Answered6 months ago
What visa types other than the non-O allow for opening a bank account in Thailand?
Other than the non-O visa, does any other visa type allow you to open a bank account?
I wish to stay 3 months, look around suitable places to live, open an account, deposit a smaller amount and return to my country.
I could do on a tourist visa but cannot open a bank account.
Then, later, assuming the first 3 months went well, return and retire. In the meantime, two months prior to return, the bank account is ready for the 800,000.
Problems?
Thanks
I wish to stay 3 months, look around suitable places to live, open an account, deposit a smaller amount and return to my country.
I could do on a tourist visa but cannot open a bank account.
Then, later, assuming the first 3 months went well, return and retire. In the meantime, two months prior to return, the bank account is ready for the 800,000.
Problems?
Thanks
Answer summary
The original poster inquires about visa options besides the Non-O visa that would allow them to open a bank account in Thailand while planning a short stay of three months. Community responses confirm that non-immigrant visas like the Non-O allow for opening a bank account, while tourist visas do not. Other suggested visa types that might allow account opening include Non-B visas and long-term visa categories. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of applying for an appropriate visa before arrival and offer tips regarding bank account procedures.
26 repliesnewest first
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Mick *********
If you’re just coming over to Gabe a look around you can currently enter on a 60 visa exemption as a tourist and extend to 90 days. Won’t be able to open a bank account though. You can then come back when you’re ready with a 90 day non o visa and go from there.
Win *****
Unfortunately no way for tourist Visa to open a bank account in Thailand now.
Visit Thai embassy in your country and apply for a 3 month visa will allow you to open Thai account with the COR form Thai immigration or with the help of your Thai girlfriend
Visit Thai embassy in your country and apply for a 3 month visa will allow you to open Thai account with the COR form Thai immigration or with the help of your Thai girlfriend
Sylvia ********
You will need a permanent address in some areas, like a lease agreement to obtain a residential certificate too
Jørgen ********
"Other than the non-O visa, does any other visa type allow you to open a bank account?"
Any longterm Visa (Not turist Visa) should allow it.
Any longterm Visa (Not turist Visa) should allow it.
Richard ***********
Non o or use an agent but I have heard even that is getting more difficult
Jan ******************
Apply for a Non O visa for your first three months trip and open a bank account. Most convenient solution for a 90 days stay anyway.
Then if the first three months went well and you wish to return, apply for a new Non O visa.
Then if the first three months went well and you wish to return, apply for a new Non O visa.
Stephen ********
Any non-immigrant visa will do as these are seen as long-term. Also LTR and Privilege Visa
Terry ***************
Apply for a Non-O, arrive and open a bank account, go home... fuck me it's that simple.
Michael *********
OPTerry Bill McGinty thanks, yes, I had worked out. But the question was, does that cause any issues later, such as a foreigner continuing to have a thai bank account but non resident...that part not so obvious in the rulebook.
Phil ******
Michael Freeman non b as well
Paul ******************
Michael Freeman even with a non O it can still be tricky opening a bank account. Some will decline and some will open an account quite freely. Just try different banks until you get one that will give you an account.
Kasikorn tends to be easier than others. Bangkok Bank seems to be the most problematic.
I opened an account with Kasikorn about 10 years ago on a tourist visa but they closed it during Covid as I was unable to visit and didn't top up so the annual fee couldn't be taken.
Then I opened an account with Bangkok Bank, also on a tourist visa.
Tourist visas are no longer accepted do non O is the way to go.
You can open and return to UK,
If you want to come on a non O and then apply for 1 year extension, you will need to deposit 800,000 baht into that account at least 2 months before applying for extension ((400,000 if non O based on marriage to Thai)
Kasikorn tends to be easier than others. Bangkok Bank seems to be the most problematic.
I opened an account with Kasikorn about 10 years ago on a tourist visa but they closed it during Covid as I was unable to visit and didn't top up so the annual fee couldn't be taken.
Then I opened an account with Bangkok Bank, also on a tourist visa.
Tourist visas are no longer accepted do non O is the way to go.
You can open and return to UK,
If you want to come on a non O and then apply for 1 year extension, you will need to deposit 800,000 baht into that account at least 2 months before applying for extension ((400,000 if non O based on marriage to Thai)
Terry ***************
Michael Freeman there's no need for anyone to extend the 90 day non O visa, ie apply for visa, open a bank account enjoy your holiday, go home, if you ever decide to retire permanently then you can apply for another 90 day non-O which you can extend but you will need to transfer 800K baht into the Thai bank account you opened previously. In a nutshell you can come to Thailand repeatedly on Non O visas there's no requirement to extend that visa.
Paul ******************
Terry Bill McGinty there, see! Not hard is it? 😄
Shane ***********
Michael Freeman why didn’t you ask what you needed to know then? I agree with Terry
Paul ******************
Terry Bill McGinty why the profanity?
Terry ***************
Paul Singlehurst-Ward sometimes it's the only way of getting simple basic knowledge into idiot's skulls
Terry ***************
Paul Singlehurst-Ward get a life yah fucking CLOWN getting all upset over an internet comment when the comment wasn't directed at you, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself "is this it?"
Paul ******************
Terry Bill McGinty wow, harsh. I don't think he learned much from that comment. I never understand the need to disrespect or show contempt for someone who seeks knowledge. That person may have far greater intellect than you or I and this group exists to share information.
Sue **********
Steve Carter oh, it misses „retirement“ besides marriage/family. 🤷🏻♀️
Steve ********
there is no retirement visa really. Admittedly the type O is not just for marriage/family, and is often referred to as a retirement visa. Anyway, with some luck it answers the posters question.
Colin **********
Best to get a 90 day non o in your home country, if you like what see you can open a bank account and extend your non o visa ext.
Michael *********
OPColin Chaffers yes, would get non-o before first trip in my country. But if like, would need to return to prepare for longer 2nd trip.
But it seems useful to open an account on 1st trip...and only non-o allows that?
But it seems useful to open an account on 1st trip...and only non-o allows that?
Phil ******
Michael Freeman non B as well
Colin **********
Michael Freeman the distinction is the visa should be a long term visa type, not tourist. There are expensive options as well as non o.
Atrustwor*********
Michael Freeman Any of the non o visa options allow it but no tourist visa
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