Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Why are banks in Thailand refusing to open accounts for foreigners on a Non-O visa?

Thailand banking Non-O visa expat banking bank account opening visa requirements Krungsri Bank Bangkok Bank Kasikorn Bank immigration issues foreigners in Thailand

Jul 15, 2025

2 days ago

Michael **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Surprised today going to Bangkok Bank asking to open a bank account based on a 90 day O visa and holding the document provided from the immigration office.

  There answer was that they don’t open anymore account to foreigners even though I explained that I am not on a tourist visa but a O non immigrant one .

  My second attempt was going to Krungsri and all looks well. They copied all my documents and they will call me in two days.

2,784

views

13

likes

78

all likes

39

replies

1

images

23

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses a user's experience attempting to open a bank account in Thailand with a 90-day Non-O visa. The user faced refusal at Bangkok Bank but was able to proceed successfully at Krungsri Bank. Multiple comments highlight similar issues faced by other foreigners trying to navigate banking with Non-O visas, indicating a trend of banks refusing accounts based on specific documentation requirements. The conversation reflects frustrations and suggestions between users on navigating the banking system in Thailand as expats.

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

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

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

Ben *******

Go to a visa agent. They will do it all for you

Like

Reply

Stefan *******

Thailand start to be a fucked up country

Like

Reply

Stephen ********

Never had a problem with SCB OR BANGKOK BANK in Hua Hin if you have the required documentation

Like

Reply

Steve ***********

Just curious, has anyone applied at a bank with large stack of bills in their hand?

Like

Reply

Jo **********

@Steve **********

yes

Like

Reply

Bernie *************

and what was the result ?

Like

Reply

Giorgio ******

@Bernie ************

no

Like

Reply

Reply to

Giorgio ******

Reply

Tony *****

Tried to open account in both SCB and Kasikorn. Non O visa(new stamp) certificate of residency from immigration. Three banks denied me saying I needed either yellow house book or be married to a Thai national. Utterly ridiculous state of affairs.phetchabun area

Like

Reply

Brandon ************

Just keep trying bank branches

Like

Reply

Tony *****

@Brandon ***********

thank mate. I will have a day Phitsanulok tomorrow. Even the nice lady at immigration said keep trying 🤣🤣🤣

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tony *****

Reply

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

I worry that other banks will follow monkey see monkey do.This is Thai culture.

Like

Reply

Anthony ******************

Krungsri is a great bank

Like

Reply

Giraffe *********

In the last month have opened two bank accounts Kasikorn & Krungsri

and closed one Bangkok

Like

Reply

Lucas **********

I will never trust any thai bank again..

Had mine closed and they made me wait 3 weeks to get my money.. wouldnt give me a cent until I went off about it..

Like

Reply

Frangipani *******

Go KBank.

I have BB as well but KBank was super easy to deal with.

Like

Reply

Duncan *******

It was likely the specific branch, not that I'd recommend Bangkok Bank anyway if you've got a Non-Imm visa.

Like

Reply

Traceys *********

hi Duncan, may I ask which bank you think is the best for a non o visa & foreigner ?

Like

Reply

Spencer *******

two different branches of Bangkok Bank have refused me in the last week

Like

Reply

Reply to

Spencer *******

Reply

Michael ********

another one 🤔

Like

Reply

Pete *******

@Michael *******

not another one, here this particular Bank branch has closed new accounts for Foreigners completely. As you can read the OP was able to open an account with a Non-O at another bank.

Like

Reply

Michael ********

Yes another one, someone having problems with a non o, it's not just that branch and not just that bank, you just don't get it do you, 3 people in the other post as well, I wonder how many people will say this in other posts.

Like

Reply

Pete *******

@Michael *******

the problem here is that the branch is closed to new accounts NOT the documentation required to open an account. Your claim that you cannot now open a bank account on a Non-O is false.

Like

Reply

Michael ********

I have never claimed that you can not open a account, myself and other members have claimed that it very difficult to open one on the first 90 day O visa.

Like

Reply

Pete *******

@Michael *******

and it’s very difficult because?

Like

Reply

Michael ********

some banks do and some don't so you have to travel round looking for a one that deos, which wasn't the case before, if you had the right paperwork you could open a account at any bank.

Like

Reply

Pete *******

@Michael *******

too general, specifically, in your case why did the branch refuse you to open an account, what were you missing?

Like

Reply

Michael ********

they wanted a one year extension not just the 90 days, I explained to them no account no extension 🤔

Like

Reply

Pete *******

@Michael *******

which branch of which bank and do you have a list of documents required to open an account there?

Like

Reply

Michael ********

kasikorn in Wichian buri Phetchabun, I don't have a list but I had my passport, yellow house book, pink ID, a form stating that I was married and a copy of the original e visa.

Like

Reply

Pete *******

@Michael *******

Wang Chomphu here, so it would be really useful if you could obtain a list of documents required to open a bank account that specifically states that you need to be on an extension of stay in order to open a bank account. At the moment I am leaning towards miscommunication, lost in translation reasons for refusal. If true it would be a game changer for obvious reasons as you cannot get an extension of stay without first obtaining an account.

Like

Reply

Pete *******

@Michael *******

it could simply be the bank teller is embarrassed by her level of English and doesn’t want to interact with you so just denies. Or she can’t be bothered dealing with a foreigner.

Like

Reply

Michael **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I agree !

Like

Reply

Michael ********

that's what I was thinking 👍

Like

Reply

Reply to

Michael ********

Reply

Chris *********************

Kasikorn is your best bet

Like

Reply

Leslie ********

@Chris ********************

I have a Kasikorn account no problems

Like

Reply

Chris *********************

@Leslie *******

had mine 18 years not 1 problem, my local branch is very good and helpful 👍

Like

Reply

Reply to

Chris *********************

Reply

Phyl **********

Can go Bangkok bank. But go to those located in small shopping mall. Staff is more friendly and helpful

Like

Reply

James *******

Can you share in which city ? So many posts lately related to issues about opening a new bank account, especially with a new non-O 90 day stamp. I think everyone should directly go to Kasikorn from now on.

Like

Reply

Steve ******

its an absolute minefield 🙉🙉

Like

Reply

Reply to

Steve ******

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

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

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What steps should I take to activate my Non-O visa and open a bank account in Thailand?

63 comments

2 days ago

What are the challenges and recommendations for opening a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O visa?

43 comments

6 days ago

Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O retirement visa?

96 comments

24 days ago

Which bank should I choose to open an account for my retirement visa in Thailand?

74 comments

a month ago

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

36 comments

2 months ago

What steps should I take to open a bank account for my non-O retirement visa in Thailand?

24 comments

3 months ago

Why is it difficult to open a Thai bank account without a visa?

113 comments

3 months ago

Why did I encounter difficulties opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O marriage visa?

19 comments

3 months ago

What are the experiences of opening a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?

21 comments

3 months ago

How can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa and what are the requirements?

31 comments

3 months ago

Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O visa for a retirement extension?

16 comments

4 months ago

Is it possible to open a bank account on a Non O visa in Thailand?

22 comments

5 months ago

How can I obtain a Non-O visa in Thailand without a bank account while on visa exempt status?

73 comments

5 months ago

Can tourists currently open bank accounts in Thailand given the recent non-O visa application restrictions?

428 comments

5 months ago

What are the new challenges for foreigners opening bank accounts in Thailand?

11 comments

5 months ago

What should I do if the bank claims my Non-O retirement visa is a tourist visa?

146 comments

9 months ago

Why is it difficult to open a bank account in Thailand with a 90-day Non-O visa?

143 comments

a year ago

Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?

22 comments

a year ago

What documentation do I need to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non O visa if I have a Nakhon Pathom address?

28 comments

a year ago

How can I get a Type O retirement visa in Thailand without a Thai bank account?

116 comments

a year ago

How can I successfully open a bank account in Thailand for a Non-O visa?

135 comments

a year ago

Can I open a bank account with a 90-day O visa in Thailand, and where is the best place to do so?

12 comments

2 years ago

How can I successfully open a bank account in Thailand with an O-A visa?

112 comments

4 years ago

Why is it so difficult for foreigners to open a bank account in Thailand?

102 comments

4 years ago

What do I need to successfully open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O visa as a foreigner married to a Thai citizen?

32 comments

6 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.