Can I study Thai on a retirement Non-O visa in Thailand?

Banks in Thailand are like everywhere in the world, interested in having good stable custormers, that have a permanent address, a steady easy traceable income, and use the account all year round.

That is why the banks are reluctant to give accounts to people on short time ( read: tourist ) visas, and who only spend part of the year in Thailand.

Don’t expect to get a residence certificat, until you have stayed at a permanent adress in at least 3 month, since that is what the residence certificat should confirm.

Furthermore the added attention on whitewashing of money, is an added burden on the banks, so reluctant depositing large amounts isn’t a guaranteed way to open an account.

The value of a resident certificat, had gone down, since Immigration Officers are giving them to people that are not on a longterm visa, or have stayed severel months at 1 adress in Thailand, so even if it is a formal requirement, the bank make up their own assesment of the stability of the want-to-be customer.

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A Wise account is the way to go for everyday transfers from home country. I opened a Bankok Bank account through my agent, she also arranged my drivers licence.

Myself I applied for the 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa in my home country. I entered Thailand, got stamped in a 90-days stay permit, quickly opened a bank account and transferred 1 million Thai Baht onto it. After the money had seasoned for 2 months, I applied for the "1-year extended stay permit based on retirement" on Immigration. Costs were 1900.- THB fee, and I bought a single re-entry permit for 1000.- THB on the same day. I have been applying for the yearly extension every year, since 17 years ago. 20 minutes for the bank letter and 25 minutes on Immigration, no worries, no headaches, no border runs, no agents and the bank savings account pays for itself (around 3600 THB interest per year)

I'd be inclined to apply for a 90 day Non O visa whilst in the UK. When you get to Thailand this gives you a much better chance of getting a bank account. I did this with Bangkok Bank. You will need proof of address in Thailand. I rented an apartment.

Keep/put as little capital in Thailand as possible. Invest your capital in your home country and transfer what you need (visa requirements, expenses) from the earnings. Rent, don't buy. Real estate is not an investment for foreigners in Thailand.

When transferring money from uk to Thailand open a wise account then transfer to Thailand bank from there it’s faster and less expensive and you do not have to keep phoning bank security for clearance also you get the best exchange rate uk bank are a rip off

Hi Dave be very mindful when thinking about bank accounts etc. Happy to chat if you want to dm me. I'm live and work here and a 25 year UK financial adviser. There's a lot of things to take into consideration with bank accounts

Studying doesn't require any type of visa. You can study on a retirement visa if you want.

The only reason to ever transfer money to Thailand is for visa requirements or for your expenses. If you're looking for interest, Thailand is the last place to look.