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Why are banks in Thailand currently not opening accounts for retirement visas?

Bank Account Opening Retirement Visa Thailand Visa Rules NON-O Visa Expat Issues Pattaya

May 25, 2025

10 hours ago

Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, I was told today that they are not opening Bank accounts at the moment. Need for my retirement visa. How long do we think this will last? I am currently in Pattaya.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the current difficulties in opening bank accounts in Thailand, particularly for expats needing them for retirement visas. The original poster mentions being informed that banks are not currently opening accounts, leading to questions about the duration of this issue. Comments suggest that the situation is caused by stricter regulations and recommend alternative options like traveling to a nearby country to obtain a NON-O visa, or contacting larger visa agencies in Bangkok that may facilitate account openings as part of their services.

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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THAI ******************************

We can still assist for cases like you mentioned.

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David ************

Always get your visas in uk before enter Thailand so much easier then open your bank account in Thailand.

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Terry **********

How long is a piece of string bud? Sorry, but that's the way it is at the moment.

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Willem ****

Get a non o visa outside Thailand. Get the 90 days Non O stamped in at arrival and then go to a bank.

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Dag *****************

Filipine

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Jan ******************

Almost impossible to open bank accounts now. You’ll probably have to contact one of the bigger visa agencies in Bangkok who still are able to open and provide this service as a part of a total visa package or apply through an embassy at a nearby destination with your bank at home.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

any recommendations?

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Jan ******************

@Steven ********

The owners of this site

@THAI *****************************

is still able to assist you with the total process.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

thank you, I am reaching out to them.

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Hakan ************

@Steven ********

it's aprox 14,000thb to open up a back account with them...

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Hakan ***********

if they can do it, that is what it is.

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Steven *********

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Tony **********

Leave the country and apply for your non-o via evisa system.

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Bernard ************

@Tony *********

bonjour. Il faut le faire combien de temps avant d'arriver en Thaïlande ?

Je compte venir en octobre avec un visa retraite.

Merci d'avance de votre réponse.

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Tony **********

@Bernard ***********

4-6 weeks should be sufficient. Best to check your embassy web site. They usually state their processing times but it can vary country to country.

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Tony **********

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tony *********

Thanks, I'll inquire about that option.

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Steven *********

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Joe **********

You might have heard but have you tried. Been here 12 months first bank I tried was Krangsri in central festival 30 minutes I have a Thai bank account. Hope it works for you

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Stopped in a Bank today and they said I need a visa to open a account, but I need a account to get a visa.

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Joe **********

@Steven ********

ok you need the visa before you arrived ok. It harder now because there clamping down on it. Two options pay a agent big dollars or leave a country close by but fly and apply in that country it’s about $120 Aussie dollars

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you, I will look into both options. Try to exhaust my options while still in Thailand.

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Steven *********

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Rok ********

@Steven ********

if you get Non-O (90 days) in your home country it is pretty easy to open an account upon arrival to season the funds for 60 days to extend the visa for a year at the end of 90 days.

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Wayne *********

@Steven ********

you can get a visa at home without Thai account then come and open account

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Wayne *********

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

My Visa company told me today. We been in the process since Monday.

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Steven *********

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Greta *****

Until they change their mind

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Peter *****************

Right place wrong time.Goodluck dude

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Peter ****************

Thank you, I have faith everything will work out.

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Steven *********

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Bob **********

Are you on a visa ??

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Bob **********

Only opening for long stay visas best to get a non-o before you come then get the 800k in it quickly unfortunately in Pattaya you need the 800 k seasoned for two months before you apply for the Non-o making it impossible forcing you to use an agent

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Nick ************

the non O gives you 90 days thus allowing 30 days to open a bank account and deposit the

*****

0 baht for two months or more before applying for a 12 month extension. That is how people are doing it now. Not even agents can open a bank account for someone on visa exempt or tourist visa including DTV. The problem the OP has is that he is already in Thailand and for the above to work he should have applied for the non O before entering.

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nick ***********

💯

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Doug ********

@Nick ***********

an agent can get it in a day....with tourist thirty day extension...obviously all done illegal and expensive,I was quoted but decided I would rather go Laos and apply for non o 90 day and get the extension, have to do e visa now in Laos so I'm just hoping I get it..

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Pete *******

not anymore...

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Pete *******

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Steven *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

60 day stamp. From May 17th.

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Andreas *********

@Steven ********

Nothing works with stamp anyway. at least 60 days visa, residence notification, letter of immigration ...

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Andreas *********

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Wak ********

Maneerat 👍

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Lotti ******

only visa no bankaccound tell me yesterday.

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Lotti ******

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CjandBrigitte **********

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/21/thai-bank-manager-and-staff-arrested-in-chinese-scam-network/

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CjandBrigitte **********

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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