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Can I open a bank account in Thailand from the UK if I have applied for a 90-day retirement visa?

Thai Visa Banking in Thailand 90-day retirement visa Opening a bank account Expats in Thailand Immigration procedures

Feb 19, 2025

3 days ago

Ka *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi lovely group I have a question:

If I applied 90 days retirement visa in the UK, can I open bank account in Thailand from the UK? 

If yes how to do it?

 If not can I do it straight away when I arrive to Thailand?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

You cannot open a Thai bank account while you are still in the UK; you must be in Thailand to do so. While obtaining a bank account on a Non-O visa can be challenging, especially in places like Pattaya, it is possible at various bank branches. You may need to provide documentation such as a certificate of residence from immigration and may be asked to purchase an insurance policy. Additionally, establishing a long-term residence may help in opening an account.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Henrik *****

Expect to have stayed at a permanent adress for several months, with a long lease, to be even considered for a Thai Bankaccount.

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8 hours ago

Ian *******

Hi i have a tried to get a 90 day visa on line and its very difficult to do when I got to the end it wouldn't let me pay the fee

2 days ago

Stuart *********

You can’t open a local account being outside of Thailand. You’d have to be here to do so.

It’s getting harder to do so here in Thailand but it’s not impossible (unless you’re in Pattaya for the moment).

For most places you should find it ok to do so on a Non O visa but it’s not a given. You’ll probably need to try various branches and possibly need a certificate of residence from immigration and perhaps agree to buy their useless “insurance policy” but it can be done.

3 days ago

Magnus ******************

@Stuart ********

My friend open bank today in Pattaya whitout visa. He use no Agent. So its still possible even if its harder.

3 days ago

Mark ********

@Magnus *****************

Pm'd you a question

3 days ago

Stuart *********

@Magnus *****************

Glad to hear. We hear of so many others that try and fail. Especially in Pattaya.