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melmalinowski wrote:

I have a bank account at Bangkok Bank where I keep my required minimum balance per the visa requirement. My Thai wife says she has heard that only Bangkok Bank can be used for this.

I'm not too happy with BB and would like to establish a joint account with K-Bank instead for that purpose. We expect to switch to a 'marriage visa' this winter also.

BB made it hard to set the account up, required notarized letter from Embassy. But that's meaningless, as they say explicitly they are not checking or guaranteeing anything. This time, we're going with a Letter of Authenticity for our US marriage certificate from the US State Dept. My wife says Thailand will not accept this and will make go get the meaningless $60 notarization anyway. That means we would have to go to and stay a few days in Bangkok, which I dislike due to the air pollution.

Does anyone have not an opinion, but actual experience about these questions?

It doesn't matter what bank you choose for the 800k,it just has to be a Thai bank.
You can not have your 800k in a joint account. The account must be in your name only.
About the marriage certificate I'm not sure, but the notarization is possible. Why don't you call your immigration office and ask them?

what visa do you have now?

in my experience the Marriage Visa process is somewhat rigorous - the paperwork must be proper. Immigration police will come to your house and interview your neighbors...look hard at your wife... good to make friends with local village headman so they'll say you're okay (if you're rural). Keep in mind that for 'balance' - if it is a joint account with your wife's name on it the balance requirement is 800K for at least 3 months (double check the length of time).

You can get marriage certificate at a district Amphoe office I don't think you need to risk going to BKK - not sure how long you must be married before applying for visa. In the past you had to leave the country and apply but I don't think that's required now.

This isn't a complete answer but more stuff to confuse over. As you know it's complicated and opaque to get answers - but be sure you list everything out and double check stringently. The good old days of walking in with a basket of fruit and a smile are long gone...

Todd Jones wrote:

what visa do you have now?

in my experience the Marriage Visa process is somewhat rigorous - the paperwork must be proper. Immigration police will come to your house and interview your neighbors...look hard at your wife... good to make friends with local village headman so they'll say you're okay (if you're rural). Keep in mind that for 'balance' - if it is a joint account with your wife's name on it the balance requirement is 800K for at least 3 months (double check the length of time).

You can get marriage certificate at a district Amphoe office I don't think you need to risk going to BKK - not sure how long you must be married before applying for visa. In the past you had to leave the country and apply but I don't think that's required now.

This isn't a complete answer but more stuff to confuse over. As you know it's complicated and opaque to get answers - but be sure you list everything out and double check stringently. The good old days of walking in with a basket of fruit and a smile are long gone...

Joint accounts are NOT allowed. He's got to have his 800k in an account in his name only. There are no time limit how long time you have to been married before you can apply for a 1 year extension (it's not a Visa) based on marriage. You don't have to leave the country if getting married in Thailand. The marriage just have to be registered the correct way at the local district office (amphoe).

the original post said something about planning to switch to a marriage visa

from what?

Ìý

400K for 2 months

again, the rules are hard to come by

Todd Jones wrote:

the original post said something about planning to switch to a marriage visa

from what?

If he mentioned 800k it can only be from an extension based on retirement. And it's not a "marriage visa". There is no such thing within Thailand. It's a "Permission of stay" based on marriage.

If you are married to a Thai, you only have to put 400K into the bank account. But it has be in his name only.Ìý However you can have your wife added as a beneficiary. Every bank is different. I hate Bangkok Bank, so we we set up my account at the Yellow bank. This bank is a international bank and has a good reputation.Ìý Good Luck.

thailand4me wrote:

If you are married to a Thai, you only have to put 400K into the bank account. But it has be in his name only.Ìý However you can have your wife added as a beneficiary. Every bank is different. I hate Bangkok Bank, so we we set up my account at the Yellow bank. This bank is a international bank and has a good reputation.Ìý Good Luck.

The Yellow Bank? Are you 8 years old,or what? I guess you mean Krungsri Bank (Bank of Ayutthaya). A beneficiary has nothing to do with joint accounts. It's a person you want to benefit from the account if you die. And every bank is not different when it comes to accounts and beneficiaries.
So Bangkok Bank is not an international bank? It's one of the largest banks in Asia. It's the largest Thai bank outside the country and have like 1200 branches worldwide.
It's the largest bank in Thailand in terms of assets.

First: Krungsri is nothing compared to Bangkok Bank in size and assets. It's like no 6 on the list of top ranked banks in Thailand.
Second: You don't know anything about banks reputation.
Third: Thai immigration uses Bangkok Bank as a standard when it comes to exchange rates, different bank accounts bank codes etc etc.

Like I said before, it's a Thai cultural thing. They identify things by color quite often. My wife does the same thing. The purple bank for SCB, the green bank for Kasikorn, the yellow bank for Krungsri, etc.. The blue bank, BB, is not known for their great service. I have accounts at all 4 banks mentioned above because they each make deals with major employers like universities, schools, industries, etc. to get a guaranteed clientele. The Bangkok Bank has the poorest service.

JayEsCee wrote:

Like I said before, it's a Thai cultural thing. They identify things by color quite often. My wife does the same thing. The purple bank for SCB, the green bank for Kasikorn, the yellow bank for Krungsri, etc.. The blue bank, BB, is not known for their great service. I have accounts at all 4 banks mentioned above because they each make deals with major employers like universities, schools, industries, etc. to get a guaranteed clientele. The Bangkok Bank has the poorest service.

Like I said before, you don't know what you're talking about. How many branches do you think BB have in Thailand? Google it. If you have a problem with your branch, why think others have the same problem. I have nothing to complain about regarding my BB branch in Jomtien. That branch is the best when it comes to everything needed for immigration issues,something you know nothing about. I can get everything I need at customer service without any problem what so ever. Even the security guard is a nice guy and helpful. I'm banking with other banks as well but never in person.

Leeds forever! wrote:

JayEsCee wrote:

Like I said before, it's a Thai cultural thing. They identify things by color quite often. My wife does the same thing. The purple bank for SCB, the green bank for Kasikorn, the yellow bank for Krungsri, etc.. The blue bank, BB, is not known for their great service. I have accounts at all 4 banks mentioned above because they each make deals with major employers like universities, schools, industries, etc. to get a guaranteed clientele. The Bangkok Bank has the poorest service.

Like I said before, you don't know what you're talking about. How many branches do you think BB have in Thailand? Google it. If you have a problem with your branch, why think others have the same problem. I have nothing to complain about regarding my BB branch in Jomtien. That branch is the best when it comes to everything needed for immigration issues,something you know nothing about. I can get everything I need at customer service without any problem what so ever. Even the security guard is a nice guy and helpful. I'm banking with other banks as well but never in person.

I'm getting sick of your BS! I know more about what I'm talking about than you ever will. You on the other hand know absolutely nothing except how to be rude and condescending, which you have no right to be either because you're a know nothing blowhorn!

Who gives an 'ef' that they have more branches? That doesn't make their service any good. It just means they have a bigger funding pool. And who cares that you like your branch in Jomtien? Nobody cares about that either. It doesn't mean others like that same branch or that others don't like their branches elsewhere. How many people have gotten on here now and have said that they didn't like something about the service of their Bangkok Branch office? At least 3 now. You're the only voice defending it so you're clearly in the the minority. When others give their opinion that is their right because that is their opinion based on what they have experienced. There is no right or wrong answer. You have no right to say their opinion is 'stupid' or 'childish'Ìý or asking if 'they are 8 years old' or whatever immature catch phrase you use.

What is your deal with them anyway? Do you work for them or own stock in their business? Why do you care if others don't like their service? Like I said before you have no right to criticize those that have opinions that differ from yours. As I see it, your opinion is always on the wrong side of the issue and never has any facts to back it up.

Thanks. I hope you're right, that personal with beneficiary is possible.

Please don't get in a 'flame war' over my post. I just want people's various experiences with their banks, and what they know of the rules.

From what? From 'retirement visa'

Perhaps I have the exact wording wrong. I currently annually renew a 'Non-O Immigrant' visa. You are allowed to change this to one based on marriage to a Thai citizen, which is commonly called a 'marriage visa'. That is what we hope to do, so as to lower the annual deposit from 800,000 to 400,000, and perhaps avoid the talked-about health insurance requirement, which is a worthless expense for me, as I am well-protected. Whether it will do so depends perhaps on the local immigration official.

melmalinowski wrote:

Perhaps I have the exact wording wrong. I currently annually renew a 'Non-O Immigrant' visa. You are allowed to change this to one based on marriage to a Thai citizen, which is commonly called a 'marriage visa'. That is what we hope to do, so as to lower the annual deposit from 800,000 to 400,000, and perhaps avoid the talked-about health insurance requirement, which is a worthless expense for me, as I am well-protected. Whether it will do so depends perhaps on the local immigration official.

First: You extended your permission of stay based on retirement,not a visa. "There is no" mandatory health insurance connected to the Non-immigrant O. That's what you have.
Second: You can change it to an extension based on marriage when the current permission to stay expires. It's still not a visa. But remember,the paperwork and rules/routines are a bit more tiresome compared to a retirement extension when using the money in the bank method. The only benefit is less money in the bank, 400k vs 800k.
Three: A Thai bank account has to be in "your name only" and your wife can be appointed as a beneficiary. Any Thai bank works.(But you have just extended your stay another year, so don't change bank and move the money during this year if you're staying on retirement next year.)

This is what you need to know. Don't listen to people who doesn't have a clue. I've been living here for years and it's not much I don't know about immigration rules/requirements and banking issues. IfÌý the 400k less in the bank is important to you, do change to an extension based on marriage. If it's not, stay on retirement.

Any Thai Bank is fine.

Most Bank know what the paperwork for Immigration is.
IF they dont know, Give them they paper from Immigration that explain everything Immigration need, And then the Bank can help you.

Getting you married register in Thailand.
Well nearly 3 years ago my friend did it, But not sure if any thing change !!

He need to get his Marriage Certificate from home approved by his Embassy in Thailand (saying something like it is real, And put Embassy stamp on it)

Then he go to MFA (Ministry of Foreign affairs) get it translate to Thai and approved.

A good idea MIGHT be to get you passport (Front page) translate all so when you need other paper translate, As some Amphoe want that to register/married people.
You can all ways ask you Amphoe what they want.

The Amphoe want some additional paper when register you married.
Like contract where you live or yellow book if you have that one.
Copy of you passport and so on.

Thai wife probably need copy of house book, ID Card.

IF you wife change name outside Thailand, She might have to do the change name paperwork all so, 1 paper need to be filled. copy of her house book / ID Card.
Cost 50 baht, That what it cost for us when we got married in Thailand, And my wife add my last name to hers.

Then 20 baht for her new ID Card with my name add to it.

But I dont know if anything else is need IF change name outside Thailand.

BUT think it is best to simple ask the Amphoe you going to register you married at.
They have or can make a complet list of what need, That way you dont have to run multi times.

Hope it can help you.

Kindly.

I would suggest you go to a visa agent this year and put 800,000 baht in any Thai bank for at least 2 months before applying. There is a lot less paperwork this way and they do it fast and easy.

Roadhog wrote:

I would suggest you go to a visa agent this year and put 800,000 baht in any Thai bank for at least 2 months before applying. There is a lot less paperwork this way and they do it fast and easy.

You can't borrow 800k from an agent anymore. That stopped years ago. It seems you don't know how it works to apply for a retirement extension since March 1 2019.

Roadhog wrote:
I would suggest you go to a visa agent this year and put 800,000 baht in any Thai bank for at least 2 months before applying. There is a lot less paperwork this way and they do it fast and easy.

You can't borrow 800k from an agent anymore. That stopped years ago. It seems you don't know how it works to apply for a retirement extension since March 1 2019.

Reply Quote
Just where did I say to borrow 800k from an agent? Do you have trouble reading? You seem to make trouble with everyone on this forum.

Thanks to Leeds, whose comments are mostly positive and helpful.

We are taking the route of getting full 'legalization'. Our county in USA issues Certificate of Marriage, embossed and sealed, $15. Submitted to our state, they emboss and seal it, $20. Submitted to the US State Department ($20) they officially 'authenticate' it. Submitted to the Thai Consulate General Los Angeles for legalization, $15 (pending).

I suppose, as others have suggested, and my wife concurs, we may indeed have to still go to the office in Bangkok near Don Muang Airport to get an official translation, and even to the legal officer there. Our local officials in Surin are very nice, and much easier to deal with than the ones in Bangkok. We're in this for the long haul. I'll report as it unfolds.

melmalinowski wrote:

Thanks to Leeds, whose comments are mostly positive and helpful.

We are taking the route of getting full 'legalization'. Our county in USA issues Certificate of Marriage, embossed and sealed, $15. Submitted to our state, they emboss and seal it, $20. Submitted to the US State Department ($20) they officially 'authenticate' it. Submitted to the Thai Consulate General Los Angeles for legalization, $15 (pending).

I suppose, as others have suggested, and my wife concurs, we may indeed have to still go to the office in Bangkok near Don Muang Airport to get an official translation, and even to the legal officer there. Our local officials in Surin are very nice, and much easier to deal with than the ones in Bangkok. We're in this for the long haul. I'll report as it unfolds.

You do need the official translation and legalization in Bangkok. There's unfortunately no way around it. Thai authorities are for some reason really paranoid about marriages outside Thailand.

The retirement "Visa" renewal is easy to attain. I use Bangkok and have for 3 years I have lived here. You just need to have them (the bank) give you the print out of your account showing your balance. I believe we ask for a 6 month report.

I take that form from the bank and bring it to the immigration office. I get the renewal same day. Usually takes about 15 minutes plus hiwever long it takes at the bank.

My first "Visa" was a marriage "Visa". It was a PITA to attain quite time consuming as well.

It is correct that it must be only your account.

Some provinces are more difficult than others Chaiyaphum is quite easy.

As was stated above if you have the funds stay on retirement "VISA" much easier

Btw, I have never used a service. Always did my "VISA" myself. The immigration office gave us a checklist the first time. After that is was very easy. Good luck

Hi all, my first post and seeing that this topic concerning Thai banks is of interest to me I have a question. I hope to travel there in Febuery, virus permitting, this will be my fourth visit as a tourist. This time, I only stay in Pattaya, I would like to open a bank account with say, £2,000 Stirling so I can then transfer money from the sale of one of my properties here in Egypt, I'm a 15 year expat here, the sale money will be in Stirling. Then I will look at the various visas to stay for long periods of time with my long term Thai gf. She has her own home and a large farm, so no need for accommodation. So my question is, which bank would be the easy option, as a one month tourist, to open this start up account, Kasikorn was stated elsewhere as a welcoming option. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Anchorman69 wrote:

The retirement "Visa" renewal is easy to attain. I use Bangkok and have for 3 years I have lived here. You just need to have them (the bank) give you the print out of your account showing your balance. I believe we ask for a 6 month report.

I take that form from the bank and bring it to the immigration office. I get the renewal same day. Usually takes about 15 minutes plus hiwever long it takes at the bank.

My first "Visa" was a marriage "Visa". It was a PITA to attain quite time consuming as well.

It is correct that it must be only your account.

Some provinces are more difficult than others Chaiyaphum is quite easy.

As was stated above if you have the funds stay on retirement "VISA" much easier

Btw, I have never used a service. Always did my "VISA" myself. The immigration office gave us a checklist the first time. After that is was very easy. Good luck

The letter you need from your bank for the annual extension if you're using the money in the bank method, is the so called bank letter or bank guarantee letter. It just verifies that the account belongs to you and shows the balance,nothing else. You can't use a 6 months bank statement at immigration, you either need a 12 months bank statement or copies from the (regularly updated) bankbook 12 months back. Some immigration offices don't accept copies from the bankbook.

mralfiebob wrote:

Hi all, my first post and seeing that this topic concerning Thai banks is of interest to me I have a question. I hope to travel there in Febuery, virus permitting, this will be my fourth visit as a tourist. This time, I only stay in Pattaya, I would like to open a bank account with say, £2,000 Stirling so I can then transfer money from the sale of one of my properties here in Egypt, I'm a 15 year expat here, the sale money will be in Stirling. Then I will look at the various visas to stay for long periods of time with my long term Thai gf. She has her own home and a large farm, so no need for accommodation. So my question is, which bank would be the easy option, as a one month tourist, to open this start up account, Kasikorn was stated elsewhere as a welcoming option. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

There's no easy option anymore when it comes to opening savings accounts. You need to go to your preferred bank and branch and see what they say. Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn Bank "might" be the best choices in Pattaya,but some K-Bank branches wants you to have at least a retirement visa. It seems like opening a bank account in malls is still working on a tourist visa, but it depends on the branch.Ìý You might have to go from branch to branch and hopefully you'll get lucky.

Leeds forever! wrote:

mralfiebob wrote:

Hi all, my first post and seeing that this topic concerning Thai banks is of interest to me I have a question. I hope to travel there in Febuery, virus permitting, this will be my fourth visit as a tourist. This time, I only stay in Pattaya, I would like to open a bank account with say, £2,000 Stirling so I can then transfer money from the sale of one of my properties here in Egypt, I'm a 15 year expat here, the sale money will be in Stirling. Then I will look at the various visas to stay for long periods of time with my long term Thai gf. She has her own home and a large farm, so no need for accommodation. So my question is, which bank would be the easy option, as a one month tourist, to open this start up account, Kasikorn was stated elsewhere as a welcoming option. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

There's no easy option anymore when it comes to opening savings accounts. You need to go to your preferred bank and branch and see what they say. Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn Bank "might" be the best choices in Pattaya,but some K-Bank branches wants you to have at least a retirement visa. It seems like opening a bank account in malls is still working on a tourist visa, but it depends on the branch.Ìý You might have to go from branch to branch and hopefully you'll get lucky.

Thank for that, looks like I'll be doing a tour of the banks.

Krungsri Bank of Ayudhya offers a saving account called the Mee Tae Dia Account which is much better than Bangkok Bank and most all other banks in Thaialnd. It pays 1% interest (not a mutual fund which is not allowed by immigration), it must be a savings account or fixed income account which all offer less than this Mee Tae Dia Account that can be used for a retirement visa. Krunsri bank is ranked in the top 6 banks in Thailand in terms of assets on deposit.

Rainmon wrote:

Krungsri Bank of Ayudhya offers a saving account called the Mee Tae Dia Account which is much better than Bangkok Bank and most all other banks in Thaialnd. It pays 1% interest (not a mutual fund which is not allowed by immigration), it must be a savings account or fixed income account which all offer less than this Mee Tae Dia Account that can be used for a retirement visa. Krunsri bank is ranked in the top 6 banks in Thailand in terms of assets on deposit.

Krungsri is not the most foreigner friendly bank in Thailand and "officially" foreigners on for example retirement visas are not allowed to open a savings account.