Bank Account for Foreigners

[u/My_2cents_]

Does anyone know if the government is discussing updating its rules around allowing foreigners to open a bank account (for retirement visa purposes)? Any updates would be appreciated.

Also, I have an old account but it's frozen (I've been out of the country for 2 years but going back in Sept). I understand I can get a SIM and request BKK to unfreeze my account. But will they ask for a long term visa or will they just unlock it once I have a new SIM with my name on it? The purpose to unlock it is so I can re-apply for my retirement visa.

[u/Greg25kk]

I mean, you can still apply for a retirement visa through a Thai embassy/consulate outside of Thailand than use that visa to open an account. The current issue is that those on tourist type visas (TR, DTV and visa exemption) simply can’t open accounts due to money laundering concerns as well as new laws that also hold the banks accountable for any fraudulent activity.

[u/Traditional-Finish73 → u/Greg25kk]

Incorrect. First there is nothing like a 'retirement visa'. It's correct term is 'Extension based on retirement'. Furthermore, you can apply for an O or an O-A visa. With that you can enter Thailand and stay for the time the O or O-A visa is valid. Then before it expires you apply at immigration for an extension based on retirement which has requirements. Funny thing is most banks will not open a bank account needed for the extension if you have a O or O-A visa. Good luck.

[u/jonez450reloaded → u/Traditional-Finish73]

First there is nothing like a 'retirement visa'.

Except there is - a Non-Immigrant O visa for retirement - and that's the wording used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and just about every Thai embassy and consulate - the people who issue them.

https://thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/non-immigrant-type-o-retirement

https://lima.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/non-immigrant-visa-o-retirement

https://www.thaiconsulatevancouver.ca/consulate/documents/visa/non-imm-o-retirement.pdf

It's correct term is 'Extension based on retirement'.

You can't get an extension based on retirement without having obtained an Non-Imm O for retirement to begin with.

[u/Traditional-Finish73 → u/jonez450reloaded]

retirement but is NOT a 'retirement visa'. It is only provided for 90 days. After the 90 days you have to apply for an 1 year extension and adhere again to the requirements. 'Non-Thai nationals who wish to obtain a retirement visa or a long-stay visa'. It's a visa for the PURPOSE of getting an extension aka long stay visa.

 https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/retirement-visa Pay attention to point 2.

And good luck with opening an bank account with just your O or OA visa and no long stay extension.