✨ Successfully Opened a Thai Bank Account without Agent or Insurance ✨

(Your experience may vary.)

I just want to share my experience opening a Thai bank account without needing an agent or insurance, after running around to 10 different branches in Bangkok and Chiang Mai (since I was traveling around anyway). I’ve included a picture as proof, though I’ve hidden personal details for privacy. Hopefully, this helps some of you—though keep in mind, it may not work the same for everyone, depending on when and where you try. Good luck! 🍀

Branch: Bangkok Bank (Central Festival Chiang Mai)

Banker: When I went, there were two bankers—one male, one female. I chose the male banker without glasses. (Sorry I was too happy and forgotten to write down his name). I’m not sure if other bankers are as tourist/customer-friendly as the one who helped me.

Tips:

* Present yourself well—I avoided wearing a t-shirt, shorts, or slippers.

* Be really polite and pleasant

* I also mentioned I wanted to deposit 10,000 THB.

Documents I Brought:

* Passport with DTV Visa

* TM30

* Rental lease (for proof of address)

* Thai SIM card (for OTPs) -I already have this number for some time now.

* I also had a Thai driving license I got years ago on a 30-day visa-exempt, though I’m unsure if it helped my case.

* I brought the bank statements (I showed for DTV application) to proof I have more than enough funds to support myself in Thailand (Again, I do not know if this helps, but since I already have those documents printed as extra copies for DTV, I just show to the banker too)

I hope this helps others navigating the process! All the best.

Hi Ho, this is not a Visa question. This is a bank question. Does anyone know how I can get a bank account in Pattaya at a good price? I have been quoted 10,500 for opening a bank account. Surely there must be someone who is cheaper than thisI am I am a UK citizen. I have a new 30 day stamp for Visa. I just want to open an account so I can put money in when I go back to England so I can get my retirement Visa

Thinking of moving to Thailand with thai wife and 7 Yr old son,they have joint uk thai passports,have new built home in thai, thinking of best no hassle visa best for me,be travelling bk and forth UK as business interests,be over in Jan for cpl was was wanting sort something out to open bank acc when over,

𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐎 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐚-𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭

I would like to ask some questions about getting a Non-O retirement visa from local Thai immigration, probably in Hua Hin or Bangkok, while in Thailand on a visa-exempt entry:

1. Does the 800,000 THB bank deposit need to be 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥 by at least two months for the initial 90-day Non-O visa as well or does that only apply to the subsequent one year extensions, but not to the initial 90-day Non-O visa?

2. I know that the 800,000 THB bank deposit needs to be 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘪, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 for the subsequent one year extensions. Does this also apply for the initial 90-day Non-O visa or would a deposit in a non-Thai bank outside Thailand also be acceptable for this?

3. If not, then how would I open a bank account in Thailand for this if doing so without a long-term visa is apparently very difficult, but I would need this bank account to get the long-term visa?

4. Is it also possible to get the initial 90-day Non-O visa in any of the neighboring countries in South East Asia without being a permanent resident there and would the answers to question 1 and 2 above be different there? If so, what would be the best locations for this?

Thank you!

Tod / Ron.

If this not related to this site please delete.

Due to the current charges with my existing bank I decided to change banks,

I visited almost all high street banks,

In Khon Kaen and was told the same thing no work permit then I can't open a bank account,

I explained I was on a non0 extension based on being over 50,

This made no difference to any of the banks, repeat no work permit no account.

The only way round this as I have been told by several banks, is to have a Thai person garantour, this is a form the Thai person fills out to confirm your address, (I think it is for more than that)

I was also told by several banks the reason as to why this has become more strict. We have had problems with farang, one even mentioned a nationality, which for obvious reasons I will keep to myself.

The good news was uob Bank Thailand allowed me to open an account with them with just my passport and Thai driving licence as proof of my address,

I understand this is not exactly Visa related, but it may be an issue for people wishing to do their extension inside Thailand and having to have

Proof of financials.