I am 48 year old from the UK. I have been living in Thailand with my wife and son for over two years on a non immigrant O visa.

This year i want to apply for a marriage visa. I understand that i need to deposit 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account. I have an account with the HSBC branch in Bangkok, is it acceptable to use this account or do i need to open an account with a Thai owned bank? If so which one would you recommend?

Many thanks,

Mr Simon lawrence.

Should be fine. Look for a bank that pays a constant high exchange rate and low transfer fees if you have money being transferred from abroad regularly. Many banks will offer interest on some accounts........ie TMB gives a lower exchange rate than Kasikorn. Go and talk to them at HSBC abut their accounts and transfer fees.

Your are applying for an extension of stay based on amrriage to a Thai national.

The money doesn't need to be in a Thai bank, it needs to be in a bank account in Thailand. So your account with HSCB will do, as long as the account is in your name only (not a joined account).

You should also note that it is easier to get a Visa extension for looking after your child.

Exactly the same finances required but less paperwork, and no risk that an angry spouse calls immigration to get your extension canceled 1/2 way through the year (with 7 days to leave the country).

The child has to be yours, not adopted.

Edited January 6, 201115 yr by pjclark1

You should also note that it is easier to get a Visa extension for looking after your child.

Exactly the same finances required but less paperwork, and no risk that an angry spouse calls immigration to get your extension canceled 1/2 way through the year (with 7 days to leave the country).

The child has to be yours, not adopted.

Most immigration offices will not go for an extension based on a Thai child if you are married. Not is it that much easier, but that also depends on the immigration office.

An angry spouse can not just have your permission to stay canceled. It takes a little bit more and the same can be done if you extend based on the child.

Or show 40,000 a month income.

I use Standard Chartered Bank and it has been fine. The letter was in English and it wasn't a problem either. This is at Chaengwattana, by the way.