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

Question

11/Apr/2025 I just went to Bangkok Bank in Ratchaburi province to attempt to open a bank account. The bank employee had 100 reasons for denying me and no reasons to help me. The biggest hurdle I was unable to jump over. It was…my visa had to state “retirement” in my passport. Well, I have a Non-O marriage visa and it doesn’t state “retirement”. My Thai wife and I both looked at each other and decided it was hopeless.
We went to Krungthai bank and they rolled out the red carpet for us. They were looking for reasons to help us. Smooth sailing at Krungthai.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user had a difficult experience attempting to open a bank account at Bangkok Bank in Ratchaburi due to a requirement that their visa state 'retirement', which their Non-O marriage visa did not. After facing refusal, they successfully opened an account at Krungthai Bank. The comments from other users shared similar frustrations and offered advice, indicating inconsistencies among bank employees and suggesting perseverance in finding assistance at various branches.

Julian ******* · Answer

Bangkok bank low me to transfer larger amounts with wise than Krung Thai bank

John ********** · Answer

when i go to the Bangkok bank at the ringping they refuse to let me open a account..i go to the Bangkok bank near my house at the same day...no problem...

Jo ********** · Answer

SCB is wonderful their APP is amazing

Von *********** · Answer

Employee BIAS is a real thing, maybe their friend or cousin had a romantic connection with a FARANG that went sour and so now they make it their mission to pay back any Farang they cross paths with in their capacity at the bank.

TIT.

TIT.

John ********* · Answer

Hicksville …go to Bangkok, it’s all possible or not but I know a few who have opened savings accounts recently.

Always need perseverance in Thailand.

SCB or KBank can be productive, you definitely need a Thai mobile registered to your address, just tell them you are making a large deposit, only speak to the branch manager, waste of time dealing with gatekeepers.

There’s no hard and fast rule here but a lot of westerners will say it’s not possible.

Keep us posted when you hit the promised land.👌🤞

Bent ************* · Answer

In banks, in immigration everything depends on the employe you deal with!

Leng ***** · Answer

Pretty much the attitude of their EE. Nothing to do with the bank regardless.

Jesper ******* · Answer

Congrats on your success well that's the way to do it keep trying until some bank allows u.....even the sane bank but different branches can have different out come....I recently just opened one with SCB with non O 1yr extension and my thai driving licence noting else and it does help if u can speak thai they believe u are here long enough to have one

Lloyd ********* · Answer

It's not always the bank per se, but their employees. It's often too difficult for them to comprehend so it's easier just to say "cannot".

I opened a BBK account on an OA visa ok and use their app daily, QR, Prompt pay etc, but cannot pay PEA or AIS prepay with it, minor inconvenience.

Lion ***************************** · Answer

even branches of the same bank have different 'understandings' of the rules!  Just keep trying different banks and  different branches till one says yes!.. just like you did !  well done.👍

Hoffman ****** · Answer

Use a agent less hassle

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

Activity

Related

Resources