Answered2 years ago
Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa and obtain a work permit?
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…
Answer summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand is challenging for tourists, as most banks require a work permit or a long-term visa. Many users recommend using an agent, which typically costs between ฿5,000 to ฿8,000 for assistance. There are conflicting experiences; some individuals have managed to open accounts with specific banks like Bangkok Bank under certain conditions. However, generally, tourists are advised that they cannot open bank accounts without a work permit or long-term residency.
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Joe ********
George's Thailand Trip 2024, you can apply for a 90 day non-o retirement visa from the UK and it's my understanding that you could open a bank account, Bangkok bank is probably the best to try first, they have now stopped people opening bank accounts on a tourist visa, once you have an account with Bangkok bank then the other banks might give you an account, I'm not an expert but that's what I've been told and that's what I intend to do on my next visit, you could get an agent to do this but they can be a bit expensive, hope this helps you 🙏
Nongnuch ********
use an agent to open a bank account. Should cost something like 5000.-. THB
George’s **********************
OP@Nongnuch *******
ok. Thank you. I will keep trying..
Dan **********
I have a bank account at Bangkok Bank. But they did make me buy insurance. Which probably is a good idea in case something happens to me 
George’s **********************
OP@Dan *********
could you tell me the detail etc please. How much was the policy yearly. And how much your cover. Thank you. Sorry for being too personal.
Sumi *****
I am sure, that tourist can not get a bank account.
David ******
I have a bank account I'm a tourist. Try different banks
George’s **********************
OP@David *****
tell me you secretDavid ******
George’s **********************
OP@David *****
sorry to be a pain. Would you be able to give me their address please.George’s **********************
OP@David *****
thank youDavid ******
George’s **********************
OP@David *****
Yes I tried that yesterday. They are so busy. Which bank accepted you and where? Thank you..
Matthew *********
I went to ais recently to change my phone plan and they tried to tell me I needed a work permit. I told them they were full of shit and ask for manager. Than they tried to tell me I was no longer able to have the unlimited internet account and I told I was no longer able to pay the bill. Than after everything I said I would post the experience and they changed their mind. I ask why they lie. Was it for their amusement. After looking at bank book she said oh you live here. It's always something.
Phil ******
@Matthew ********
yeh miscommunication. A post paid plan you require a work permit but prepaid is still fine.Download the AIS app and you can top up yourself
George’s **********************
OP@Phil *****
why is this may I askPhil ******
@George’s *********************
because its unlimited and I can stream sports movies and TV at a great priceMatthew *********
@Phil *****
I am been on a post pay plan for 5 years and still am. They tried to change it but I refused. In the end everything stayed the samePhil ******
@Matthew ********
im still happy with my unlimited data plan*************************************************
Phil ******
@Matthew ********
yeh back 5 years ago you could then they changed the rulesGeorge’s **********************
OPCorrect. Was told I had to be in the country 15+days before applying. This was at Undon Thani Immigration. Had to have proof of address I was staying…
Tim *********
Why do you want to open a bank account? You need a long term resident visa to open a bank account. Tourist visas not acceptable.
George’s **********************
OP@Tim ********
Hiya. Do you work for immigration
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.
Steven *******
@Ralph ******
Some Immigration offices allow this.Ralph *******
@Steven ******
Yes, I imagine that they do. It would be nice to know which! Never seen it posted here but I’m sure there’s someone with experience of it that can help.Ralph *******
@Steven ******
Ha ha! Not asking ‘any one person’. This is a large group so the experience should be varied.Steven *******
@Ralph ******
Not sure any one person has experience with all 223 Immigration offices. Besides, the policies probably change from time to time, maybe as each new manager takes over or changes their mind.Ralph *******
You need a company that wants to employ you to arrange a work permit. Are you in that situation?
George’s **********************
OP@Ralph ******
unfortunately not
Bob *********
How can your passport be stamped until 31st March? That is more than 60 days.
Joe ********
@Bob ********
for the last 7 or 8 years I've been coming to Thailand on a 60 day tourist visa with an exit date of 90 days from entry, when I arrive at BKK they can see this and understand that I'll be getting the 30 day extension, I normally wait until I have 2 or 3 days left on my 60 day visa before I extend at Chiang Mai immigration and never had a problem, hope this helps 🙏George’s **********************
OP@Joe *******
is it just the one trip eg 90 days per year you do Joe…Bob *********
Thank you, but it was originally 30 days, then 45 during Covid. Now, yes, it is 60 days, but , certainly in Phuket, you can’t extend it until there is 7 days or less left, on the original 60 days. And at a cost of 1,900 thb. I am not disbelieving anyone else’s experience, but that is mine in Phuket.
George’s **********************
OP@Bob ********
Oh. I thought that was explained in my initial question. It was extended at Immigration.Bob *********
@George’s *********************
But you can’t get your 30 day extension until a few days before your 60 days is up…………can you?Bob *********
@Greg **********
Oh, I see. Thank you for that.
Greg ***********
@Bob ********
that depends on which Immigration you use. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai you can get the extension with 45 days left on the 60 days stay permit. In Pattaya and on Ko Samui, they make you wait until the last 7 days
Stefan *******
@Bob ********
yes you can, in some placesGreg ***********
@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 BahtGeorge’s **********************
OP@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.Greg ***********
@George’s *********************
just make the trip to Pattaya, chek into a hotel, visit the agent, get that account opened and proceed from thereGeorge’s **********************
OP@Greg **********
Ok. Thank you.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.Matthew *********
@Brandon ***********
it's best where you live because of the bank book. Not all banks will issue you a new bank book. Many will tell you that is has to be done at original bank. Another stupid ass rule they make up. It's not the same umbrella for same branches of Bangkok bank am told. Still have not figured out why in the hell you would need a bank book. Immigration makes you get a certified letter from bank. They don't take the book at face valueGeorge’s **********************
OP@Brandon ***********
Thank you . Sound advice.
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.
Wayne ********
@Adrian *******
only difference is the OP is on a tourist visa and I don’t believe he has any hope of getting a work permit because you’re not allowed to work on a tourist visaGeorge’s **********************
OP@Wayne *******
you are rightMatthew *********
@Adrian *******
it's the luck of the draw. Buy a lottery ticket.555George’s **********************
OP@Matthew ********
yeah been thinking about thatGeorge’s **********************
OP@Adrian *******
Just googled ED Visa. Are you studying and how long does your Visa last.Adrian ********
@George’s *********************
Yes I am actually using the visa for its purpose, the visa is for 3 months, and then you can get a 9 month extension (I have not gone through the extension process yet) . Also Bangkok Bank did try to sell me a *****
baht life insurance policy as part of the account opening, I explained they probably would not want to insurer me on made up medical grounds etc, so they did not pursue it any further.
George’s **********************
OP@Brian *******
Thank you. I will give these guys a call..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 ************************
George’s **********************
OP@Phil *****
Thankyou for that.
Paul **********
You are on a visa exempt stamp.
George’s **********************
OP@Paul *********
yesSteven *******
@George’s *********************
You said you’re on a 60-day tourist visa. That’s different than visa-exempt (no visa).
David *********
Just use an agent in Pattaya
George’s **********************
OP@David ********
Thano youGeorge’s **********************
OPThank* You
Nigel **************
If you get a job first then the company will help you get a WP
Ge**
@Nigel *************
Is there any agent who can give job with visit/ tourist visa? If yes let me have his contactBrandon ************
@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.George’s **********************
OP@Nigel *************
Thank you…
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.
George’s **********************
OP@Lye *********
Business visa. Ok. Thank you. Will look into that.
John **********
You can't get a work permit on a tourist visa as you're not allowed to work
George’s **********************
OP@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.
Steven *******
@George’s *********************
You had better hope not as you don’t have a work permit. Maybe don’t talk about it, especially on social media.Steven *******
@George’s *********************
It doesn’t matter. Volunteers need a work permit. Seriously. However, Immigration doesn’t look for infractions unless someone reports you. Then, they are obligated to investigate.George’s **********************
OP@Steven ******
call It charity work. I paid for everything And received no payment.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.
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.
Gary *******
Liran ******
@Brandon ***********
accounts still have high risk that be checked and terminated if government finds out you are holding tourist visa but have opened a bank account.Brandon ************
@Liran *****
The government doesn't care what type of visa you are on for a bank account. The government cares about mule accounts.George’s **********************
OP@Brandon ***********
Ok. just googled mule account. Just uk state pension money. Sorry to say.George’s **********************
OPWhat is classified as a mule account
Dave *******
@Brandon ***********
can get it for less tbh *********
George’s **********************
OP@Dave ******
That is about the going rate then ha?George’s **********************
OP@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. .. hmmmmmBrandon ************
@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 bahtGeorge’s **********************
OP@Brandon ***********
ok thank you.Brandon ************
@George’s *********************
I don't know the specifics. I just know most people report paying that much for the insurance policy to get a bank account. Just 5-8k one time to the bankGeorge’s **********************
OP@Brandon ***********
Yes possibly. Over 8 years . I may have misunderstood the asking price was 400,000. This equates to 50,000 per year. Are you saying. The policy would have cost me 5 to 8,000 each year. Meaning my benefishers would receive 400’000 at the time of my death. If I survived 8 years. Basically increasing 50,000 each year I remain alive from year 1…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.George’s **********************
OPThe agents fees if they come in at 5000 bht. I could could live with. Without the feeling of being taken to the cleaners.
George’s **********************
OP
Mark **********
@George’s *********************
that’s a common sell banks push. Go to an agent and just pay the fee instead in that caseGeorge’s **********************
OP@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.
Chang ******
@Brandon ***********
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