Dghart001

New Application

Just to add a datapoint on processing times... I applied for the ESE 20 year on August 8th...was just approved this morning. Seems they are pushing these through quickly. I have 30 days to pay.

Just a follow up from OP: I managed to open a BB account in Hua Hin with the help of a local law firm (David Martin at Legal Services Hua Hin). Had to buy insurance for 5900B. Thanks for everyone's replies here!

OP here...if I exit thailand to a neighboring country to get a non-O, what country would be best? Seems having a non-O would help this situation. Is it really difficult to get one in another Asian country?

All 3 banks told me that the government made a new policy about 2 months ago telling them "Do not open any accounts for foreigners on tourist visas"...they are afraid so it must be serious. I told the guy at BB I would pay for the 5k insurance and he said they cant. I have a feeling this is a backlash for the recent shenanigans of some russian/chinese criminal elements that we have been reading about in the Bangkok Post the last couple months.

So just a status update: Both kasikorn and bangkok bank said no way on a tourist...need work permit or buy a condo. Bangkok Bank at emporium said i need non-o. Thai visa centre is now charging 15000 baht to open an account, and Siam legal is not doing them at all. Guess I will need to leave and get a non-o. Let me know if anyone has an agent that can still help. Thanks for all of your excellent comments!

Yes good advice.

Thanks...I guess I am just curious if anyone knows of an agent or legal firm that will still open an account for me for a fee.

Yeah 1 month airbnb but will get 12 month lease.

I don't mind paying 5k or so to open one...just a bit surprised that not even Siam Legal is doing it anymore.

So I have just arrived on a 60 day tourist visa, and am planning to apply for the retirement visa. I need to open a bank account to transfer the 800,000 baht, but it seems that as of about a month ago banks are downright refusing to open accounts for foreigners on a tourist visa. I contacted Siam Legal to pay the fee, but it seems they wont even do it now. Instead they are saying I need to pay 38000 for their retirement visa package which includes the account. Does anyone now of any other bangkok based agent that can still open an account? I suppose I can fall back on the Siam legal option, but it seems excessive to pay the extra money for something I feel I can do myself. Thanks for any info!