@Clifton **********

Interesting. In Jomtien, Immigration had me come back later the same day to collect the document. No mailing or long waiting.

@Doug *******

I've happily had a Bangkok Bank account for over five years, but found some of their recent policy changes a little worrisome and/or annoying.

So I opened my new account in Pattaya Central Festival Kasikorn Bank. I have a one year extension of stay based on retirement. ("O," not "O/A)." I got a residence certificate from Jomtien Immigration first, before going to the bank.

It took less than an hour to open a standard savings account, and I left with book, working debit card and ap/promptpay set up and tested on my phone. No agent involved.

Again, I'm not anti-agent when needed, but I don't see how using one would have helped even a little bit in this particular situation.

They were very happy to do it. Honestly, I think Kasikorn is a little gleeful because they are aware they are rapidly gaining a lot of ex-Bangkok Bank customers.

@Stuart ********

I opened a new Kasikorn account about three weeks ago. So easy and quick. Finding a pen to fill out the form at immigration was the biggest problem I faced.

I'm not one of those anti-agent guys. I will use them no problem if I see a benefit. But in this case, I just can't imagine how an agent would have made the experience quicker, easier, or cheaper.

@Wayne *****

Agent of little help if you have non O. You can do everything yourself very quick and easy.

What part would an agent make easier?

@Ken ******

You SHOULD be fine. Just visit the branch as requested by the bank. Provide the verification they request.

But of course, everyone on this thread, including me, is merely speculating. It's up to your bank.

@Nongnuch *******

Yes, I was speaking imprecisely about the visa. I have an extension of stay, not an O/A.

@Nongnuch *******

😳🙄

@Tony ****

I opened one 2-3 weeks ago in Pattaya Central Festival Kasikorn. I have a one year non-o retirement visa. Got a residence certificate from Jomtien Immigration first.

Took less than an hour to open a standard savings account, and I left with book, working debit card and ap/promptpay set up and tested on my phone. No agent involved.

I'm not anti-agent when needed, but I don't see how using one would have helped even a little bit in this particular situation.

They were very happy to do it. Honestly, I think they are a little gleeful because they are aware they are gaining a lot of ex-Bangkok Bank customers.

Speaking on the basis of my personal experience as an expat here:

Bangkok Bank used to be among the best but a recent flurry of inexplicable policy changes has removed them from my favorites list.

I now recommend Kasikorn as the best choice.

Just do it. There is some level of risk in everything, including merely crossing a street. Or cowering in your hotel room.

Use your common sense and never let anyone keep your original anything, and you should be just fine.