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Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa and obtain a work permit?

Thai bank accounttourist visawork permitKasikorn bankvisa extensionexpat advicebanking rules in Thailand
Jan 23, 2025
12 hours ago
George’s **********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. I am currently in Thailand 60 day tourist visa with a 30 day extension. Would possibly like to open a bank account. Possibly with Kasikornbank. Have been told by members of staff that I need work permit to open one. Am I able to obtain a Work Permit with regards to my current status. My passport is stamped until 31st March 2025. Thanks for any advice and help that is coming forward…
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is currently on a 60-day tourist visa with a possible 30-day extension and is seeking advice on opening a bank account with Kasikorn bank. Various comments indicate that tourists generally cannot open bank accounts without a work permit, but some suggest using an agent for a fee. There is also clarification that a work permit can only be obtained with a business visa and relevant company documentation, and a tourist cannot work legally in Thailand.
Ralph *******
So, you got your extension within the first 30 days of your stay? That’s quite unusual, judging by the things I’ve read in this group.
6 hours ago
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Ralph *******
You need a company that wants to employ you to arrange a work permit. Are you in that situation?
6 hours ago
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Bob *********
How can your passport be stamped until 31st March? That is more than 60 days.
10 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Bob ********
 Oh. I thought that was explained in my initial question. It was extended at Immigration.
8 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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Greg ***********
@George’s *********************
 you can't open a bank account on a tourist visa or on a visa exempt entry, by yourself. Depending where you are - in Pattaya you just get into touch with an agency, and they will open a Thai bank account in your sole name. Agents will prefer Bangkok Bank but maybe if you ask, they can open a Kasikorn bank account for you. This service normally goes for 5000-7500 Baht
10 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Greg **********
 A Bangkok Bank sounds better. I am in Bang Phli at the moment. Maybe I should try an agency there. If I go to Pattaya. I may never leave, ha.
8 hours ago
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Greg ***********
@George’s *********************
 just make the trip to Pattaya, chek into a hotel, visit the agent, get that account opened and proceed from there
8 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Greg **********
 Ok. Thank you.
8 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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Brandon ************
@George’s *********************
 it's best to open the account where you'll be living if possible. You don't have ATM fees in the province you open the account in, and many things are easier to do in the branch you opened the account at.
8 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Brandon ***********
 Thank you . Sound advice.
8 hours ago
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Adrian ********
I walked into Bangkok Bank in Krabi Town, about 2 months ago, with my passport with an ED visa stamp. Handed over my mobile phone and 500 baht, they opened an account, and installed the mobile app, handed me a debit card, all took about 30 mins.
10 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Adrian *******
 Just googled ED Visa. Are you studying and how long does your Visa last.
9 hours ago
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Phil ******
@Dennis ***
 opening a bank account here has been tightened up so the answer is no. But using an agent and paying ฿5k you can. 2 reputable agents are
@Mots *********
 and
@Tik ************************
11 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Phil *****
 Thankyou for that.
8 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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Paul **********
You are on a visa exempt stamp.
11 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Paul *********
 yes
9 hours ago
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David *********
Just use an agent in Pattaya
11 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@David ********
 Thano you
8 hours ago
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George’s **********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank* You
8 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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Nigel **************
If you get a job first then the company will help you get a WP
11 hours ago
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Ge**
@Nigel *************
 Is there any agent who can give job with visit/ tourist visa? If yes let me have his contact
8 hours ago
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Brandon ************
@Ge**
 what visa you're on doesn't matter. You find the job first then the employer gives you the paperwork for you to get the work visa yourself.
7 hours ago
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Brandon ************
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George’s **********************
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@Nigel *************
 Thank you…
8 hours ago
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Lye **********
Work permit can only be issued to you if you have a business visa, plus lots of other documents from a company applying work permit for you.
12 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Lye *********
 Business visa. Ok. Thank you. Will look into that.
8 hours ago
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John **********
You can't get a work permit on a tourist visa as you're not allowed to work
12 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@John *********
 Ok. Thank you. While in a village inear Udon Thani. I paid for 8 lorry loads of soil. And a full load of Concrete for the old lady who lives there. Some soil no and the concrete was used to raise internal floor. And remaining soil was used and spread on the outside grounds. Paid 4 men to do the job. I also mucked in. Is this classed as work related.
8 hours ago
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Brandon ************
Most likely no, it's not possible. Banks do not give bank accounts to tourists, and tourists do not need bank accounts.

If you want to open a bank account, you will probably have to pay an agent to help you get one. Costs run about 5-8,000 baht.
12 hours ago
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Dave *******
@Brandon ***********
 can get it for less tbh
*********
7 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Brandon ***********
 I approached a bank in Udon Thani. They said they were willing to open an account for me. As they realised that long term aim was to have a retirement visa. Anyway their proposal. was with regards to my current visa status. Was that I take out life insurance through them. To run for 8 years at a cost 400,000bht. .. hmmmmm
9 hours ago
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Brandon ************
@George’s *********************
 you seem to have misunderstood something. There's no way they tried to sell you an insurance policy with the price of 400,000 baht. That was the coverage amount. The policies are usually 5-8,000 baht
7 hours ago
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Brandon ************
@George’s *********************
 you pay either way. You pay the agent or you pay the bank for insurance. Pick which one is more convenient for you.
8 hours ago
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George’s **********************
ORIGINAL POSTER
The agents fees if they come in at 5000 bht. I could could live with. Without the feeling of being taken to the cleaners.
8 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Brandon ***********
8 hours ago
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Mark **********
@George’s *********************
 that’s a common sell banks push. Go to an agent and just pay the fee instead in that case
8 hours ago
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George’s **********************
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@Mark *********
 Very cheeky. Would I be able to have 2 life insurance policies running. The one I have back in my home country. And one in Thailand.
8 hours ago
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Chang ******
@Brandon ***********
 Best answer
12 hours ago
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Chang ******
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