Opening a bank account

[Aussie999]

My mate is on a 60 day visa free, will extend to 90 days, with possible conversion to Non O Retirement, while visa free can he open a bank account, Kasikorn has said no.

[Tropicalevo]

I have heard that Bangkok Bank sometimes say yes.

Friend of a friend managed to open one.

You may have to try in a couple of different branches though.

[CharlieH]

MOVED to Banking

[oldcpu]

There was a time when opening a bank account with a visa exempt was possible (ie 9 years ago).  I did so in 2016 at a Bangkok Bank branch in Phuket town (although it wasn't easy, as UOB, SCB, K-Bank and Krungsri all refused then to let me open a bank account when Visa exempt). .  However times have changed, as have bank policies.  The Bangkok bank branch where I opened my account in 2016 have a big sign that they will no longer open bank accounts for those who are Visa exempt.  They will thou open a Bank Account for those on a Type-O, Type-OA and some other longer term Visas.

 

To the best of my knowledge, this (not allowing account to be open if Visa exempt in Thailand) is bank policy across all of Thailand, and it is not Thai law.

 

I have read on this forum that there are agents who will facilitate the opening of a bank account when Visa exempt (for some nominal fee). Your 'mates' best approach may be to find such an agent and have them help to ope an account. 

 

or alternatively exit Thailand back to their home country, obtain a Type-O visa, and return to Thailand, and open an account then as soon as they arrive in Thailand.

 

Possibly, given travel expenses to leave and re-enter Thailand, an agent approach may be the least expensive approach, if your mate can find such an agent.

[black tabby12345]

Legally, it is possible for the visa waiver to open an Thai bank account.

But it is up to the discretion of each branch.

So try as many as banks possible.

 

Good to say he intends to deposit (at least) THB 800K for retirement visa.

As it appeals well.

 

Good luck.

[Liverpool Lou]

  On 4/16/2025 at 4:57 AM, black tabby12345 said:

Legally, it is possible for the visa waiver to open an Thai bank account.

But it is up to the discretion of each branch.

So try as many as banks possible.

 

Good to say he intends to deposit (at least) THB 800K for retirement visa.

As it appeals well.

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He should note that the deposit can be immediately withdrawn and just used as an incentive for the branch to open an account.

[NativeBob]

since April 2023 holders of tourist visa are not allowed to open a bank account. Some tricksters "agents" are the only solution is you're desperate

[Aussie999]

To all... Thanks for to replies... He says he might try the agent approach first.

[JoseThailand]

Get a retirement visa first, then open as many bank accounts as you want

[lavender19]

  On 4/16/2025 at 9:41 AM, JoseThailand said:

Get a retirement visa first, then open as many bank accounts as you want

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How do you get a retirement visa without a bank account?

[oldcpu]

  On 4/17/2025 at 1:22 AM, lavender19 said:

How do you get a retirement visa without a bank account?

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In a number of countries when outside of Thailand it is possible to get a 90 day type O for reason of retirement.  One in such a case can in cases prove their finances from their bank account from outside of Thailand. 

[soisanuk]

If in Pattaya, MOTS is an agent that many use to assist in opening bank accounts as well a getting a Thai driving license.

 

oldcpu

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or alternatively exit Thailand back to their home country, obtain a Type-O visa, and return to Thailand, and open an account then as soon as they arrive in Thailand.

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A Non-Immigrant O Visa for purpose of retirement may be available at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in a neighboring country by showing one meets the financial requirements, i.e. equivalent of 800k baht (in a foreign bank is usually acceptable) or evidence of a monthly income equivalent to or greater than 65k baht.   Probably less expensive than returning to their home country.

 

JoseThailand

 

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Get a retirement visa first, then open as many bank accounts as you want

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To get a Non-Immigrant O Visa for retirement at Thai Immigration, you need to have already opened a Thai Bank account to deposit the required 800k baht.

 

[worrab]

  On 4/17/2025 at 1:51 AM, soisanuk said:

Get a retirement visa first, then open as many bank accounts as you want

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I think you may find this statement incorrect. I hold 2 accounts with Bangkok Bank, an account for Immigration and a joint account. I wished to close the Immigration account held in Bang Saphan and open it in Hua Hin where I now reside. I was able to do this with the joint account back in Nov/Dec 2024. Bearing in mind I have lived here for 10 years and always been with Bangkok Bank, this is now no longer possible! 3 months ago, no problem but the banking rules now prevent this happening until it all changes again.

[jcmj]

  On 4/16/2025 at 9:41 AM, JoseThailand said:

Get a retirement visa first, then open as many bank accounts as you want

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He has to show 800,000 baht in the bank to get a retirement visa so that’s a catch 22. 

[bravo19]

  On 4/16/2025 at 8:06 AM, Aussie999 said:

To all... Thanks for to replies... He says he might try the agent approach first.

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Also with a agent it is not possible anymore to open a bank account with a tourist visa.

[Aussie999]

  On 4/17/2025 at 5:00 AM, bravo19 said:

Also with a agent it is not possible anymore to open a bank account with a tourist visa.

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Bugger

[soisanuk]

  On 4/17/2025 at 5:00 AM, bravo19 said:

Also with a agent it is not possible anymore to open a bank account with a tourist visa.

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That may depend on location and the agent. Currently an agent in Pattaya that assists in opening bank accounts notes the following on their website:

 

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Banking Regulations have changed since March 2023.  If you are a tourist, you must now have a minimum of 30 days left on your visa to open a Bank Account. Mots Services can assist you to extend your visa if you need to do this to have the correct amount of time to a open Bank Account. To open the  account we need your  Passport, 2 passport photos, Valid TM30 Certificate (or proof of address in Pattaya) and you will need either a valid home country driving licence or a Thai driving licence, National ID Card or Birth Certificate for secondary ID for banking regulations.

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[NativeBob]

Any inspection in the branch will show that account was opened to farang on tourist visa, which is prohibited.

No they won't try to contact you and ask nicely to clear things up. They will simply close your account. Not "suspend" or whatever, but hardcore shut it down. 

So please think twice before using magical agent.

[Suetape]

  On 4/17/2025 at 6:53 AM, NativeBob said:

Any inspection in the branch will show that account was opened to farang on tourist visa, which is prohibited.

No they won't try to contact you and ask nicely to clear things up. They will simply close your account. Not "suspend" or whatever, but hardcore shut it down. 

So please think twice before using magical agent.

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Prohibited by Thai law or prohibited by bank policy?  

[Yumthai]

  On 4/17/2025 at 4:23 PM, Suetape said:

Prohibited by Thai law or prohibited by bank policy?  

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Bank policy. Opening a non-resident bank account is perfectly legal in Thailand.

However, if successful, most Thai banks will open a resident account while on tourist visa/exemption.

[NativeBob]

  On 4/17/2025 at 4:23 PM, Suetape said:

Prohibited by Thai law or prohibited by bank policy?  

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I've been told by senior manager at Bangkok Bank (Silom, BKK. HQ?) that no chance to open an account on tourist visa. Well, that would be quite rude to ask him "Says who?" 

However I think it is a good idea, as there were gazzilion accounts opened on ghosts. 

[bravo19]

  On 4/17/2025 at 1:22 AM, lavender19 said:

How do you get a retirement visa without a bank account?

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For a Non-OA visa you don't need a Thai bank account. And for a Non-O visa you can show your monthly financial income.

[Magictoad]

  On 4/17/2025 at 6:09 AM, Aussie999 said:

Bugger

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But is that true? Definitely? For sure? TIT

[Lorry]

  On 4/18/2025 at 6:34 AM, NativeBob said:

there were gazzilion accounts opened on ghosts. 

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Says who?

[Aussie999]

So many conflicting replies...

[bkk6060]

Yes, just walk in dressed nicely with with no beer breathe and 50,000b anyone can open an account.  That is what my friends tell me.

[soisanuk]

  On 4/18/2025 at 6:34 AM, NativeBob said:

I've been told by senior manager at Bangkok Bank (Silom, BKK. HQ?) that no chance to open an account on tourist visa. Well, that would be quite rude to ask him "Says who?" 

However I think it is a good idea, as there were gazzilion accounts opened on ghosts. 

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That may be Bangkok Bank's (or that particular location) policy, but that doesn't make it the policy of all Thai banks, or even other Bangkok Bank branches.  

 

The advice often given to foreigners, even those visa exempt or tourist visa, is to keep trying the different branches until you find one that will open an account.  Likewise, several agencies offer assistance in opening a Thai bank account.

 

The Pattaya City Expats Club has this comment on their webpages about banking in Thailand:

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Many foreigners report difficulty in opening a bank account at a particular branch of a bank, only to be approved at another branch of the same bank.  Thus, if turned down at one, try another or a different bank - it may take a few tries, but eventually one will usually open an account.

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bravo19
 

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For a Non-OA visa you don't need a Thai bank account. And for a Non-O visa you can show your monthly financial income.

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To obtain an OA visa, you must apply at a Thai Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence, it is not available from Thai Immigration.  To obtain a Non-O from Thai Immigration, you need to show you have 800k baht in a Thai bank OR, if using monthly income, a Monthly Income verification from your Embassy (such verification is not available for holders of passports from Australia, UK, USA, & now Canada).   Once you have a Non-O Visa, you can use Thai bank passbook/statements to show monthly deposits from a foreign source of at least 65k baht to get an annual extension of the permission to stay.

 

 

 

[Everyman]

  On 4/19/2025 at 12:01 AM, bkk6060 said:

Yes, just walk in dressed nicely with with no beer breathe and 50,000b anyone can open an account.  That is what my friends tell me.

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that information is out of date, if it was ever correct. 

[Liverpool Lou]

  On 4/16/2025 at 9:41 AM, JoseThailand said:

Get a retirement visa first, then open as many bank accounts as you want

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How does that work?   You make is appear as though it's a walk in the park.

[Liverpool Lou]

  On 4/19/2025 at 12:01 AM, bkk6060 said:

Yes, just walk in dressed nicely with with no beer breathe and 50,000b anyone can open an account.  That is what my friends tell me.

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Your friends are talking b0llocks.