Answered3 months ago
Why can't I open a Thai bank account on a visa exemption?
Hello. I have been trying to open a Thai bank account to place 400,000 baht in for a visa but so far 6 bank branches have refused this.
Entered Thailand 31 July with visa free entry for 60 days
I have a yellow book, pink Thai ID (lived here before) certificate of residence, Thai driving license and a check for 400,000 THB in my pocket.
Have things really become this impossible?
Entered Thailand 31 July with visa free entry for 60 days
I have a yellow book, pink Thai ID (lived here before) certificate of residence, Thai driving license and a check for 400,000 THB in my pocket.
Have things really become this impossible?
Answer summary
The poster is facing difficulties opening a Thai bank account to deposit 400,000 baht for their visa, as they entered Thailand with visa-free entry for 60 days. Despite holding multiple identification documents including a yellow book and pink Thai ID, several banks have refused to open an account. The community responses clarify that to open a Thai bank account, one requires a long-term visa (such as a Non-O visa), and that current regulations do not permit account opening under a tourist visa or visa exemption. Suggestions include obtaining the appropriate visa (either by leaving Thailand or applying for a non-O visa) or using a visa agent to assist with the process.
176 repliesnewest first
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Quitschie ***********
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Deepak *******
You should have entered with a non o visa for marriage or retirement. Saving 2000 baht for a visa is not always a prudent decision.
Chris ****
Yes you can open bank account just make sure you say
" A B R A C A D A B R A!" 😆😂😆😂
" A B R A C A D A B R A!" 😆😂😆😂
MNathalie *********
Ron, you need a letter from the immigration as what you are currently in progress for a marriage visa and need a bank account to deposit the 400k for the visa requirements. With that letter, you will have a bank account. If you want this paper immediately, cost is 500thb ..of you want to wait 10 to 14 working days, it's free. Pay the 500thb
Tom ****************
Thailand visa rules makes me leave Thailand, waiting for my flight to the Philippines, I was hoping it was easier, but it's not
Simon *******
You need as so many other said a visa. Most countries you cant just open an account in a bank if you are a tourist. If you have a visa you walk in with passport, visa and a deposit and the account is open and you have a debit card in between 15 and 20 minutes. Its not impossible but very easy.
Rod *****
Graeme Drake I suggest a visa agent to cut the red tape. He's saying 400k, it's 800k unless legally married to a Thai
Deborah *********
You need a visa (not tourist) to open a bank account in Thailand. Laws change and if your previous visa to stay in the Kingdom has expired, it's back to the drawing board.
Paul **********
I used an agent expensive but they did a great job
Got retirement visa and bank acc with in 10 days .
No need to to put money in bank they put in to show you have funds and then take it out again
Got retirement visa and bank acc with in 10 days .
No need to to put money in bank they put in to show you have funds and then take it out again
Davy **********
That day was some long lines at customs . I arrived on the 31st as well.
Bobby *******
An agent would be able to help you, but it would be very expensive these days
Roy *********
The answer is entered Visa free, apply for visa
Reti*****
Yep
Jack *******
Your American
Simon *******
Get an agent to sort you out a non O and bank account should cost about
*****
to *****
bht
Allan ********
Because your a visitor with no Visa . You would have the same problem in a lot of countries a round the world.
Alan *******
Simple use a agent
PeacefulSe**********
You don’t have a valid visa.
Dave ******
Most likely your lack of visa status. Paying by cheque could also raise a red flag.
Ronn *********
OPDave Owen The check was issued by my Thai wife who has a substantial Thai account - no reason for red flags - paper trails are welcome by immigration - or so one would think
Abu ********
Ronn Aldaman , they may ask the source of money. It has to be your own money. It happened to me twice in Bangkok. Good luck.
Ronn *********
OPOK - sifting through the comments and brushing aside the "why didn't you do this before coming" ones I think I might clarify a couple of things and ask a basic question.
I lived here before for about four years, doing the visa runs thing. Got married, seven years marriage visa. Went to Europe to work together. Returned to Thailand six years ago. Got a retirement visa. After two years decided to return to Europe to work, fours back. Came here a week ago bringing the entire household along.
Had no idea how restrictive new regulation had become, at least not to this extent.
Two years ago while undergoing surgery a thief broke into my hospital locker and stole everything, including my Bangkok Bank card.
Knee jerk reaction in recovery - block the account - and they closed it - permanently
Thus they will not reopen the account.
Some comments suggest Laos or Cambodia but I have heard these are very complicated now too.
For a retirement visa it is a possibility but, if an agent puts in the 800,000 and pulls it out again, and immigration catches wind of it, it could lead to even a worse situation. And placing 800,000 directly is as difficult as the 400,000 for marriage visa (together over twenty years, married fifteen)
A lot of comments suggest agencies - which? I would like a reliable agency that would simply open an account for a fee, and let me do the rest. Why? Because I want to save money but more importantly, keep everything above board.
The new AML regulations will not stop the criminals, who will always find ways around the obstacles. It does though create problems for "normal" people who for one reason or another have ended up in similar situations is mine.
I lived here before for about four years, doing the visa runs thing. Got married, seven years marriage visa. Went to Europe to work together. Returned to Thailand six years ago. Got a retirement visa. After two years decided to return to Europe to work, fours back. Came here a week ago bringing the entire household along.
Had no idea how restrictive new regulation had become, at least not to this extent.
Two years ago while undergoing surgery a thief broke into my hospital locker and stole everything, including my Bangkok Bank card.
Knee jerk reaction in recovery - block the account - and they closed it - permanently
Thus they will not reopen the account.
Some comments suggest Laos or Cambodia but I have heard these are very complicated now too.
For a retirement visa it is a possibility but, if an agent puts in the 800,000 and pulls it out again, and immigration catches wind of it, it could lead to even a worse situation. And placing 800,000 directly is as difficult as the 400,000 for marriage visa (together over twenty years, married fifteen)
A lot of comments suggest agencies - which? I would like a reliable agency that would simply open an account for a fee, and let me do the rest. Why? Because I want to save money but more importantly, keep everything above board.
The new AML regulations will not stop the criminals, who will always find ways around the obstacles. It does though create problems for "normal" people who for one reason or another have ended up in similar situations is mine.
John **********
@Ronn ********
the answer remains the same, go to a nearby country and get a 90 day Non-O visa then everything is easy. Laos and Vietnam deal with these regularly and it should only take a few days. Avoid Cambodia and Malaysia.Ronn *********
OPJohn I have a friend lives in Vietnam and have thought of visiting him. I have heard Laos has become quite complicated for the visa.
If rejected will I still be able to return, with my Thai wife and get a 60 (or 30) day entry on arrival?
I am a bit confused about the 90 day non-O visa thing. Some say banks can easily then open an account - yesterday krungthai (my wife's bank) said even with that they cannot open an account
If rejected will I still be able to return, with my Thai wife and get a 60 (or 30) day entry on arrival?
I am a bit confused about the 90 day non-O visa thing. Some say banks can easily then open an account - yesterday krungthai (my wife's bank) said even with that they cannot open an account
Malcolm **********
You can not open or hold a Thai bank account without a long term visa such as a non-O and if you do somehow manage (via an agent) to open the account on a tourist visa then it's very likely that it will end up getting frozen when the bank finds out you don't have a suitable visa. This is not a 'problem' with Thai banks as they are now just following international banking guidelines, just get someone on a tourist visa in your home country to try and open a bank account there and they will be refused as well.
John ********
Why a cheque
Shane *******
You need that visa to open a Thai bank account and you need that Thai bank account so you can qualify for that visa lol Thailand make it so easy for foreigners to live here don't they 😂
Phillip ******
its very simple you are here on a visa free entry. That's it, not complicated. go to an agent and get a 90 day Non-O visa (you will need to border bounce i went to Singapore for 5 hours) then you can open you Bank account, don't have an agent open it, do it yourself. remember it's 400k for marriage extension and 800k for retirement extension. make sure you tell the agent which one you intend to apply for it go's on the 90 day Non-O.
Peter *********
I would use a good agent. That's what I do. No problems
Galenus ******
Wrong visa🤡
Patrick ***********
You need a long term visa. Period
Timetobefree ****
I really wish they wouldn’t restrict the destination Thailand vases so much and would allow us to get bank accounts since they are long stay visas
John **********
@Timetobefree ***
the DTV is a tourist visaTimetobefree ****
@John *********
regardless it would be nice to be able to get a bank account with itTimetobefree ****
@John *********
I understand the rules. Just expressing an opinion.John **********
@Timetobefree ***
nobody on a tourist entry stamp can open a bank account, dictated by the Bank of Thailand
Les ********
Is this the number 1 question ?
Ronn *********
OPLes Norton The number one question is what to do
Ronn *********
OPAre any of the agencies that carry out the retirement visa option "on your behalf" reliable? I have possibilities bit fears of repercussions that risk making the problems even bigger.
Jon **********
Ronn Aldaman You won’t be able to open a bank account without a proper visa these days
Jack *****
When did it change?? It was possible for me to open bank account November 2024..with yellow and pink.??
Ronn *********
OPJack Son This year apparently
Milo *********
I have 3 bank accounts you can put money in 😆
Roger *******
No o no chance for bank account
Area *************
Spend your money to get a right visa first
Graeme *******
You have to have the right visa to open a bank account, how can you be a resident of Thailand if you don't live here and you are currently here on visa excempt.
Ronn *********
OPGraeme Drake I lived here before, twice. First seven years on a marriage visa, return,ed to Europe to work ^then back to Thailand got a retirement visa for two years - decided we wanted to work and save up more - returned to Europe 3-4 years ago - came here a week ago and had little idea how the regulations had changed compared to before
Graeme *******
Ronn Aldaman yea think a general tightening up on all cat of visas.
Francisco ****************
Go agency
Haim *******
No. You should go to main offices only. The branches have no idea how to deal with foreigners accounts.
Flo *****
Yellow book, Pink ID card..lived here before and you've never open a bank account here? 🤔🤔
Ronn *********
OPFlo Ace I was in surgery in Europe and somebody broke into my locker stealing everything in it. That included my Bangkok Bank card. Knee jerk reaction: I immediately blocked the account (two years ago) They closed it and will not reopen. Had I not been robbed I would surely still have the account as I could have fed it now and then.
Bob *****
Ronn Aldaman That's a bummer. But if you had a bank card bank account and you were gone that long it probably would have been frozen and closed by now anyway at least some people say that has happened to them.
if you had an account with them maybe try again with them?
But again you need to have the right Visa.
otherwise without an agent it's going to be impossible for you.
each branch is different though.
and you only went to six.
I only went to three or four but I had an education Visa when I'm opened mine.
if you had an account with them maybe try again with them?
But again you need to have the right Visa.
otherwise without an agent it's going to be impossible for you.
each branch is different though.
and you only went to six.
I only went to three or four but I had an education Visa when I'm opened mine.
Flo *****
Ronn Aldaman oh shit 😬😬
Michael ******
Do what I did. Go to the Thai Embassy in Vientiane Laos and get your 90 non-o there. You can do it without a bank account. Then you have to open a bank account here and get your one year extention. You didn't say what type of Non-O, but I'm on a marriage visa. I could do retirement visa, but my wife does all the grunt work for me😁
Ronn *********
OP@Michael *****
Yes marriage, as other I would have written 800,000. When did you you go through the Laos procedure? I have heard it has become very difficult there too.
Gianpaolo ******
Martin Warner of course! , you can get a non-immigrant visa without leaving Thailand, but you need to have sufficient funds in a Thai bank! If no bank wants to open an account for you, unless you're a magician or a conjurer, I find it very difficult to deposit money into an account that doesn't exist.The only solution without leaving Thailand would be to apply for a Non-Immigrant ED visa, open a Thai bank account, and then convert it to a Non-Immigrant O visa ( married with a Thai woman)! But that would cost at least 30,000–40,000 THB. At that point, it’s better to leave the country; with that money, you could get the visa *and* have a nice vacation in Laos, Vietnam, or Malaysia.
Bang **********
Stop being cheap and trying to do things yourself. I arrived on a Thursday, Visa Exempt. Friday morning I meet with a good Visa agent. First thing Monday morning the agent took me to the bank opened an account, then we went to immigration. By 3pm I had a 15 month multi entry retirement visa. Complete with a bank account and debit card. Money talks. No Money, No Honey. True with everything. Best 59,000b i ever spent.
Roy *************
just go lao and get your o visa .... dont go to the casino...i lost a fortune
Roy *************
as it has been said. ..get tge correct visa ..and bo problems .. i got my yellow book .. house.. drivong license.. pink id card...open acounts no problem .. and marriage certificates.. not a problem few days to sort everything. .. its easy if you do it the thai way ...no. visa agency no big money just a very good wife..try that way
Marie **********
Use wise and Revolut.
Chan *********
In thailand, you need an agent to do it. Agents work hand in hand with the government workers so when the agents eat, the government official doesnt have much to do other than to approve and then you get what you want. Its just their way and it helps agents get jobs.
Simon *******
Chan Saechao No you dont at all. You just walk in with the passport, visa and a deposit. It takes 20 minutes and very simple.
Pete ******
Chan Saechao Some folks choose to spend money on an agent, and that works for them. But you don't "need an agent to do it." Many people, me included, complete this process without an agent. I applied for and received my non-o visa while in my country. I came to Thailand, followed the instructions for getting my Thai phone service, my driver's license, my lease, my bank account, and my one year extension, all without an agent. I arrived here March 1 of this year. So no, in Thailand you do not need an agent.
Chan *********
Pete King no, you dont need to but you are gambling. In Thailand it depends on your government worker and if they get annoyed, trust me when I tell you that can deny just on feeling alone.
Roger *******
What about bangkok bank in New york
Robert **********
Roger Fleck they do not do retail banking like you need
Jason *************
Pay a agent , quick and easy.
Ura *******
90 Non o evisa worked for me . Retired
Lynnette *******
You've entered on a tourist visa so can't open bank account. Same like most countries. You need the non-O or other long term visa.
Chris *******
400,000THB is for a non-O marriage visa. A non-O retirement visa requires 800,000THB and you can’t open an account on a tourist visa or visa on arrival. Even with a correct visa you’ll also need a SIM registered to your passport besides the certificate of residency. I came here on a non-O retirement visa and still no bank would open an account without the SIM and certificate of residency. A non-O is only good for 90 day which gives you time to deposit the 800,000THB to season for 60 days and get your one year extension.
Will *****
Chris Burns NON O you can go off
*****
thb. Per month instead of 400,000 deposit.Chris *******
Will Den only if your country’s embassy will validate. The U.S. and my numerous EU countries will no longer validate your income.
Tudchapon ****************
Did you try to reach out Bangkok Bank Silom Branch / Kasikorn at Pahonyothin. Mention them about non residential bank account.
John *********
You are only here 60 days, what do you need a Thai bank account for?
John *********
Cheque?, get cash then use that for spendies, you won’t get a Thai bank account anymore.
GrayWal********
You need a visa to be able to open a bank account. No bank will open you a bank account on visa exemption
Jo **********
GrayWallaby8130 or be married
GrayWal********
Jo Clemente even if you are married you still need a visa to be able to open a Thai bank account
Stephen *******
Get a non o visa then you can open account
Ron **********
May have a bit of an issue getting this in-country without agent..
Stephen *******
Ron Williams agent can sort it
Christopher ********
How do you not know what the problem is…?
Ronn *********
OPChristopher Dillon Meta communication - I am seeking a solution by stating the problem
Jean-yves **********
Vous devez faire le visa avant de venir en Thaïlande ou sortir du pays et faire la demande dans un pays voisin. Une fois que vous avez votre visa aucun souci pour ouvrir compte bancaire et déposer
*****
0 bath et non *****
0.
Aslam ******
Yellow Book and Pink card? what is that?
Ronn *********
OPAslam Khan Wife has two houses, one blue book; I am registered already for many years with that address and pink card is the foreigner Thai ID card
Aslam ******
Ronn Aldaman 25 years living in Thailand and not one time somebody asked me for pink card or yellow book?
Jo *****
Ronn Aldaman you still need the right Visa to open the account, you need Non O single or multiple entry but for that you need to leave Thailand first and apply somewhere else, for example Penang..
Setiel *********
Your case should be handled in your country's embassy or consulate office before going to Thailand. Have an appropriate visa first. In your case, it should be the US Embassy.
Hans *************
Me too I had everything I need. They refuse. So it's my good luck that I will show the immigration my monthly rent of more than
*****
thb...Simon *******
Hans Eggenberger Thats not true as if you had everything you need they would have opened an account for you.....
Hans *************
Simon Lomas that is what I thinking also. They could not tell me what they missing. Just refused... 555
Ant ***********
Hans Eggenberger
Need the right Visa
Need the right Visa
Hans *************
Ant W Tailor I showed my non immigrant O I have since 12 years... Housebook..many papers. My Thai wife same me, she didn't understand why they refuse...
Lisa ******
Hans Eggenberger Did you try a different bank?
Cale *******
Hans Eggenberger if they dont feel like dealing with you they just wont allow it. They all so inconvenient.
James ********
Um , anyone say " Agent "....
Asbjørn *******
You need entering Thailand with Non im o visa.
Roy ********
Running there Immigration policy better than the EU and the UK lol anyone can come here and the government give you a bank account and put money in for you lol, joke init, can't believe these idiots running the UK
Gary *******
Roy Harmer I was thinking about going to the UK for 90 days holiday .. arrive by boat free hotels and spending money ..awesum eh 🤔😆
Alan **********
Gary Esler have a look at the eligibility for funding studies even that prioritizes immigrants and ethnic groups over people who paid into the system
Gary *******
Alan Turnbull that is so wrong, who ever is in charge needs to go 🤬
Roy ********
Gary Esler just make sure you throw your passport away and tell em you are a Muslim, good luck 🤞
Clarence *****
Try different bank and different branch.ask about their requirement. try your luck Bro. That is how I did it. But you need a 90 days Non O visa
Paul **********
Get visa first
Shawn ********
Why do you need to put 400,000 in the bank if you're on a tourist visa? This is only relevant and applicable AFTER you apply for a the Non-Immigrant O Family visa, and have received your 90 day application period stamp on entry. You have things in the wrong order. Go get your Non-Immigrant rolling.
Ronn *********
OPI have heard Laos only deals with online requests, takes ten or so days and consequently means the applicant must remain in Laos until the decision is made to grant, or not
Shawn ********
Ronn Aldaman Yes, the online application is far easier than doing so in person, attempting to convert a tourist visa to a Non-O at immigration requires much more documentation and is fraught with intentional obstacles. I believe hiring an agent is the only way to process this approach.
As for Laos, you apply once you are in country - mine took 7 days to complete, it would have been 3-4 had it not been during a holiday. It’s by far the easiest method to get you on track. Laos is cheap, well worth the expense and time in my experience.
As for Laos, you apply once you are in country - mine took 7 days to complete, it would have been 3-4 had it not been during a holiday. It’s by far the easiest method to get you on track. Laos is cheap, well worth the expense and time in my experience.
Graham ******
Shawn Sheely The money is needed for the initial 90 day Non-O in country issued visa (the OP is already in Thailand or he would not have been refused a bank account 6 times)
Shawn ********
Right. You have to leave and come back. Laos is the best option.
Gamie *********
Yes I’ve given up with it all , just come for 2 months each time from uk
Roger *********
Gamie Lacoste yeah sadly it's gotten that way, only a week or so ago I applied in UK via Thai E Visa app as is now the norm to get a 90 day Non immigrant O as I have a Thai spouse in Thailand, after a week of trying everyday and stressed to fuck couldn't even get past the personal details and constant bombardment of Capchas I've given up and going the same way as I've gone for the past 3 trips on the Visa Exemption, will still get 60 days at Suvarnabhumi provided the Royal Gazette don't appear before the 13th of this month then a 30 day extension at my local Immigration office once there, not a bother, may take the missus to 'Nam to live in the New Year, Thailand has shot itself in the foot !
Shame ' Big Joke ' not the Immigration Head Honcho anymore !
Shame ' Big Joke ' not the Immigration Head Honcho anymore !
Graham ******
Gamie Lacoste Why don't you get a Non-O before travelling if you qualify?
Gamie *********
Graham Seal what is it
Lynnette *******
Gamie Lacoste Non-O is the visa for 90 days and can open bank account.
Robert ************
Why don’t you go to Hong Kong and open account there? Those banks are very bad in Thailand.Wise can give you Thai Iban number.
Nongnuch ********
Robert Twardowski the 400,000 Baht deposit needs to be on a Thai bank account. An account in Hongkong won't get him anywhere
Robert ************
Nongnuch Kamdee try wise account. I can send you sign up link.
Ronn *********
OPme too
Graham ******
Nongnuch Kamdee it'll get him to HK 555
TruthfulCr***********
Robert Twardowski
Drivel.
Nobody on the planet has a Thai IBAN number because Thailand uses SWIFT.
And you cannot get a Thai SWIFT number with WISE either, although it's possible that might change soon, I dunno. It's all wait and see.
Drivel.
Nobody on the planet has a Thai IBAN number because Thailand uses SWIFT.
And you cannot get a Thai SWIFT number with WISE either, although it's possible that might change soon, I dunno. It's all wait and see.
Dave ********
Should have applied before you arrived
Ronn *********
OPDave Nichol Obviously. t that is not the situation we are now in. Lived in Thailand before for seven years married to Thai wife. Left. Returned and got a retirement visa for two years. Decided to return to Europe to work four more years. had no idea how difficult the new restrictions were.
Lisa ******
Which visa are you trying to deposit for?
Ronn *********
OP@Lisa *****
non-O 90 day marriage (15 years) lived in Thailand before, twice, once marriage then ratirement. Returned to Europe to work a few more years - had not realized to what extent the regulations had changed
Knowledgeabl************
Krungasi no problem
Björn **********
Not that my question helps, but why did you not apply for a real Visa before leaving? Non O-A or Non O?
You seem to meet the financial requirements so what was the problem?
I do it every year. Takes some hours work to collect the documents needed and maybe about $400 in total to get the Visa.
You seem to meet the financial requirements so what was the problem?
I do it every year. Takes some hours work to collect the documents needed and maybe about $400 in total to get the Visa.
Nongnuch ********
Björn Nordberg the e-visa costs a fee of 70.- Euros or $75 USD. And the 1-year extension of the stay permit costs a fee of 1900 Baht. I have no idea what you paid $400 USD for.
Stan ******
Björn Nordberg all true but my non-o visa was only $75. From USA 🤷
Lisa ******
Stan Kamp Non-oa is $200 from the US as well.
Will *****
£60 in UK. I applied to the Thai Embassy London. Waiting on non o marriage visa today.
BronzeF*******
Have you tried getting a referral letter from the local immigration office?
Nongnuch ********
BronzeFrog1926 he got the letter from Immigration, but without the correct longterm visa, the letter is worthless
BronzeF*******
Nongnuch Kamdee i must have misunderstood the post then
Mario **********
400.000 ? I always thought about 800.000
Maria *************
Mario Zambotti married to thai is 400,000
Richard ********
400k is the Non O visa for marriage to Thai National, 800k is Non O for Retirement extension
Ant ***********
Mario Zambotti it is 800K
Perhaps he has a Thai wife , In which case only 400K is needed on a Non-O
Perhaps he has a Thai wife , In which case only 400K is needed on a Non-O
Muri *****
If you have all this Docs , question is ,why you don't have a bank acount from before....very Strange...pay an agent
Ronn *********
OPMuri Max That's an interesting point. I did have a Bangkok Bank account. A simple account. While undergoing surgery in Europe somebody broke into my locker and stole everything, including initial Thai pink ID and bank card etc.
I had to contact the bank to block the account. They completely closed it. Otherwise I would still have been able to feed the account the last two years and keep it open.
I had to contact the bank to block the account. They completely closed it. Otherwise I would still have been able to feed the account the last two years and keep it open.
Muri *****
Ronn Aldaman stole Card --hotline they Block card-not AC--i HV BKK bank since 30 years, i lost Card too ,Just a call but they only Block Card . Maybe you leave No Minimum in book , that's why 2000+ yearly CC Card or ATM fee.....today Bad luck use Agent and pay,If Not to difficult
Ryan *********
Opening a bank account in Thailand is harder than getting a Thai Passport 😂
Simon *******
Ryan Sanders No it is not. Its very very simple.
Lynnette *******
Ryan Sanders it's not. You just need correct visa. Like in USA or UK, tourist can't open bank account.
Mat *********
With visa exempt enrty cou can not open an account
Sujy *********
An agent can help you open a bank account for a fee.
Simon *******
Sujy Sujaree You do not need one. Just walk in with passport, visa and deposit. 15 to 20 minutes and account open and they make the bank card in the banks for you on the spot. Very simple.
Sujy *********
Simon Lomas You do if you are on visa exempt or tourist visa.
John **********
Sujy Sujaree nothing is free in this world
Sujy *********
@John *********
Nobody said free.Maria *************
Sujy Sujaree and then the person take the risk of having it closed down...but guess you forgot to mention that
Sujy *********
Maria Fredriksson There is no such thing except with Bangkok Bank, in which the agent will not deal with them. An agent deal with a branch and bank location in which he has contact with.
Nongnuch ********
Sujy Sujaree Because there are not tens-of-thousands of foreigners who bought the bribery service from an agent
Sujy *********
Nongnuch Kamdee So you agree with me that: "An agent can help you open a bank account for a fee". You hallucinated things that I never said, like that you can open a bank account on tourist visa without agent. Not a single person said that. Or that it's not bribery, nobody ever said that it's not. It you pay a fee (premium) for a service with agent, there always bribery involve. My reason pushing back is that Maria lied about account being closed, which you confirmed that my statement was correct. So you agree with me all along. So I don't know why you commented.
Nongnuch ********
Sujy Sujaree you information is outdated. Since the introduction of new banking rules in February 2025, you cannot get a bank account opened anymore on a touristic entry. There are SOME agents who offer very pricey services so the bank manager and Immigration ignore the violation of the rules. If you advise to use an agent, you should also tell the applicant that this option is only possible because the people who decide over it do support corruption
Sujy *********
Maria Fredriksson I'm gonna give you some slack in the name of Roxette. But geez, You didn't have to double down. That's how it work. Tens of housands of foreigners here in Thailand have Bank account open with agent. The issue is strictly with Bangkok Bank due to the mule account scandal which they only took action due to Chinese being caught in the crossfire. There no universe where you know anything about what I just mentioned.
Maria *************
Sujy Sujaree "contact with" and then that person leaves the bank...
Nigel *********
Just go see a visa agent
Ant ***********
You’ve answered your own question of sorts
You cannot open a Thai bank account without a suitable visa
Visa Exempt = not suitable
You cannot open a Thai bank account without a suitable visa
Visa Exempt = not suitable
Paddy *****
Ant W Tailor Visa exempt means no visa 😂
Erik ******
Paddy Kan just what he said 🤔🙈
John **********
It makes no difference what documents you have if you don't hold a visa that allows you to open a bank account. It's not possible to open one on a tourist visa or a visa exempt entry, you'll need to leave Thailand and apply for a relevant Non-O visa, return to Thailand, open the bank account and deposit the required funds, and once they've been in the account for 2 months apply for the 12 months extension of stay
Rob *****
@John *********
How do I apply to leave Thailand? And what documents do I need?Gianpaolo ******
@John *********
The only solution without leaving Thailand would be to apply for a Non-Immigrant ED visa, open a Thai bank account, and then convert it to a Non-Immigrant O visa ( married to with Thai woman)! But that would cost at least 30,000–40,000 THB. At that point, it’s better to leave the country; with that money, you could get the visa *and* have a nice vacation in Laos, Vietnam, or Malaysia.
André ****
@John *********
or use an agent. With a fee of course.Jo **********
@John *********
if your legally married to a Thai you can I did receoon that basis
Martin ********
@John *********
you can apply for the 90 day non-O in Thailand. No need to leave Thailand.Rob *****
Martin Warner how do plz
John **********
@Martin *******
not if you don't have a Thai bank account you can't unless your embassy in Thailand still provide an income certificate
Ivan ************
Bob Fom I see further down you say you opened it on an Ed visa which is a non immigrant visa. John is saying you can't open on a tourist entry, need to get a non immigrant visa to do it. You opened on a non immigrant visa. So there is no conflict here.
Ivan ************
Bob if you successfully opened a bank account recently on a tourist entry (maybe using a specific agent?) it would be helpful if you told OP how you did it. I don't see the point of this sort of comment claiming it is possible if you give no details as to how.
Bob *****
@John *********
so how old was it that I managed to do that then John?here's the problem when people post this stuff. you think it's just your way that you know. this is Thailand there are many ways.
you're giving poor advice.
André ****
@John *********
some agents can take care of everything without having to leave thailand.
JoyfulPer**********
@John *********
THIS
Patrick ******
@John *********
Exactly!Activity
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