago
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat a nightmare...
Probably most my fault.
Got my Non immigrant 0 e visa the other day with digital print out of which i print out in colour.
With done i took print out and I my ID I needed to kasikorn bank.
Was refused bank account
Lady quite polite..
She says i need passport stamped and then get retirement visa from immigrant. Completely opposite to what government says...
I heading to Khon Kaen
immigration tomorrow to
See where I go from here.
Is Kasikorn a difficult bank
Or which is best
All new to me....
Cheers
Probably most my fault.
Got my Non immigrant 0 e visa the other day with digital print out of which i print out in colour.
With done i took print out and I my ID I needed to kasikorn bank.
Was refused bank account
Lady quite polite..
She says i need passport stamped and then get retirement visa from immigrant. Completely opposite to what government says...
I heading to Khon Kaen
immigration tomorrow to
See where I go from here.
Is Kasikorn a difficult bank
Or which is best
All new to me....
Cheers
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user faced challenges when attempting to open a bank account in Thailand with a recently issued Non-O visa. Despite having the digital visa printout, bank officials cited the need for a passport stamp and a retirement visa for account eligibility. There is confusion surrounding the status of the user's visa, as it appears they incorrectly applied for the Non-O visa while already in Thailand on a visa exemption. To activate the Non-O visa, the user has been advised to exit Thailand and re-enter, receiving the proper stamp to qualify for a bank account. Several community comments discussed similar experiences and frustrations with various banks' requirements and suggested seeking assistance from agents to navigate the process.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Todd *********
Same prop, provincial banks want the yellow book, have the non o stamp and the letter from immigration who say that’s all you need
Bank staff just don’t want to help foreigners
They say get the yellow book but I know once that’s done they’ll just find another excuse to deny opening an account
Bank staff just don’t want to help foreigners
They say get the yellow book but I know once that’s done they’ll just find another excuse to deny opening an account
Robert ********
I changed my mind about coming back. It’s become a day by day government. Don’t want to be there when someone in government orders mass deportation raids.
Andy ************
@Robert *******
It's coming soon. With banks closing down agent bank accounts, the death knell is already sounding for those with dodgy visas! I'm glad I never succumbed and always stayed legal!Reply to
Andy ************
Reply
John *********
This is where an agent is needed to help you. It may cost you money but leaves out the agrow for you to be able to relax.
Mike *******
I had trouble with K bank. I think they wanted a tip. We went to Bangkok Bank and they took care of it.
Ant ***********
@Peter ********
Is it possible to show us the stamp you received when you arrived in Thailand ?Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnt ***********
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ant **********
. Make mistakes and do here... should have done before leaving Sydney 🙄 Cheers 🍻Reply to
Peter *********
Reply
Bob **********
You have to do a border bounce to get stamped in on the non-o do it before it expires
Leonard *********
Stay away from the snake village. The biggest scam in Thailand
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Leonard ********
what's the snake villageLeonard *********
@Peter ********
A pillage close by with snakes and a show. Biggest rip off in Thailand I even wrote to the tourism board. But got no responsePeter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Leonard ********
and what has this to do with visa retirement.Leonard *********
@Peter ********
nothing ,but I don’t give a fuck about your bank problems and I was trying to give some help to people thinking of going to the snake villagePeter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Leonard ********
then why be arrogant on this site...it's to di with visa assistance...Not FUCKING SNAKE shop.Leonard *********
@Peter ********
Who made you the site sheriffReply to
Leonard *********
Reply
John **********
That's why I paid an agent to sort it. No worries and all sorted. You can end up running your self ragged trying to sort it yourself!
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
who did you use as agent..John **********
@Peter ********
It's not cheap, Peter but well worth it. Like I've said to many, one mistake on the documentation and they send it straight back and it's void and off you go again. Also Onestop use their 800K to go in the bank so you don't have to upfront that to start off with only when you renew after 15 months then every 12 months after that!John **********
@Peter ********
Hi Peter ONESTOP SERVICES. Absolutely brilliant. His name is Mark, answers every question on WhatsApp for you. Runs it with his wife Pom. Sorted my Non O Retirement Visa and my car/bike driving licence, has all my info on file and any problems is sorted straight away. Take all the worry out of doing it yourself.Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
thanks John.I'm in Khon Kaen so probably get one there...cheersMcLaren ***********
@Peter ********
I worked with a great agent in Khon Kaen and she took care of my retirement visa and bank account. It's very difficult to do this all on your own.Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@McLaren **********
im in Khon KaenGreg ***********
@Peter ********
go to Pattaya for a few days. F.S. Consulting Co. costs 5000 THB to open a bank account for you if you entered on a Non-Imm-O VisaPeter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg **********
the non 0 visa i have hasn't been activated until I get passport stampedGreg ***********
@Peter ********
then use a Visarun service drive you to Nong Khai, exit Thailand, enter Laos, maybe stay in Vientiane 2 nights and then re-enter Thailand, activating the Non-Imm-O visa and receive a 90-days stay permit. On this stay permit, you can get a bank account openedPeter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg **********
that where problem begins... I made the mistake of doing it online in Thailand. So ATM im here on 60 passport with 30 day extensionMcLaren ***********
@Peter ********
sent you DMJohn **********
@McLaren **********
Can't see no DM on my messanger?Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@McLaren **********
who was itReply to
Peter *********
Reply
Einat *******
SCB is great
John *******
You are only allowed to apply for visas via the e-visa website while you are outside of Thailand. You lied on your application, stating that you were in Australia, when you were in fact already in Thailand. While you now have been approved for a retirement visa, it is still not activated. You are still on Visa exemption. The only way to activate this visa now, Ia to exit the country and than renter, showing the immigration officer at the airport tour digital visa. He/She will then stamp you in on it. Then you can apply for a bank account.
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ******
so I do border run to Laos For 2 days. By Bus at Nong khai then on return
Show my paper Approved to get proper stamp.
Reply to
Peter *********
Reply
Greg ***********
Peter Roberts . . So, you are on a touristic entry and CAN'T get a bank account opened.
Firstly, you MUST exit Thailand and re-enter using the 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa you got issued.
Stamped in on this Non-Imm-O visa for a 90-days stay permit, you visit Immigration, have them issue a “certificate of residency”, get a Thai mobile SIM card and number, and get the Thai bank account opened in your name.
Then deposit the 800K, and as soon as the money has been sitting in the account for 60 days, get the bank letter that confirms it, and apply for the 1-year extension of the stay permit
Firstly, you MUST exit Thailand and re-enter using the 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa you got issued.
Stamped in on this Non-Imm-O visa for a 90-days stay permit, you visit Immigration, have them issue a “certificate of residency”, get a Thai mobile SIM card and number, and get the Thai bank account opened in your name.
Then deposit the 800K, and as soon as the money has been sitting in the account for 60 days, get the bank letter that confirms it, and apply for the 1-year extension of the stay permit
Lee *************
Took me 5 goes at the bank, 6th try success but only because wife never gave in, it's not easy
Brandon ************
You are not on a non-O visa. You entered as a tourist and therefore you are a tourist. You have to leave Thailand, and return on the non-O visa. Your visa is also fraudulently obtained since you were not in the jurisdiction of the embassy when you applied for it. The visa application asked for proof of your current location so you lied on the application, because if you had showed them you were in Thailand they would have rejected your application.
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
was told by immigration to do online here through thai Embassy. I'm on non immigrant 0 visa...Need to go Laos get stamp to activate visa... the go immigration to show stamp... then immigration can helpPui *****
@Peter ********
despite your best intentions, you were not ever supposed to apply for a visa from any embassy or consulate while you are still in Thailand. The evisa website specifically asks you your current location, as embassies/consulates require you to physically be in their service area (in your case, Australia) in order to grant you a visa. You got away with it, so do what everyone is telling you and exit and re-enter to activate that visa.Brandon ************
@Peter ********
Immigration knows NOTHING about embassies. They are completely different government agencies. Never listen to what an immigration officer tells you about embassies, and never listen to what an embassy tells you about immigration.And you are NOT on non-immigration O visa. You entered as a tourist. You are a tourist. You are not on any visa because you did not enter using a visa.
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Ben *******
Welcome to Thailand!!
Bent *************
TiT
Tony *****
Similar story here. Got my Non O before I entered the country. I now have a certificate of residency from immigration which immigration assures me allows me to open a bank account. Both SCB and Kasikorn have denied account!! They say I either need to be married to a Thai national or have yellow Tabian Ban. Who I also can’t get.!!!!!!
WTF!!
WTF!!
Greg ***********
@Tony ****
use an agent, costs something like 5000 THB, they definitely can get a bank account opened for you on a simple single-entry Non-Imm-O visa. It is just those incompetent lazy bank staff they don't know what to do and will pull out of their noses anything they dream upTony *****
@Greg **********
thank so much for is there someone you could recommendAnt ***********
@Tony ****
See my reply to Greg belowGreg ***********
@Tony ****
in Pattaya that would be Mot's, Maneerat or F.S. Consulting. In Bangkok that would be Thai Visa Centre. In Hua Hin I would pick Anna VisaAnt ***********
@Greg **********
Tried to tag Tony also Only one of those mentioned is able to help
Going rate for a new bank acc
Is
*****
bahtGreg ***********
@Ant **********
F.S. Consulting Co in Pattaya costs 5000 THB for opening a bank account, if you are on a Non-Imm visa classReply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Tony *****
Ok which agent would people recommend. I’m a broken man 🤣🤣
Christopher ***********
@Tony ****
My Amphur require 12 months residence and also to be married to a Thai to qualify for the yellow house book. That narrows it down even more!Tony *****
@Christopher **********
exactly!!!Reply to
Tony *****
Reply
Mikkel *******
Your problem is that you have a visa that isn't active yet. You entered visa exempt, and applied, while inside Thailand for an e-visa in Australia. You need to exit and re-enter Thailand to activate the visa. You can't use it for anything as it is now.. It's a piece of paper that shows you have the right to enter Thailand.
The bank is right, and you will probably get the same answer in any bank, because ypur current stay is not on a non o as you haven't used that yet to enter Thailand. Only way without exiting Thailand, would be to deposit 800K in a Thai bank in an account in your name only, and buy the 90 day non o directly at an immigration office here.
The bank is right, and you will probably get the same answer in any bank, because ypur current stay is not on a non o as you haven't used that yet to enter Thailand. Only way without exiting Thailand, would be to deposit 800K in a Thai bank in an account in your name only, and buy the 90 day non o directly at an immigration office here.
Greg ***********
@Mikkel ******
Sorry, the first part is correct, but the second part is wrong! "Only way without exiting Thailand, would be to deposit 800K in a Thai bank in an account in your name only, and buy the 90 day non o directly at an immigration office here." . . he is on a touristic entry and CAN'T get a bank account opened. Firstly he MUST exit Thailand and re-enter using the 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa. Only stamped in on this Non-Imm-O visa, he can get the Thai bank account opened, deposit the 800K, and as soon as the money was in the account for 60 days, he can apply for the 1-year extension . . . . . . . he can't buy the 90-days Non-Imm-O visa on Immigration, because for this he first needs the Thai bank account. I don't understand - you described everything correctly in the first part, but with the end part of your reply, you are completely lostMikkel *******
@Greg **********
you are absolutely right. Forgot about the recent issues with opening bank accounts. So yeah.. Has to exit and re-enter to activate his non o e-visa.Reply to
Mikkel *******
Reply
Andy ************
It seems you're in Thailand on free entry stamp (60-days visa exempt). That's not complete opposite of what government says. They say you apply for visa overseas, once you've got the visa you come to Thailand
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ***********
have got non immigrant visa 0 for retirement expires in mid OctoberAndy ************
@Peter ********
You said you got your non-o the other day. When did you enter the country?Jan ******************
@Andy ***********
Seems to be a problem now. Even if you enter on a 90 days Non O several banks require the first year extension of stay done (minimum one year visa as they say) before they let you open a bank account which really set people in a catch22 situation.Andy ************
@Jan *****************
He's on a visa exempt entry. Read his original post. He applied for the non-O from within Thailand. You turn up at a bank with a tourism entry of course they're going to turn you awayJan ******************
@Andy ***********
Ok, that might be the case, seems strange that he’s got a Non O in country without a bank account in the first place. My point is still the same. Even if you arrive with the initial Non O u still can struggle to open bank a account now. I was turned down in three branches myself In February with a Non O before I was allowed in the fourth. They demanded a house book or work permit or the first extension of stay done. Non O and residence certificate was not accepted.
Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Ralph *******
What is your current visa and how long is it for?
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ralph ******
..oops...go non immigrant 0 visa for retirementRalph *******
@Peter ********
But what is the duration of your current visa? If it’s less than a year the banks are unlikely to let you open an account.Graham ******
@Peter ********
you don't seem sureReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ralph ******
90 days..60 on passport with 30 day extensionRalph *******
@Peter ********
That’s your problem. The banks want a longer period than 3 months.Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Paul *********
I had trouble I had to get a yellow book before they would open at Kasikorn Udon Thani
Ling *****
@Paul ********
never got asked for a yellow book for either Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn, never had one. Residence certificate from immigration was all that was required using the apartments tm30 card.Paul *********
@Ling ****
I guess you were lucky I have heard stories from many people lately of being knocked backReply to
Paul *********
Reply
Max *************
@Paul ********
A yellow house book is totally useless except for some provinces in isaan or northern Thailand.In "normal" provinces they might ask for a residence certificate from immigration showing the official address in Thailand.Paul *********
@Max ************
yeah I'm in isaanMax *************
@Paul ********
Like I said,the yellow house book works in provinces way of the beaten track,like for example in Isaan.In other provinces,it's totally useless.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ********
what's yellow book are you married to thai 💛Reply to
Peter *********
Reply
Ant ***********
Did you show her your passport stamp from when you arrived - that should have the Non-O ? and be enough
K bank normally one of the better ones
K bank normally one of the better ones
Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ant **********
i am already in Thailand.. Done visa here online.. through Sydney Thai Embassy. Thinking of going Laos 2 days then get stamp on returningPeter *******
@Peter ********
in that case your visa has not been activated. You need to exit and re-enter the country to get the Non 'O' stamp in your Passport. Without the correct stamp the Bank will not open an account.Be a bit wary about asking Immigration for advice, the visa is nothing to do with them and you are not supposed to apply from inside the country.
John **********
@Peter ********
you can't apply for a visa at the Sydney consulate while you are inside Thailand (unless you lie about your location of course). Having said that you do actually need to enter Thailand on the visa to activate it, if you received the evisa while you were already inside Thailand its just a bit of paper until you activate itAnt ***********
@Peter ********
I understand you are here But when you arrived in Bangkok did you get a stamp in your passport
Greg ***********
@Ant **********
that Non-O visa had not been issued yet, when he entered Thailand. So he got in on a visa-exempt entry and got stamped in for 60 days. On this "touristic" entry, you cannot get a bank account opened anymore since February 2025Peter *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ant **********
yes but only on passport..for extensionReply to
Peter *********
Reply
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