Can a foreigner open a Thai bank account with just a tourist visa?

@Jintana *********

yes. Haha sorry

@Chan *****

my wife said it is ใบรับรอง which translates to testimonial or guarantee. It is basically my wife (or whatever Thai person is making the testimonial) saying where they live and they they know the person. Requesting it lets immigration know that the foreigner wants to open a bank account. Presumably an anti money laundering precaution.

@VaiAna *********

yeah i am guessing something new?

@Myron *********

. I went to Bangkok Bank . When you go in there , they will tell you what you need in order to open a bank account . This is how I did it . I made copies of my passport (front page ) visa , one passport picture , copy of rental contract and 500 baht for processing . Wherever you're staying , they automatically notify immigration so you will be in their system . Since you're in Chang Mai , just show up to Immigration by the airport , volunteers there are helpful and they will tell you what forms you need to fill out . Head to the photo/ copy office behind Immigration ( still on the property ) if you need picture taken and next to that office you can get a TM30 ( certificate of residence ) . Gather all your paperwork and go upstairs and the lady ( super nice ) will do the rest . She will ask you how do you want to receive your letter . I said pronto and she said tomorrow it will be ready for pick up for 500 baht ....... My friend got an account with Kasikorn Bank in Chang Mai without going to Immigration to obtain the letter of residence . That's another option .

@Michael ********

no they don’t and that’s exactly what it will take - so unless you really need a bank account which 99% don’t, you won’t get most Thai banks willing

@Russell ******

As you could see in my comment above. I calculated a bit.

Yes I know basically it is free.

But I don't have the stamina to get any paper from embassy, immigration travelling to BKK providing all necessary documents.

In "my" country it is not possible to just open an account without having a adress they send correspondance cards, pin codes etc.

And you need a residence permit also. So not possible just go with a passport alone and get trough.

So in Thailand I have to pay roughly about 160USD to have an account for a lazy person like me? Avoiding to run after some paper work joining queues, making appointments, online application you name it.

Plus when I withdraw at ATM with my bank card I get bad rates and pay at least 10USD for fee.

Naw Sir it's well considered. Acceptable for me

@Dave *********

🆗️ yes not good for her.

@Jorge ****

wasn't I ? I had a tourist visa 🙏

@Alistair *********

agree. BKK is difficult

@Gordon ******

why pal has things changed

@DeWayne ******

where? who? i am tired to try by myself too

@Dimitris ***********

As I recall they wanted residencial proof with a rental agreement.

@Chan *****

@Jorge ****

3000THB

@Steve *****

call MOTS services please. They can answer your questions.

@Steve *****

No insurance needed. Call them and find out. They speak English.

@Steve *****

500 THB

@Steve *****

what agent and what cost please, thanks

@Garrett **********

same story for me

@Garrett **********

I did yes. Branch manager told me I needed a work permit. Went to 2 BB branch.