What visa type should I select for my E-Visa application to open a bank account in Thailand?

Aug 13, 2023
a year ago
Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am submitting completing my E-Visa application ATM, I wish to get visa for securing Thai bank a/v prior to relocating to Chumphon next year to be with my gf, the drop down menu gives many options, the closest being "visiting family" and that is not strictly true, can someone advise advise as I want to get the application correct.

NB, ,

I will be staying only 18 days, I understand that for any chance of getting bank a/c I need O visa 60/90 days, which 'dropdown' should I select?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is seeking guidance on the correct visa type to select for their E-Visa application, as they plan to relocate to Chumphon and secure a Thai bank account. They mention that the dropdown menu provides various options, with 'visiting family' being the closest, even though that doesn't accurately reflect their situation. Comments provide insights suggesting that eligibility for a Non-O Visa based on a relationship requires marriage unless the applicant is over 50, in which case they can select options related to retirement. Alternatively, a tourist visa may suffice for opening a bank account, although it could be challenging. Other users share experiences and tips about successfully opening bank accounts with different visa types and suggest using agents to simplify the process.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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Stephen *******************
Tok Tok visa agents in Jomtien willl open you a Bangkok Bank within a 15 minute appointment you get bank book and ATM card

Requirements

British full driver license

Tourist visa 60 day

Thai telephone number

5000 baht

Done and dusted No if’s No but’s sorted

Why drag your feet around 20 different banks with very little hope.
เตเต้ ******
If someone in your girlfriends family has a government job and is willing to vouch for you (ie cosign on your account) some banks will consider giving you an account. After a probate period (up to the bank) you can open an account on your own.

This was my case in Ubon with Kasikorn and SCB.

2016 in Bangkok I could walk into most any bank and get an account with tourist visa. Had one with Bangkok Bank and KrungThai but went a year without a deposit and lost both.
Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@เตเต้ *****
thankyou but my gf has no living family.
Andrew ******
Gotta keep trying every bank and eventually you will hit lucky, ask what evidence they want and go from there. I went with my wife and got an account with Bkk and scb bank, also depends on each bank and each staff you speak with. If all else fails, Bkk wanted a letter from my embassy to evidence my passport, but at the next Bkk bank I went to my Thai driving license and passport was sufficient. Good luck 🤞
Brandon ************
You won't be eligible for a non-O based on a relationship until you're married.

Unless you're over 50 right now you won't be eligible for a non-O. If you're over 50 then you would use that option. It may be labeled as retirement in the evisa system.

Otherwise just apply for a tourist visa. It's possible to open an account with a Tourist visa, it's just not easy. Most people are using agents nowadays.
Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Perhaps I will simply have as much as I can (Visa etc) on my side AND have an agent ready, whatever the cost in it will be worth the money.
Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Sadly two previous visits on 'visa free' many attemptd at many banks with my gf at my side was fruitless.
John **********
@Hathaway ************
if she is not in a position to vouch for you it won't help, just her presence is not enough. She needs to be of good standing with the bank.
Colin **********
@Hathaway ************
If the account is underwritten by your girlfriend is different being by your side.
Hathaway *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thanks Brandon, I am over 50.
John **********
@Hathaway ************
the Non-O may make opening a bank account easier but more hoops to jump through visa wise. If your girlfriend is in a position to vouch for you with the bank that can help considerably
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