Answered5 months ago
Which banks in Thailand are best for opening an account with the 800K visa deposit on a Non-O visa?
# A bank for an 800K visa deposit
After getting a lot of great advice on my Thailand relocation plan, I’d like to zoom in on one specific detail.
As you probably know, one way to obtain a 1-year stay permit (when entering Thailand on a Non-Immigrant O visa) is to keep 800K THB in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months before applying.
I’d really appreciate hearing about your *recent* experience with banks. Which ones are currently willing to open an account for someone who has just arrived on a Non-O 90-day visa? Which banks handle the immigration support letter smoothly after the required period, and don’t create issues when receiving the 800K THB via Wise or similar transfers?
From what I understand, things have tightened recently. For example, I’ve heard that Bangkok Bank may now require funds to stay in the account for 4 months before issuing the immigration letter.
To clarify, I’m only interested in this specific use case. I don’t care about app quality, English support, fees, or anything like that - just opening the account, transferring the funds, and getting the required letter without complications.
After getting a lot of great advice on my Thailand relocation plan, I’d like to zoom in on one specific detail.
As you probably know, one way to obtain a 1-year stay permit (when entering Thailand on a Non-Immigrant O visa) is to keep 800K THB in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months before applying.
I’d really appreciate hearing about your *recent* experience with banks. Which ones are currently willing to open an account for someone who has just arrived on a Non-O 90-day visa? Which banks handle the immigration support letter smoothly after the required period, and don’t create issues when receiving the 800K THB via Wise or similar transfers?
From what I understand, things have tightened recently. For example, I’ve heard that Bangkok Bank may now require funds to stay in the account for 4 months before issuing the immigration letter.
To clarify, I’m only interested in this specific use case. I don’t care about app quality, English support, fees, or anything like that - just opening the account, transferring the funds, and getting the required letter without complications.
Answer summary
The discussion focuses on the experiences of expats in Thailand regarding which banks are suitable for opening accounts to meet the 800,000 THB deposit requirement for the Non-Immigrant O visa. Many participants recommend Kasikorn Bank for its ease of account opening and support with immigration letters, while some mention good experiences with Krungsri Bank and the Government Savings Bank. However, there are warnings about Bangkok Bank's recent policy changes that complicate accessing funds and obtaining necessary documentation for immigration. Overall, the consensus leans towards Kasikorn and Krungsri as the preferable options.
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Wil****
I can’t answer your questions but Bangkok Bank has been good for me over the years.
Angie *****
Kasikorn bank. Very good service !
Malcolm *********
KASIKORN . Period.
Vincent ******
Don't go in flip flops and shorts dress smart
Geert ********
UOB thailand is a Singaporean bank and I can contact this branch via email, unlike my Bangkok bank account which I cannot contact via email
David *******
Bkk bk now for 20 years.
Tomas *******
Opened an account with Kungsri and they only asked for the passport. Less bureaucracy than Bangkok Bank
Jean ************
Everything depends on the particular branch where you have your account and the way the officers there interpret and apply the policy of the bank to which it belongs. It doesn't depend on the bank itself. Just to be short, I know people who are very happy with the Bangkok Bank and other people who are very unhappy with Kasikorn.
Mark **********
I had an easy time with KBank, but also had an agent to help me. But I got two sets of paperwork and the next day opened another account at another bank by myself. It feels more secure having two accounts. It seems you never know when one might be frozen, etc.
Lawrance **********
Yeah, Bangkok Bank locks your account for criminals; it has nothing to do with immigration whatsoever. Some new policy made only for non-Thais. Let that sink in. When a bank uses your funds for 4 months plus the 2-month stagnant requirement to loan out your money, apparently they don't think it's your money even when you've banked with them for 15 or 20 years, supporting Thai families and businesses. Unbelievable.
Richard **********
Help please! I have the 800,000 baht in my Kasikorn. I am in the UK. To obtain the 'O' o/a 90 day to be converted later, the website says I have to prove it is in the a/c. I have no on-line access to my a/c from the UK and I understand I need an address in Thailand and need to be in Thailand to get internet banking. How do I prove the money is in the a/c when I apply for the 'O' from the UK ? Many thanks
Michael *******
Thai bhat down again since I last posted now 43 -15.
Penny ******
Most banks have their own process but all have equal requirements some choose to follow more strictly. I have accounts at Siam Commercial (purple bank) they took two weeks to open and had to go up the ladder for approval. I have my Visa account (800k) at Krungsri (yellow bank) they were great; account opened in 30 minutes! They were super nice and 100% knew what to do.
We also have an account at KrungThai (blue bank) that my Thai wife uses for everyday expenses and bill pay … they have a local office …. In our area we travel to a bigger city to use Siam & Krungsri… not a problem to go once a month anyhow 👍
We also have an account at KrungThai (blue bank) that my Thai wife uses for everyday expenses and bill pay … they have a local office …. In our area we travel to a bigger city to use Siam & Krungsri… not a problem to go once a month anyhow 👍
Jesper *******
Kasikorn and SCB will be the popular options nowadays....
Antoine ************
Kbank😎
James ********
Krungthai gave me letters for both the non imm o and the extension of stay. Also I noticed going to the bank at opening times gave me the shortest wait while the banks located at Central Plaza had better English support. 👍 Small data sample, but that was my experience.
Klaudia **********
Same opinion Kasikorn is very good
Andrew ********
Go to an agent , cost more but like you said there’s more than one way to skin the cat !
Good luck
Good luck
Greg ***********
Andrew Wilson but you still need a Thai bank account in your name, onto which the agent parks the 800,000 THB for 10 minutes
Andrew ********
Yes of course ! Goes without saying !
Ken **********
Andrew Wilson just like the part about skinning a cat, that was never mentioned in the OP. Don't know where you are reading.
Michael ********
never deposited any penny with my agent, there deposit there money for me!
Greg ***********
Michael Berger but you still need a Thai bank account in your name, onto which the agent parks the 800,000 THB for 10 minutes
Jeen ************
Go to K bank or krungthai bank
Forget Bangkok bank
Forget Bangkok bank
อามานด้า ******
I always say this. Ask the branch what the requirements are. I see a lot of people saying you need proof of your adresss from the Immigration. I never had this requirementsbwhen I opened my bank account. In Thailand every branch set their own requiments. Sometimes even staff with in the same branch can say different requirements. Always ask. Good luck!
Wayne ********
Scb was really easy for me although I had my thai wife with me who helped with translation. Only took 15 minutes to open. This was in roi et
Malcolm *******
I have been with the UOB for over 15years and recomended them to a friend that has a Non O 90 day visa from Oz . He opened his account in less than 1 hr and has his
*****
0 baht deposited already .
Linda *************
Kasikorn would not give me the time of day. I went to our local Bangkok Bank and they were wonderful. I showed the requirements for the extension and explained why I am opening the account. They do lock the money 4 months for the immigration goal. The app is very friendly to use just as the bank personal!
Michael ***********
OPLinda Jane Laval didn't get that one, "kasikorn would not give the time of day,". You were supposed to schedule a meeting with them and didn't have free time slots?
Linda *************
Michael Sternberg I did have an appointment.
Yo***
Linda Jane Laval just or your reference, If your bangkok bank freeze your account for immigration, the bank letter can say your account is frozen now. so, immigration can give your a problem with this statement. Even, it is your money but it is frozen, it is not your money to use at any time. Just reference only.
Ant ***********
Every province / area will be different
As long as it’s not Bangkok Bank
I have Krung Thai Bank
They told me what they needed
And I supplied this info
All good 👍
As long as it’s not Bangkok Bank
I have Krung Thai Bank
They told me what they needed
And I supplied this info
All good 👍
Robert ******
Ant W Tailor 9 years with a Bangkok bank account actually two never have a problem 🙏🏻
Brook ********
There are important issues which you may not have considered.
For example, you will be tied to the branch where you open the account for the life of the account. Every account modification or proof of funds letter will have to be initiated in that branch and nowhere else.
Second is the amount of interest paid on the Fixed Term Deposit Account. This will vary widely from bank to bank.
Third is arbitrary and capricious rules imposed at a whim and without notification freezing your funds and leaving you without money. There is a single bank that is infamous for this practice. First for phone sim registration, etc.
For example, you will be tied to the branch where you open the account for the life of the account. Every account modification or proof of funds letter will have to be initiated in that branch and nowhere else.
Second is the amount of interest paid on the Fixed Term Deposit Account. This will vary widely from bank to bank.
Third is arbitrary and capricious rules imposed at a whim and without notification freezing your funds and leaving you without money. There is a single bank that is infamous for this practice. First for phone sim registration, etc.
Stuart ***********
Brook Powers I have had the proof of funds letters issued by a different branch of the bank I use with no problems at all.
Andy **********
Brook Powers That's not always true these days but it certainly was back 20 plus years ago with the exception that you could also do things in Bangkok.
However, as recently as this year, I made all kind of updates to accounts opened in Pattaya 20 odd years ago and I did that from Phuket, Krabi and Bangkok. This was SCB.
However, as recently as this year, I made all kind of updates to accounts opened in Pattaya 20 odd years ago and I did that from Phuket, Krabi and Bangkok. This was SCB.
Brook ********
Andy Johnston go to Chiang Mai or Nakhon Phanom and try to replace a lost bank book.
Julian *******
i’m happy with government savings bank , as is phang nga immigration which requires me to show it’s there for 3 months prior and 3 months post. i actually just leave it there and collect the interest annually ( not much )
Michael ***********
OPJulian Lewis what is it "government savings bank"? It's not one of big commercial banks in Thailand?
Julian *******
Michael Sternberg it’s huge. it’s known as GSB or pink bank. it’s the government bank so very safe
Andy **********
Julian Lewis Sensible policy.
Marty *********
When I was using Kasikorn I liked that they could provide a 1 year bank statement on the spot. Their app is pretty good. I used Kasikorn for 7 years then switched to Bangkok Bank (long story) and now I have a new Kasikorn account along with the Bangkok Bank account.
Dave *********
Kasikorn was super easy. 90-day non-o with all required documents, zero issues.
Dave *********
My experience was in Pattaya on Sukhumvit Rd.
Angelo ***********
Dave Montore in which province, and do you remember the branch?
Dave ******
further confirming what I've already heard. It'll be my go to in July.
Michael *******
And the thai bhat has just gone over the cliff. 2 weeks ago it was 44'5 to the £ now today Friday it is 43-25..God knows what it will be by Monday. Plus its very quiet here in pattaya and jomtiem..but it very hot.
Peter *******
Kasikorn are the bank of the moment, but dont let them try to sell you life insurance, be firm and say no.
Larry *************
Been with Bangkok Bank for over 2 years, but their recent account freezes and hesitancy to give immigration bank statements is pushing me to Krungsri. The Krungsri app is supposed to be very user friendly too.
Ken ************
Kasikorn
Alan *********
Remember that once you get the 1 year extension, the 800K needs to stay in your account for 3 months, then it can't go below 400K.
Then you need to make sure you have 800K again for 2 months before you apply for the next extension.
This is how Immigration at Jomtien do things
Then you need to make sure you have 800K again for 2 months before you apply for the next extension.
This is how Immigration at Jomtien do things
Andy **********
Alan Freeman Yeah, it's effectively park Bt800k and forget about it or send in Bt70k plus a month.
Fannying around take some out, putting some back, all too tedious and adds unnecessary risk.
I suspect the real problem is that a huge percentage of retirees can't find Bt800k and don't have Bt70k plus a month income.
Fannying around take some out, putting some back, all too tedious and adds unnecessary risk.
I suspect the real problem is that a huge percentage of retirees can't find Bt800k and don't have Bt70k plus a month income.
Franky **********
Kasikorn deliver directly the papers needed
Adam *****
Kasikorn
สก็อต *********
It's getting harder more and more . I managed to get my bank with Kbank on my 90 day non o . Then I went back into the same branch to open a second account for day to spends and transfer monthly payments into for the year to do my next extension based on monthly payments the bank said no need work permit or yellow book now new policy blah blah blah. Eventually I did manage it
สก็อต *********
Btw the second time was a year extension
Tony *********
Opened an account with kbank last week , no problems at all
Norma ********
Tony Hammond yes never a problem
สก็อต *********
It's getting harder more and more . I managed to get my bank with Kbank on my 90 day non o . Then I went back into the same branch to open a second account for day to spends and transfer monthly payments into for the year to do my next extension based on monthly payments the bank said no need work permit or yellow book now new policy blah blah blah. Eventually I did manage it
Penny ******
สก็อต อัลการ์ a yellow book is normally required… not unusual
Michael ***********
OPสก็อต อัลการ์ let me understand, you opened TWO accounts in the bank, one for a visa deposit of 800K THB, the second one for day-to-day expenses? Could you open one and just ensure the balance stays above 800K?
Bill **********
The main part of the issue is that Immigration requires you to have an account for the 800K plus international transfers in and out of that account.
สก็อต *********
Michael Sternberg not put all your eggs in 1 basket
John ********
สก็อต อัลการ์ Same happened to me but i was told i could only have one account.
Norma ********
John Mozley I was told I could have as many as I wanted, but I just got 2 and never a problem
สก็อต *********
John Mozley It amazes me how bad banks are here . Setting up especially when you have all the correct docs as per there own published info on the websites .
Kelly ********
Kasikorn & Krugthai have been excellent for me.
Jonathan *************
@Kelly *******
free champagne in the latter?Kelly ********
Jonathan PressburgerI wish 😆
Bernard *********
@Kelly *******
for me Bangkok bank is the best....so thats stupid to give such advice....Kelly ********
Bernard Rouhaudit's stupid to say what's been good for me personally? Your comment is the stupidest thing I've read so far today.
Yo***
using an agent, if you do not care of anything and want to avoid complications. Every bank and branch, every immigration office, every immigration officers have different rules. No one can advise you correctly.
Hartmut ********
Young auch nicht die Agentur. Die zocken nur ab
Yo***
@Hartmut *******
if not possible to open an account by agent, you do not need to pay for them at all. So, no risk for you. However, all agents know which bank branch can open an account for foreigner. and they do it in that bank. When they open it, you must be there in the bank too to verify yourself. Then at the same day and time, you can get all cards and passbook and app etc . so no risk for you.
Susan ********
Kasikorn Bank have been great for me. Very helpful.
Norma ********
Susan Farrow yes me 2
Michel ********
Kasikorn!
Ryan *****
Just go for kbank...less headache
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