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Will my 90-day visa make it easier to open a bank account in Thailand, and what documents do I need?
Feb 25, 2025
a year ago
Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTERJust had my 90 day Visa approved online at the Thai Embassy London. Online form was very simple and the cost was £60.00. It did take two weeks to approve though. Will having this make it easier to open a bank account and what other supporting documents would I need?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares that their 90-day visa was approved online and inquires about the ease of opening a bank account with this visa. Various comments provide insights, suggesting that while a 90-day visa may allow for opening an account, it is recommended to have a residency certificate from immigration and a long-term rental contract. The recent changes in regulations related to anti-money laundering have complicated the process, making it potentially more challenging to open a bank account. Overall, the community advises gathering necessary documentation to improve the chances of successfully opening an account.
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Joe **********
Just go to Vietnam, they don't want us here and they are blatantly obvious about it. We should all just pack up and leave taking our money with us!
Joe **********
@Tim ********
Glad you've taken my advice good luck!Tim *********
@Joe *********
I was waking goodbye to you on your way to Vietnam. Good luck thereReply to
Tim *********
Reply
Matthew *********
Vietnam is looking better everyday
Philip *******
Rent a condo for 3 months minimum get the TM30 lodged by landlord Real estate agent. Then get to immigration for their residence certificate then to bank
Sean **********
Yes.
Nelly ******
Everything changed on 17th. So anyone saying a few weeks ago is as I'm sure you imagine out of date. I did it last week but I used an agent as I'm getting my retirement visa. Doing on a 90 should be possible but who knows. Only someone who's done it since 17th. It was always hard. It will be harder now....
Tony **********
@Nelly *****
problem only for those on tourist visa or visa exempt. Non-o or other long term (not including DTV) will be no problem.Nelly ******
@Tony *********
and you know this how?Tony **********
@Nelly *****
because of the financial requirements of those visas and because Thailand wants their residents to keep their money in ฿.Things have gotten tighter to clamp down in money laundering. Bank accounts that sit idle for looking periods are ripe for identity their and fraud because no one is looking at them.
Nelly ******
@Tony *********
and you know this how? How many do you know? As I personally tried 3 times on 17th. My friend tried 3 times a separate places. So your examples are....no problem for the people you know or you are guessingTony **********
@Nelly *****
I've not heard of anyone being declined a bank account here in hua Hin who have a valid non-o, a residency certificate and copies of their passport pages ... Don't know where you're located, but Bangkok bank here is quite accommodating. I'm told (but don't know from experience) that immigration will issue a letter to the bank if you request it at the time of obtaining your residency certificate. What type of visa are you on?Nelly ******
@Tony *********
since the 17th? how many?Tony **********
@Nelly *****
I don't know. Get prepared and go try it.Fred ******
@Tony *********
Best option! A property developer here once told be don't pay too much attention to what you read in these forums. Just go and find out what the requirements are and give them what they want. One of the better bits of advice I have received. I have always been able to get what I need done.Nelly ******
@Tony *********
excellent useless information based on what it used to be....🙄Reply to
Nelly ******
Reply
Calvin ******
I’m confused how everybody is saying you’ll be able to open on a 90 day visa when the DTV holders (albeit a tourist visa still) is for 5 years and having trouble all around Thailand due to the new thing that come into place with regards to AML a few weeks ago. I think you’ll struggle to open one.
Tony **********
@Calvin *****
note that DTV is still a tourist visa. It basically means you are expected to be transient, not a resident.Calvin ******
@Tony *********
yup, I misunderstood between the 90 day tourist visa and the Non-O mateReply to
Calvin ******
Reply
Tim *********
It's because the visa is Non-Imm O for Retirement. Initially issued for 90 days, but with a specific view to using that time to find a home address, open a bank account and allow the money to sit for 2 months, before applying for a 12 month extention.
Calvin ******
@Tim ********
AHHH! Ok, that makes Complete sense. Maybe I should read better 🤦♂️Tim *********
@Calvin *****
I only know it because I'm on it!Reply to
Tim *********
Reply
Jim ***********
What's requirements from UK? Reason asking is my O visa due renewal soon and bank won't give me letter state 12 months foreign transfers as wasn't branch opened account originally. Going UK soon may let expire apply new visa there .
Tim *********
@Jim **********
Jim, starting again in the UK with a new 90 day visa, still means you have to have 800k in a Thai bank for 2 months before they will issue a 12 month exemption. I sympathise with the problem of not being able to use the monthly income option. I strongly advise you seek help from an agent to get your renewalJim ***********
@Tim ********
can I show UK bank account? I moved 800k from here to UK ages agoTim *********
@Jim **********
No it has to be in a Thai bankReply to
Tim *********
Reply
Graham ******
@Jim **********
What do you mean by "as wasn't branch opened account originally" - do you mean you requested it at another branch? If this was for your first 12 month extension then you cannot use the 65k transfer method anyway, you must have 800k seasoned for 2 months as the British Embassy does not issue the income affidavit.Jim ***********
@Graham *****
on 3rd year extension. Last 2 years no issues. Opened bank account pattaya years ago live Hua Hin nowReply to
Jim ***********
Reply
David **********
Go to immigration and get a residency certificate and ask for a letter to open a bank account go to the bank and open it I did this 3 weeks ago
Sue **********
If you have a longterm rental contract make a copy and take it with you, bankd just want to be sure you‘re longterm resident
Tony **********
Should be no problem. You will need a residency certificate from immigration specifically for opening a bank account. Bring copies of your passport pages, dress like you6r on business and your won't have any problem.
Sean **********
@Tony *********
I went dressed like a golfer . No problem. Golf shorts and golf shirt.Tony **********
@Sean *********
just trying to increase the odds. Showing respect here usually gets you respect.Reply to
Tony **********
Reply
John **********
You should be OK opening the bank account but the bank may want to see a residence certificate from immigration
Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
Cool. I will get a a Tm30 from my landlord. I take it I’ll need passport. Is there anything else?Jamie ******
@Lester ********
hello .what was the procedure on the online application from uk ..I’m scared to open any link to see what’s actually involved before I apply ,,,not that I’m hiding anything ,,just want to be prepared for when I do actually apply.I have the money ,,what else are they asking ..and did you need to change anything or did they ask for more documentation ,,evidence etcetc hence the wait for 2 weeks
Thanks
Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamie *****
Hi. The requirements were quite simple really. Mine was a Non O Visa for over 50s retirement and needed Proof of residency in UK. Proof of income or savings in UK bank account. Address of where you are staying in Thailand. Biodata on passport. Flight numbers. Not much reallyJamie ******
@Lester ********
thank you ..what was the options for proof of residency Drivers license ? Was there an option n flight numbers for a single flight only to Thailand
Thanks
Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jamie *****
I gave my girlfriends address but you have options of private residency or hotel etc. flights asked for return flight numbers but I hadn’t booked the flights at the time of application, just got the flight numbers based on leaving after 90 days. Drivers Licence has your address on it so that’s okJamie ******
@Lester ********
ok thanks for your time with regards opening a bank like most things in Thailand it all depends which bank manager or assistant your talking to and also the shifting sands of rules which can change in the blink of an eye ,,but like most things with patience you will be able to open and a bit of leg workReply to
Jamie ******
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Lester ********
. . . . the bank will most obviously ask you for a Thai mobile number that is registered in your name, and insist you download their onlinebanking AppRuss ******
@Nongnuch *******
Just buy a $10 usd eSim which operates under a Thai network to activate a local Thai phone number and hence Thai bank app. First time only and then your original country SIM number will open the bank app subsequently. My bank is Krungthai.Nongnuch ********
banks have been advised by Thai government to check if Apps and accounts are connected to a SIM that is actually registered under the account holders name. The deadline is April 30th. It was in the news two weeks ago. BEWARE!
Tom *******
@Nongnuch *******
hi when applying for non o from London, about accommodation should I book room or would a copy of my partners house book be OK other then that looks very straightforward, thanksNongnuch ********
@Tom ******
actually your choice. I would see a hotel booking easier, because after submitting the application, you can cancel itLester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
Thanks I have all of that. I understand that it’s getting more and more complicated to open accounts so I’m just trying to be fully loaded with as many relevant documents as possibleNongnuch ********
@Lester ********
yep . .like Mr. Stanners mentioned, you need the "certificate of residence" from Immigration, stating precisely it is for opening a bank account. This certificate will be valid for use for 4 weeks. It also helps if you are accompanied by a Thai friend. And it helps when you say that you come with a grand wad of cash 850,000 THB to be depositedLester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
but you can’t get that until you have done your first 90 day report, that means I would have to extend my stayGraham ******
@Lester ********
the 90 day report thing which was for Bangkok is now historyTony **********
@Lester ********
without an agent, you won't be able to open an account on any type of tourist visa or visa exempt.Lester *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tony *********
I’m not on a tourist visa or visa exempt. My post says I’m on a non O over 50s retirement visaTony **********
@Lester ********
okay, good. With all the varying replies must have lost that fact along the way ...John **********
@Lester ********
that's not the case any longer. You can just go and get the residence certificateNongnuch ********
@John *********
. is what I am sayingNongnuch ********
@Lester ********
this only applies to SOME Immigrations. There are 85 Immigration offices in Thailand. . . . and that's EXACTLY why I in my comments above, suggested to use an agent. They can circumvent the required COR when opening a bank account for you. The agent is really worth the 5000 THB you need for the bank account openingReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Graham ******
@Lester ********
You may need copies of every entry stamp in your passport (you will definitely need a copy of your current entry stamp)Peter ****************
@Lester ********
To be sure: TM30 is not the same as a Residence Certificate. Good luck !John **********
@Lester ********
can't actually remember but I think you may also need a photoReply to
John **********
Reply
Stephen ********
I opened a Bangkok bank account a couple of weeks ago on a visa exemption. I own a property here and that was how I was able to open an account. The bank told me you have to be on a retirement visa to normally open an account.
I think you will be ok if you have the 90 day visa
I think you will be ok if you have the 90 day visa
Steve ********
@Stephen *******
glad you got it done, but this is what’s causing all the bank issues right now. Foreigners on visa exempt and tourist visas are not allowed to open bank account. It’s how all this money laundering is being done. Got the banks scared and many are not opening accounts for foreigners regardless of the type of visa. This is not anything against you.
Fred ******
@Steve *******
As you know the source of the problem is Money Laundering. One issue is that Thai people in general and senior political/management specifically are very xenophobic.So, there are likely many more Thai people opening accounts for the use of 3rd parties than there are foreigners. However, the target will always be foreigners. The education system also supresses rational thought so the result is ridiculous over-reaction and rules. A good example is not being able to sell alcohol between certain hours as a solution to youth alcohol abuse.
Liam ***********
@Fred *****
yes off topic but I went to a pizza restaurant and ordered a cold beer with my pizza,sat down next to a lady with a bottle of beer,w as tier comes to me ,sorry sir cannot serve you beer now ,time 215 pm,I said lady here is drinking beer why can’t I drink,she ordered her meal and beer before 2 pm,unrealSteve ********
@Fred *****
oh yes, 100%. That alcohol ban is decades old and defies logic. I know there’s push in government to change that.Fred ******
@Steve *******
Yes, I read about this also, however, I wouldn't hold my breath. The insane thing is while you may not be able to buy at 7-11, Big C, Lotus etc., you can just go next door to one of the mom and pop shops and buy what you want.Juan ********
Steve ********
@Juan *******
and it doesn’t help matters when banks are allowing tourists to open bank accounts.Nongnuch ********
@Juan *******
a Canuck with a sense for realityReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Stephen ********
@Steve *******
like I said I own a property and am allowed to open an account legally. The banks and agents together have caused the current problems but I’m sure it will improveSteve ********
@Stephen *******
ahhhhhReply to
Steve ********
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