Can I open a bank account in Chiang Mai with just a tourist visa?

Buy the specific insurance sold in Bangkok bank, then you can open the account there with tourist visa.

Chiang mai you can get a certificate if residency on any visa, you just need a tm30. Get one, go to Bangkok bank.

I went a good few years ago with the wife to green bank at that time on a tourist visa. Long drawn out thing got with in a hour .

Take a thai speaker with you. My account is in chainart

Stock answer as asked many many times on here.

Classic Catch-22. You need a bank account for a long term visa but Bank Manager says you can’t open an account without a long term visa.

There is nothing in Thai law that prohibits a foreigner from opening a bank account - with or without a long term visa or work permit. That said each branch of each bank has its own rules and some won’t allow it yet some will. If one branch won’t allow it walk along to the next one. Try shopping mall branches, or ones close to an international school who are well used to people needing an account but have no long term visa.

Some will ask you to take out a insurance policy to open an account. You may get away politely refusing, as they know it’s not mandatory, but probably won’t.

Some may want a “proof of residence” from an embassy or immigration. Again another classic Catch-22. A number of immigration offices will only issue this is if you’ve done a 90 day report, but you need a long term visa to have done a 90 day report. You may have better luck at your embassy, but don’t hold your breath.

Taking a Thai friend along may help in some instances, but no guarantee you’ll get an easier acceptance.

Perhaps show a wad of cash and say I need to deposit this somewhere. Again it may not help.

Unfortunately it’s just hit and miss.