Doug Powell you were claiming it’s now more difficult to open an account holding a Non-O. It’s not, no change to those on long stay visas. Your claim was then, and still is now, false. No change for long term visa holders.

@Doug *******

it was posted last week. Stop spouting misinformation. Agents can open accounts for those on tourist visas.

@Ally ***********

you won’t be getting anything authenticated at the British Embassy. If Thai authorities require documents issued outside of Thailand to be authenticated. The only UK authority permitted to provide this service is the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

@Joshua **********

nope, the law change was to make banks financially responsible for customer losses due to fraudulent activity. The BOT as regulatory overseer requested a tightening of AML/KYC by the commercial banks. The banks in turn amended their own internal policies which effectively prevents now account openings for people without long term visas. As I stated there is no Thai law that prevents a tourist from opening a bank account, it is internal bank policy that prevents it.

@Joshua **********

it is not illegal. There is no Thai law that prohibits opening a bank account on a tourist visa. It is current bank policy.

@Doug *******

From Grace Thai Visa Centre

@everyone

⚠️ Bank Account Opening Misinformation ⚠️

There has been a lot of confusion in this group, with some people claiming our agency cannot help retirees on a Tourist Visa or Exempt Entry open a bank account.

This is NOT correct. We regularly assist retirees with bank account openings in Thailand, provided they intend to apply for a Non-O visa. Also there is no need to leave the country for this process.

While some agencies may not offer this service, we do.

Currently, we offer this service only in Bangkok, and the process typically takes just 1–2 days.

If you are outside of Bangkok, you can make a short trip to the city to complete the process.

@Doug *******

facts hurt you?

@Doug *******

you need to use better connected agents, it’s bread and butter business for them here in Pattaya.

@Chris *********

wrong. A Non-O visa gives a 90 day entry stay. That visa is the marriage/retirement visa. Once you hold the Non-O visa you can then apply for a 1 year extension of stay. Not a visa, an extension of stay stamp.

@Chris *********

agents can assist.