Opening bank account rules catch 22 (1-year extension)

[pdebuck456]

I am running into brick walls due to the catch 22 rules seemingly implemented.

 

For 1-year extension (marriage to Thai national) I need a Thai Bank account.

One of the things seemingly all banks ask to open an account is a residence certificate (same one as needed for Thai drivers license).

 

Immigration in Bangkok only wants to issue this after the first time I do a 90 day report, which obviously won't happen until I have a 1 year extension (for which I need said bank account).

They advise me to contact my embassy to obtain the certiicate from them.

 

I contacted my embassy, and they will not issue this certificate unless I register my Thai address with them, which to Belgian law I can only do after I cancel my Belgian home address, which at te time is not possible for various reasons (own a business, own an appartment in which I need to be registered else I pay a hefty "empty housing unit tax", ...).

 

I need to fly up to 6 times a year up and down to Belgium (sometimes for a week, sometimes a bit longer in the summer months, averaging 6 months here, 6 months in Belgium) and would just like to get the 1 year extension, get a multiple re-entry permit, so there is no more visa hassle with all those up and down trips (especially now with possibly visa exempt going back to 30 days from the current 60).

1 time a year to immigration for a new extension, and maybe the odd 90 day if I do a stretch longer then 3 months here.

 

Also have a long term lease on a BKK Condo, but banks do not want to accept that as proof of residence.

 

How on earth do I break up his catch 22 loop? Not very fond of "agents" getting things done outside of the rules through handing out backhanders...

 

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, pdebuck456 said:

Immigration in Bangkok only wants to issue this after the first time I do a 90 day report, which obviously won't happen until I have a 1 year extension (for which I need said bank account).

CW requiring a TM47 having been done to apply for a COR was true in the past. 

That requirement is no longer in place. 

Who told you and when... That CW requires 90 day report. 

 

Obtain your COR and apply for bank account. 

Suggest Kasikorn as one good option 

 

You can make appointment at CW here is link. 

https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/onlineservice-and-publicguide/ 

 

I just checked and slots available every day. 

[BrandonJT]

As mentioned, the requirement of a 90-day report to get a residence certificate has been gone for almost a year.  Did you actually go to immigration, or did you just google it?

[pdebuck456]

Good news!

 

Yes, I did research online (docter Google 🙂 ) where at seemingly all reputeable websites this requirement is still listed, even with "last updated june 2025" at the top of the article!

I like to be as prepared as possible before I actually show up at immigration.

 

Example:

 

 

So looks like I can just show up with all documents except the 90-day report receipt and be good!

 

Thanks both for the reply!

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, pdebuck456 said:

So looks like I can just show up with all documents except the 90-day report receipt and be good!

As I posted earlier. Appointments available and recommended.

Here is link for form 

https://aseannow.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=439173

 

[pdebuck456]

3 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

As I posted earlier. Appointments available and recommended.

Here is link for form 

https://aseannow.com/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=439173 48.26 kB · 2,129 downloads

 

Thanks!

 

Appointment made already.

 

I assume you can write by hand "open bank account" or something, as the application form only notes "drivers license" or Buy/Sell car:motorbike as the use for the COR.

 

I'll just leave it empty and ask on the spot...

 

Cheers!

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, pdebuck456 said:

Appointment made already.

 

The desk is far right side when you enter queue issue desk area.

You need the form filled in.

If you wish just go down to L1 and say to photocopy shop "certificate of residence" and hand over passport.

It costs 200b 

Will be posted out ems in about 5 business days. 

If you have a lease then include that..

TM30 also good idea however you will find they may require nothing..