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Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa without a work permit?

Thai bank accountTourist visaNon-Immigrant O visaVisa requirementsMarriage to Thai citizenResidence certificateBanking in ThailandExpat advice
Feb 14, 2023
2 years ago
Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can I set up a thai bank without a work permit? I am on a Tourist visa but recently married my thai partner. I cannot get a Non-Immigrant O visa without a bank account but cannot get a bank account without a work permit.... im going round in circles. Any help much appreciated x
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The ability to open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa without a work permit can be challenging, as it often depends on the bank's specific policies and local branch requirements. Many expats suggest visiting Bangkok Bank, which may allow account openings with a residence certificate from immigration or a letter from an embassy. Some have reported success using agents for this process. Furthermore, foreign women married to Thai citizens often do not need to show financial proof to apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa, which alleviates some of the concerns about needing a bank account.
Jo **********
yes
2 years ago
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Jack *********
We had to hire a visa agent to help us do it at Bangkok Bank in Phuket. It was worth the money.
2 years ago
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Taz **********
Bangkok bank, you need to get a residency letter from immigration, to get this, if you are staying in a hotel, ask them for a letter stating you reside there since your arrival date, take their letter, your passport, 2 passport size photos, with copies of everything, immigration will charge you 500 baht (normal fee) tell immigration you wish to open a bank account on arrival at their office. Take the letter your passport to Bangkok bank, go to a main branch not a small branch usually found in shopping centres, but the main bbk branch. They usually ask you to buy a bank product, like accident insurance, the cheapest one is just under $6,000 baht, 400 baht for ATM card and minimum deposit of 500 baht. They will ask you if you want the insurance automatically deducted every year, best to say no, $6,000 baht is worth it to save the hassle, plus you get 12 months accident insurance. SCB requires you to have a yellow house book and Krungshri requires you to have a retirement visa. I took my girlfriend through this process last week, she is a Lao National on visa exempt 45 days. I showed a friend who was on an AO 90 day visa, helped where to go etc... 3 months ago, he then went onto a retirement visa, 12 months.
2 years ago
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Kel ********
Bangkok Bank have been doing this for years but only at certain branches, so you need to find out which ones are doing it now - not all will, even if the same bank.
2 years ago
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Aaron *************
********************************************************************************
2 years ago
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Cory ******
Yes so easy.
2 years ago
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Frank **********
@Cory *****
 no not easy for everyone.
2 years ago
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Frank **********
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Frank **********
I got my Immigration Office to give me a certificate of residency for 500 baht and he told me to go to a specific branch of Bangkok Bank and I was able to get one on a visa exempt. It also helped that I submitted a request for a non O visa conversion because I got married in January.
2 years ago
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Taz **********
What I'm saying is all this migration offices will process a residency letter, if you are in your area and go to your local immigration office with proof of where you reside you will get one for 500 baht. However to add to this, as long as you have a letter from a hotel to say you reside there, they will also issue one, you are required by immigration to notify where you reside and where you stay, there is no set requirement of how many days, over many years I have done this, I was registered as residing in Pattaya one year then went to North Eastern Thailand for 1 week, my drivers licence with Pattaya hotel address was due for renewal, I asked the hotel if they could provide a letter stating I resided there as I needed it to renew my licence, they gave it to me the next day, I went to the local immigration and received my residency letters x 2 for purpose of licence, then went and renewed them. In another year I was registered in one province at a hotel, but was staying with my girlfriend, travelled to another province, obtained a letter from the hotel that I resided there, then onto local immigration then to the bank to open a bank account. when covid hit, I was in the country on a tourist exemption, staying with friends, I had planned to cross the boarder however it closed, my visa exempt was expiring and it would take too long to get the paperwork from the Thai landlord of my friends address, so off to a hotel for 1 night to get a receipt then off to immigration for visa extension. they shoot themselves in the foot by requesting where you are all the time, if you go and stay somewhere for a weekend it is your current residence for that weekend / week ect, if asked just say you are moving and no kaw to say you cant move back.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Taz *********
 are you sure they'll do it for you if you didn't get your extension in that province?
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Frank *********
 Nice. What immigration office do you use? I've never tried getting a certificate of residency from immigration as I figured it would be too much hassle compared to an embassy. Problem is, fewer and fewer embassies are now performing this service (notarizing a form that states your address or providing a certificate of residency) so one day, everyone might need to use immigration for this.
2 years ago
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Taz **********
@Paul ******
 all immigration offices do the residency letter for 500 baht
2 years ago
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Frank **********
@Paul ******
 it was in Maha Sarakham.
2 years ago
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Frank **********
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Dana *******
Go to your embassy, ask a letter stating that your passport is not fake. This will definitely help you. Then, shop around...
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Dana ******
 Many embassies are able to issue certificates of residency or an equivalent (notarized affidavit) but unfortunately, several have stopped offering this service.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Andy ********
Opening a bank account is the very best time to use an agent.... If in Chiang Mai i used Thai Visa Assist and it was so easy. I was on a tourist visa at the time living week by week in serviced rooms with no contract.
2 years ago
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Steven ***************
As Michael said , foreign women married to a Thai man don't need money in a Thai bank to get a spouse visa/extension. Only foreign men married to thai women do. So if this is the only reason you want to open an account here, you don't need it.
2 years ago
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven **************
 yes this is why I’ve been trying to get a bank account 🤯 I haven’t read anything online that states the requirements for a foreign woman, do you know where I can get this information? It’s mad how the rules are different!
2 years ago
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Steven ***************
@Katy *******
2 years ago
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Steven ***************
@Katy *******
 . Go to the official website or go to immigration and ask for a list. Everything is identical except for the money.
2 years ago
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Steven ***************
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Michael ********
Go with your husband to his bank.

But as you are female married to a Thai you dont need a bank account to get the Non O visa
2 years ago
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Russell *******
Yes , I did it 8 months ago. Get a letter of residence from immigration and go to a Bangkok Bank.
2 years ago
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Chan ******
@Russell ******
 Would you advise any documents will be required for getting a letter of residence? If still stays in Hotel but can provide a permanent address in Thailand, will immigration accept this? Thank you.
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Chan *****
 from what I understand. Either the hotel or were ever you stay should upload your information to the immigration website saying you are staying at a certain residents. This is enough for the immigration to issue a letter of residence.

Good luck 🙏
2 years ago
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Chan ******
@Russell ******
 Thank you so much, so that use TM30 go to immigration to do a letter of residence.
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Chan *****
 yes , once you get the letter from immigration go to Bangkok Bank and show them the letter and say you want to open an account to pay funds in for retirement visa.

Good luck 🙏
2 years ago
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Chan ******
@Russell ******
 thank you, they did not ask you to buy product, or have asked you to buy something.
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Chan *****
 When I first tried to open an account at Bangkok Bank in Samui I was told they would open account immediately if I paid 7000 baht for insurance policy , I refused that.

I later went to Bangkok Bank in Chiang Rai with the letter from immigration and opened it without anyone asking for a fee for insurance or any thing else. I had to pay 400 baht for ATM card and 500 baht for the initial deposit. 🙏
2 years ago
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Russell *******
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Russell ******
 But on a Tourist Visa?
2 years ago
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Julie **********
@Katy *******
 me too. Last July.
2 years ago
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Russell *******
@Katy *******
 yes
2 years ago
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Russell *******
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Yns *****
Stefan Fabbro can help on that.
2 years ago
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Yns ****
 who’s that
2 years ago
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Katy ********
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Kev **********
Got any mates living here? You could "reside at their address"
2 years ago
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Lynnette *******
@Kev *********
 she's married to a Thai.
2 years ago
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Kev **********
@Lynnette ******
 in that case take the house book to immigration indicate you live there. They give you a form to take to bank..500 baht I think...go to Bangkok Bank....take out their accident insurance...get bank account in minutes
2 years ago
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kev *********
 We're also going to try this as well tomorrow, thank you. We did go Bangkok Bank today they didn't even mention anything about the insurance just sent us away and said i needed a work permit.... confusing!
2 years ago
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Lynnette *******
@Kev *********
 tag her in that. I'm not sure what visa she's after.
2 years ago
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Lynnette *******
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Stuart *********
As
@Bra****
 says it’s become really hard. There is nothing to technically stop you but each branch of each bank has its own rules. Some may let you. Many won’t. Those that would have been inundated with Russians and have become overwhelmed. Russians need a bank account as their credit cards don’t work. In Phuket alone we may see 100-150 per day asking for a residence certificate so they may open an account.
2 years ago
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Stuart *********
Your probably going to find it easier with an agent
2 years ago
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 Thanks for your help I went to immigration and they were clueless on a residence certificate lol I'm in satun not many farangs here! ill try again tomorrow. Crazy because i cant get a Non-Immigrant O without a bank and cant get a bank without a work permit (so they are saying) x
2 years ago
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Fred ******
@Katy *******
 The requirements are clearly stated on the Bangkok Bank website. There are several options, one of which is a work permit. One other is a reference letter from an Embassy in Thailand. This actually is a form from Bangkok Bank you take to your Embassy who will notarize the document.

Except for a few branches that deal with foreigners, like the main branch on Silom Rd in Bangkok, most don't have any understanding of the different options and are likely to just say "need work permit". At this point ask them to contact the help desk in Bangkok who will explain to them what is required. Also, you do not need the ATM card with the useless insurance. Just the basic card for 200 or 300 baht. I opened my account on a Visa Excempt Entry.
2 years ago
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John **********
@Katy *******
 while you're there tomorrow (be sure to take your husband) ask them for the requirements for a foreign lady married to a Thai man
2 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Katy *******
 catch 22.
2 years ago
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Stuart *********
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John **********
You don't need a work permit. You're likely to be more successful if you can bring a Thai friend along to vouch for you, or get a residence certificate (either from immigration or your embassy)
2 years ago
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 My Husband was with me i had my marriage certificate and they still said no i need a work permit 🙁
2 years ago
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John **********
@Katy *******
 just keep trying at different branches. But are you aware there are zero financial criteria for a foreigner married to a Thai male?
2 years ago
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 No, that would be a snapper in the works as there is little information on a female marrying a thai male its all the other way round so ive been following the male criteria! How do you know this may i ask? Thanks
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Katy *******
 John is correct. A female married to a Thai male does not have to show any money. It's assumed the man will be supporting his wife so you don't have to prove financial details.
2 years ago
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John **********
@Katy *******
 just general knowledge. It's assumed the husband has responsibility and as your husband is Thai it is his responsibility to look out for you. Because he's Thai there are no financial requirements. I'd suggest both you and your husband pay a trip to your local immigration office
2 years ago
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John **********
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Terry *******
Bangkok bank.
2 years ago
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Graham ******
****************************************************************************
2 years ago
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May *********
If you get letter from your Embassy and you can open bank account at Bangkok bank.

I did last month..
2 years ago
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Maxim ***********
Either try many bank until you get lucky, or use an agent. An agent can do it for 3-5k baht.
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
Bangkok bank is your best bet. You either need a residence certificate (you can't get one in Bangkok unless you've done a 90 day report) or you can get your embassy to provide one
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@Alistair *********
 AFAIK, The embassies do not provide residence certificates. The do offer to notarize sworn affidavits.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Brook *******
 Embassies do provide this service, but unfortunately, some have stopped. The Australian embassy stopped providing this service back around 2018, while the American embassy will cease issuing them effective March 1, 2023 claiming it's much easier and cheaper to get it through Thai immigration (which isn't true). I'd rather deal with my embassy than with immigration. Always much easier and faster.
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@Paul ******
 The American consulate does not issue residency certificates. They will notarize your affidavit.
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
@Brook *******
 seriously, did you want to go through every single embassy? Just face the fact, you pretended to be a know it all and you got proven wrong with a 30 second google search.
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@Alistair *********
 The facts are clear. Only Thai Immigration issues Residency Certificates.
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
@Brook *******
 says it right there... Resident certificate
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@Alistair *********
 Reading is fundamental.
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
@Brook *******
2 years ago
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Paul *******
@Brook *******
 Another way of saying the same thing BUT they're about to stop providing this service as the Australians did a few years ago.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Alistair **********
@Brook *******
 depends on the embassy
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@Alistair *********
 Which countries offer residency certificates?
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
@Brook *******
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
@Brook *******
 embassy of Ireland
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@Alistair *********
 Letter of reference. Not a Residency Certificate.

*******************************************************************************
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
@Brook *******
2 years ago
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Brook ********
@Alistair *********
 based on the information you provided it appears the Indian embassy will provide a letter in support of your application for a residence affidavit.
2 years ago
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Brook ********
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *********
 I was denied at Bangkok Bank as I needed a work permit 🙁 so frustrating.
2 years ago
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Marc ********
@Katy *******
 Bangkok Bank usually they open it for you if you buy their insurance.

At least in Pattaya
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
@Katy *******
 if you have a residence certificate or embassy letter you can open an account. Unless it's changed in the last couple months. The other banks are much more unlikely to be of any help.

Banks do have a Non residence account. It's essentially a useless account, but you can deposit and withdraw money. Krungsri offers one and the requirements were less strict.
2 years ago
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Alistair **********
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Brandon ************
It's become almost impossible since covid and the influx of Russians made it even less possible. At this point if you're on a tourist visa you almost certainly need to use an agent or find a bank that will let you open an account if you purchase an insurance policy.

Either method costs around 3000-5000₿.
2 years ago
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Happy to purchase insurance but I haven't even been offered that option yet.... 🙁
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Katy *******
 I think I've heard it from Bangkok Bank more than any other. Maybe someone else can provide info on a specific branch.
2 years ago
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 Thanks for your help. I went Bangkok bank today and they said I needed a work permit grrrr
2 years ago
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Brandon ************
@Katy *******
 the weird thing is each different branch office has their own rules so you might have to check multiple locations of the same bank and they all have different rules. Welcome to Thailand 🙃
2 years ago
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Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 nothing is ever simple 🤯🤯
2 years ago
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Katy ********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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