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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?

Bank Account Opening Thailand Banking Retirement Visa NON-O Visa Expat Financial Services

Feb 19, 2025

2 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 local Thai bank account from outside Thailand. You must be in Thailand to do so. While it is possible to open an account on a Non-O visa, the process may vary by branch, and you might need a certificate of residence from immigration. It's advisable to visit different bank branches, as policies can differ.

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.
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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.

2 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.

2 days ago

Mark ********

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

Pm'd you a question

2 days ago

Stuart *********

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

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