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Can I open a bank account in Thailand as a tourist, and what is the process?

Thailand banking regulationsOpen bank account as touristBangkok BankResidency certificateVisa requirements for bankingExpats in ThailandFinancial services for touristsThai immigration rules
May 21, 2024
6 months ago
Arthur *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am planning to eventually retire to Thailand, but I would like to open a bank account before I do. Is it possible to open an account as a tourist, and if so, what is procedure?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand as a tourist is possible but has become increasingly difficult due to stricter regulations. Most banks, particularly Bangkok Bank, may allow account opening on a tourist visa if specific conditions are met, such as having a minimum of 30 days left on the visa, necessary documentation (passport, visa copy, residence certificate from immigration, etc.), and sometimes requiring a deposit. Many expats recommend using an agent to navigate the process more smoothly, albeit at a cost. Recent changes in banking regulations also mean additional hurdles, and experiences may vary by branch.
Henrik *****
You may need a resident certificat from the Immigration, which they will be happy to make for you after you have stayed three (3) months, on another visa than touristvisa.

But scroll back in the group, where that question is answered almost daily.
6 months ago
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Stephen ********
@Henrik ****
 not necessarily correct. I think that rule applies in Bangkok, possibly other areas but not in Pattaya. You can get a residence certificate on tourist visa.
6 months ago
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Henrik *****
Then you need to meet a very friendly Immigration officer.

I advise on basis of the rules, not on the basis of luck.
6 months ago
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Henrik *****
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Daniel *****
Anything is possible if you are prepared to pay and use an agent.
6 months ago
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Lindsay ********
I just tried 3 different banks and had a letter of recommendation immigration. No deal. On a 30 day entry with a 30 day extension. The rules have changed again.
6 months ago
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Stephen ********
@Lindsay *******
 maybe because you don't have a visa. Bangkok Bank in soi baukhao in Pattaya will open with an actual tourist visa which is 60 days.
6 months ago
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Stephen ********
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Bob **********
Use an agent
6 months ago
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Nigel ********
I wouldn't normally recommend using an agent for anything but maybe for opening a bank account as its a very time consuming thing to do and costly if you have to take out banks own insurance

Use Bangkok Bank or Yellow bank as you can deposit more than 55k at a time and they both expect Wise international transfer which show on your statements
6 months ago
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Windy *******
Do only sign what you can

read. It could be that the

bank agrees to open an

account and gives you a

paper where you sign a

life insurance.
6 months ago
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Brook ********
On May 1st, new Thai government banking regulations took effect with the intention of reducing the number of mule accounts used as part of phone scams.

Unfortunately these new regulations adversely affect many new and long term visitors.

The majority of the mule accounts are most likely Thais, who are lured by the prospect of easy money in exchange for handing over access to their new accounts.

As mentioned above, an agent (money), like with many things in Thailand, can help overcome the challenges.

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6 months ago
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Mark ***************
I was directed to Bangkok Bank at Phetchkasem Rd HuaHin. They gladly opened an account on tourist visa with the intention to apply for a long term 1 y visa aka retirement visa. I had to provide a certificate of residence from immigration which needed a rental contract and landlords id copy.
6 months ago
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Colin *******
@Mark **************
 'certificate of residence from immigration which needed a rental contract and landlords id copy' So you had a rental contract on a 30 day visa? Or was it a longer term visa?
6 months ago
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Mark ***************
@Colin ******
 1 year ago
6 months ago
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Colin *******
@Mark **************
 it may or may not work now. They have recently turned the screws again. It just gets harder every year, and will continue I think. They are now starting to ask Aussies for their TFN tax file number in Australia. A recent change.
6 months ago
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Colin *******
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Mark ***************
@Colin ******
 rental contract on a 30d visa
6 months ago
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Colin *******
@Mark **************
 I guess that begs the question of when did this happen?
6 months ago
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Colin *******
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Stuart ***********
@Mark **************
 when was this?
6 months ago
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Stuart ***********
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Geoff ********
No. But go to many, bring your paperwork and a Thai lady to help translate and she can look like your Thai lady! It works. You can get one on a tourist visa, but it's against the rules. My friends have done it.
6 months ago
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Oleg ***********
If you are in Pattaya. Can do for you. If you are under 50 on a tourist visa, it’s only Bangkok Bank.
6 months ago
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Stephen ********
From what I was told last November, Bangkok Bank are the only bank that will open an account on a tourist visa. There needs to be a minimum of 30 days remaining. You'll need your passport, copy of visa, home photographic ID (driving license), residence certificate and some money to lodge.
6 months ago
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Lyndon ************
@Stephen *******
6 months ago
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Stephen ********
@Lyndon ***********
 soi Baukhao branch is different.
6 months ago
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Lyndon ************
@Stephen *******
 every branch is different
6 months ago
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Lyndon ************
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Jan ******************
It’s been two members lately who have managed on tourist visa. One in Bangkok Bank Cherngthalay Phuket with a lease contract and one in Bangkok Bank Sukhumvit Soi 43 Bangkok. An agent will still easily manage to open for you around the tourist spots, but on your own it’s really not easy anymore.
6 months ago
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Brian ********
6 months ago
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Brandon ************
It's become very difficult. You'll either need to hit a LOT of banks, and by a lot I mean 20+ until you possibly find one that will allow you to do it. Some may require you to purchase insurance (5,000 baht+) in order to do it.

Or you can find an agent that will facilitate for you, generally in the range of 3-5,000 baht.
6 months ago
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Struyf *********
@Brandon ***********
 Bangkok Bank
6 months ago
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Struyf *********
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