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Can I open a bank account in Thailand as a tourist, and what are the requirements?

Thai Bank AccountTourist VisaBanking Requirements in ThailandVisa ExemptThai BanksOpening a Bank AccountExpat BankingBanking Tips
Feb 10, 2022
3 years ago
Ezazul *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello friends,

Can i open a bank account as tourist ?

If not then what kind of visa is required for opening bank account and do regular transaction without any issues?

Also want to know if any other requirements.

TIA 😊
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand as a tourist can be a challenging process, as bank policies vary significantly between branches. While technically possible, it often depends on the bank manager's discretion. Some banks will allow account openings with just a passport, but many may require a long-term visa or a work permit. Banks like Bangkok Bank and Krungsri are frequently mentioned as more accommodating for tourists, but specific requirements may include providing a Thai address, proof of residency, and sometimes purchasing insurance. Using a local agent may increase the chances of success. Therefore, it is advisable to visit various branches and inquire directly for the best options.
Stan *******
Search the group and other expat groups. This question is asked about 50 times a week!
3 years ago
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Wayne **********
As long as you can provide a Thai address, should be no problem. At least with Bangkok Bank
3 years ago
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Merv *******
When I first stayed in Udon Thani in 2010 I had a I year o.a visa and went into Bangkok Branch at Big C there with Thai girlfriend and opened account with U K banknotes I'd brought .Account used until nominal balance left and I had to leave Thailand.When I returned in 2017 I found the account had been closed as inactive .Intend to return _ to stay _ later this year and open new account to transfer from my U K bank to close thatand have future payments transferred direct .The insurance requirement new to me .
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
@Merv ******
 what happened to your money that you had in the account?
3 years ago
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Merv *******
@Bruce ********
 Was only nominal amount when I found out I couldn't renew visa I withdrew most .At that time Bangkok Bank in London would transfer to branch in the Kingdom if payments to them with additional reference .Once I return my U K payments can go direct to a new Thai Bangkok Bank branch when I open new account .
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
@Merv ******
 got it
3 years ago
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Bruce *********
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David *******
I paid a agent 3000 baht. Bangkok bank
3 years ago
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Andrea **********
Bangkok Bank open whit tourist visa (have to pay 5200 bath for insurance....)
3 years ago
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Aung *******
Some of my friends got their bank accounts with tourist visa. All of them have Krungsri bank accounts. They said they just need a letter from their embassy. (Please note that all of them are Myanmar citizens. I don't know what the requirements are for other citizens but I doubt it can be different)

I myself have a bank account and a credit card with Krungsri bank but with non-b business visa. Of all the banks I've used in Thailand, I gotta say Krungsri is the best. Their app is also very reliable.

Best is to go to bank and ask them directly. I recommend the branch in Phrom Phong. The staffs there speak English a little better than other branches I've been
3 years ago
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Dylan *********
@Aung ******
 does krungsri have fees to keep the account?
3 years ago
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Aung *******
@Dylan ********
 sorry, don't know about fees
3 years ago
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Aung *******
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Danny ********
@Aung ******
 you have a credit card or a debit card???.....i don't think many foreigners get credit cards from thai banks. A debit card with a Mastercard or Visa logo is not a credit card.
3 years ago
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Aung *******
@Danny *******
 I have both credit card and debit cards. It's super easy actually. They just needed 3 months of payslip from my company because I already have years of monthly salary paid into my Krungsri bank account.
3 years ago
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Danny ********
@Aung ******
 do you need to work here and have a work permit? And would their credit limits be similar to say the west?
3 years ago
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Aung *******
@Danny *******
 Yes, it requires work permit too.

Not sure about credit limits. My credit limit is 220% of my monthly income but my girlfriend's credit limit is 90% of her income. Probably because we spent almost all of our online purchases with accounts opened with my email, grocery/clothes shopping with my mCard, etc... I think they pull data from all sorts of sources to determine the credit limit... probably... I'm not quite sure about this though
3 years ago
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Danny ********
@Aung ******
 thanks for the info
3 years ago
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Danny ********
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David ***
Important is you need to provide an address & a Thai citizen as reference and if you comes often.
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
I did it 2 days ago here in Phuket, I am just here on holiday for 4 weeks, I had to use an agent, opened 2 x accounts, 1 for my 800,000 THB retirement Visa and I for my regular day to day expenses, cost 5,780THB including insurance, including 500THB in each account, I paid the agent separately 4000THB, so 9780THB total
3 years ago
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Che ********
The correct answer is "maybe or maybe not".
3 years ago
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Thomas *************************
Krungsri is the easiest
3 years ago
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Pranee ***********
I know how to do contact me i will told u some company in bangkok u can open bangkok bank
3 years ago
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Tony *********
With Krungsri Bank I just needed my passport.
3 years ago
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Philip **********
I opened an account with bangkok bank on soi buakhow pattaya, took me about 20 minutes, had passport, rental agreement and a thai partner, it cost me 7000baht which included the 5900baht insurance, then was a couple of other fees which brought it upto that cost, have spoken to a few people who have opened thai accounts with different banks and all of them have said the same regarding the fees and insurance payment....
3 years ago
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Jonathan *******
@Philip *********
 I opened an account with Kasikorn and only had to make payment of 100 THB for the atm card
3 years ago
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Jonathan *******
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Carsten ************
Bangkok Bank: bring some friend who's existing customer there.
3 years ago
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Daniella **************
You can open an account with Bangkok bank as tourist but you need to buy 1 year insurance to them that cost 5,900 baht
3 years ago
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Myat ***********
I were told the same but I just said No for the insurance.
3 years ago
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Donna ************
@Ella ****
 that’s true. Until we got our visa we were told the same
3 years ago
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Douglas ************
@Ella ****
 I agree with you. The branches I tried wanted to sell insurance as a condition.

I changed my visa, got a letter from immigration for proof of address and then it was no problem. No insurance fee to pay.
3 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ella ****
 That's not true at all
3 years ago
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Carsten ************
@Ella ****
 not necessary, it's just a scam from staff to make xtra money.
3 years ago
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Carsten ************
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āļāļ°āļĨāļēāļŠāļĩ *****
I tend to do things myself and not hire an agent (e.g. Thai drivers license, visa renewal, 90 day report, etc.) However, if I were trying to open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa, I would hire an agent. I think most agents charge about 3K THB but IMO it will be money well spent. I say this because I've read many posts in these groups of people going to bank after bank and being rejected. My 2ÂĒ on the matter. Good luck!
3 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@āļāļ°āļĨāļēāļŠāļĩ ****
 0 reason to use an agent to open a bank account for you.
3 years ago
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āļāļ°āļĨāļēāļŠāļĩ *****
@Garrett **********
 as long as he's ready for the possibility he may spend the day going from bank to bank, then I agree with you.
3 years ago
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āļāļ°āļĨāļēāļŠāļĩ *****
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Bobby ********
Try the Bangkok Bank HO in Silom. Take a Thai person with you.
3 years ago
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Wayne *********
As Stuart said, upto the bank,s manager.

Walk into as many as possible until you find one that says yes. If the teller says no ask them to go ask manager, remain polite and calm to them 🙂
3 years ago
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Mitchell *******
- A Thai GF/wife/partner improves your odds immensely.

- They will want at minimum, to see your passport.

- And most likely a foreign account where most of the $$$ will arrive from.

- They will check for a visa I think. Although I currently travel visa exempt, the girl saw several arrival stamps per year in mine, so obviously I come to Thailand often.

- Don't give up. I recommend Bangkok Bank.
3 years ago
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Brian ********
Give SCB bank a try and if unsuccessful try another SCB bank or Bangkok Bank just don’t take no for an answer it would be good if you had a Thai girlfriend with or if you are desperate try a Agency they can help you for a fee good luck
3 years ago
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Gordon *******
All banks are a problem
3 years ago
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Michael ********
Yellow bank no problem
3 years ago
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Chris *****
I managed to get one a few years ago in phuket with just a passport but I think I was lucky its a bit hit and miss depending on the bank staff
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
Unfortunately there is no set answer to this. Each branch of each bank has their own set ways. Some will let you open an account with a visa exempt entry, some insist on a long term visa or even a work permit. There’s no rhyme or reason as to which branch will let you do what. Just takes a bit of leg work trolling through various branches to see which one will let you open an account. Nothing in Thai law stops anyone opening an account on any visa type but the branch manager has sway on what happens in their branch. In tourist type areas you’ll probably have more luck as they’re used to foreigners. In Nakhon si nowhere you are probably going to be out of luck.
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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