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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
3 years ago
Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERCan 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
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.
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Jo **********
yes
Jack *********
We had to hire a visa agent to help us do it at Bangkok Bank in Phuket. It was worth the money.
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.
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.
Aaron *************
********************************************************************************
Cory ******
Yes so easy.
Frank **********
@Cory *****
no not easy for everyone.Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
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.
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.
Paul *******
@Taz *********
are you sure they'll do it for you if you didn't get your extension in that province?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.Taz **********
@Paul ******
all immigration offices do the residency letter for 500 bahtFrank **********
@Paul ******
it was in Maha Sarakham.Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
Dana *******
Go to your embassy, ask a letter stating that your passport is not fake. This will definitely help you. Then, shop around...
Paul *******
@Dana ******
Many embassies are able to issue certificates of residency or an equivalent (notarized affidavit) but unfortunately, several have stopped offering this service.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
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.
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.
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!Steven ***************
@Katy *******
. Go to the official website or go to immigration and ask for a list. Everything is identical except for the money.Reply to
Steven ***************
Reply
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
But as you are female married to a Thai you dont need a bank account to get the Non O visa
Russell *******
Yes , I did it 8 months ago. Get a letter of residence from immigration and go to a Bangkok Bank.
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.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 🙏
Chan ******
@Russell ******
Thank you so much, so that use TM30 go to immigration to do a letter of residence.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 🙏
Chan ******
@Russell ******
thank you, they did not ask you to buy product, or have asked you to buy something.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. 🙏
Reply to
Russell *******
Reply
Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Russell ******
But on a Tourist Visa?Julie **********
@Katy *******
me too. Last July.Russell *******
@Katy *******
yesReply to
Russell *******
Reply
Yns *****
Stefan Fabbro can help on that.
Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Yns ****
who’s thatReply to
Katy ********
Reply
Kev **********
Got any mates living here? You could "reside at their address"
Lynnette *******
@Kev *********
she's married to a Thai.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 minutesKaty ********
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!Lynnette *******
@Kev *********
tag her in that. I'm not sure what visa she's after.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
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.Stuart *********
Your probably going to find it easier with an agent
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) xFred ******
@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.
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 manStuart *********
@Katy *******
catch 22.Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
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)
Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
My Husband was with me i had my marriage certificate and they still said no i need a work permit 🙁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?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? ThanksBrandon ************
@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.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 officeReply to
John **********
Reply
Terry *******
Bangkok bank.
Graham ******
****************************************************************************
May *********
If you get letter from your Embassy and you can open bank account at Bangkok bank.
I did last month..
I did last month..
Maxim ***********
Either try many bank until you get lucky, or use an agent. An agent can do it for 3-5k baht.
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
Brook ********
@Alistair *********
AFAIK, The embassies do not provide residence certificates. The do offer to notarize sworn affidavits.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.Brook ********
@Paul ******
The American consulate does not issue residency certificates. They will notarize your affidavit.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.Brook ********
@Alistair *********
The facts are clear. Only Thai Immigration issues Residency Certificates.Alistair **********
@Brook *******
says it right there... Resident certificateBrook ********
@Alistair *********
Reading is fundamental.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.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Alistair **********
@Brook *******
depends on the embassyBrook ********
@Alistair *********
Which countries offer residency certificates?Alistair **********
@Brook *******
embassy of IrelandBrook ********
@Alistair *********
Letter of reference. Not a Residency Certificate. *******************************************************************************
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.Reply to
Brook ********
Reply
Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
I was denied at Bangkok Bank as I needed a work permit 🙁 so frustrating.Marc ********
@Katy *******
Bangkok Bank usually they open it for you if you buy their insurance.At least in Pattaya
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.
Reply to
Alistair **********
Reply
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₿.
Either method costs around 3000-5000₿.
Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHappy to purchase insurance but I haven't even been offered that option yet.... 🙁
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.Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
Thanks for your help. I went Bangkok bank today and they said I needed a work permit grrrrBrandon ************
@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 🙃Katy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
nothing is ever simple 🤯🤯Reply to
Katy ********
Reply
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