@Đl ****

that's just not true I've opened bank accounts on tourist visas and I know many other people who have also. I used to be in the real estate business in Phuket and all my clients were just tourists who bought property but they had no problems at all in opening residential bank accounts with online banking facilities.

@Đl ****

yes I understand that. I walked off the street into Kasikorn with my passport and got a Thai residential savings account as I did with SCB and Kasikorn and not once in 15 years of having retirement extensions have I ever been asked whether it's a residential or non-residential account. In fact I currently use a foreign currency account from Krungsri with an address in Thailand to support funds for my Visa. So I don't understand why Scot is saying he could only get a non-residential account for his Visa.

@Scot ******

I got my Non O Visa with a Thai bank account with a residential address in Thailand and it's been working that way for the last 15 years.

@Đl ****

why would anyone want that?

@Scot ******

if you go the lump sum route the only requirement is that you show a statement from a Thai Bank showing that amount of 800k over 3 months prior to the initial application. They don't ask where the money came from. It could come from overseas or indeed it could come from another Thai bank account.

@Scot ******

well it didn't for me. My money came from earnings in Thailand.

@Scot ******

what is your situation? You are living in Thailand on a retirement Visa so you need a bank account with your address in Thailand. It's very simple. What other situation would there be? I would also advise you to open an account with Kasikorn and you will be able to get a K-Bank virtual debit card.

@Scot ******

I also have accounts with SCB and Kasikorn and there's no mention of whether it's resident or non-resident. I live in Thailand on a retirement Visa like you. And I use the account for immigration purposes.

@Scot ******

well what can I say. I have a Thai savings account with Krungsri with an online banking app and an ATM debit card. Happy days! 😀

@Scot ******

I still don't understand this non-resident status. All foreigners in Thailand are non resident unless you have permanent residency and I've met three people in 25 years who have that.