My friend, a 52 year old German, wants to open a bank account here in Thailand to probably buy an apartment sooner or later.

After some research it seems he needs to apply for a Non-O Visa (based on retirement).

1. Else he cannot open a bank account as it seems...?

2. So if someone is not 50 yet it became impossible now to buy an apartment/condominium?

3. Necessary prove of a health insurance is needed. Can such a health insurance be canceled with full repayment of the premium after the application for the non-immigrant visa? Because he has no intention to retire within the next five years... (The equivalent of 800,000 Thai baht can be proven in a bank account to apply for the non-immigrant visa)

Health insurance is not needed. He can just get a non O with money in his home bank, open an account and buy his condo. 

A Thai bank account is not required to purchase a condo. But if your friend wants a bank account, they need a long-term visa.

Advise friend to obtain a Non O eVisa and after entering Thailand with the Non O will be stamped in for 90 days. 

With Non O will/should be able to open Thai Bank account. 

 

Note no insurance requirement for Non O retirement

 

On 11/30/2025 at 4:08 PM, zappalot said:

After some research it seems he needs to apply for a Non-O Visa (based on retirement).

1. Else he cannot open a bank account as it seems...?

2. So if someone is not 50 yet it became impossible now to buy an apartment/condominium?

Currently folks cannot open accounts on on TR / METV / Exempt / DTV entries.  But, unless this has changed, those under-50 and w/o Thai family (Non-O) or Thai job (Non-B) could open a bank-account on an ED Visa, which is a "Non" type.  Anyone please correct if "Non-ED" visa/extensions are no longer "bank-able." 

 

Also, one could wire-transfer the money to buy a condo, without having a Thai account.  A real-estate agent should facilitate this - but use a reputable one.

I've seen nothing but reports from people on ED saying they cannot get a bank account for a few months already.