Can I open a bank account in Thailand that holds both USD and THB as a non-immigrant OA visa holder?

Question

Hey Guys,

Coming in on a non-immigrant OA and opening a bank account at Kasikorn. Just wondering if banks in Thailand allow you to open an account that accepts both USD and THB, or is it strictly THB? If they do allow you to hold both currencies, is that a problem for immigration when it comes to renewals? I ask because of the poor exchange rate we are currently living with. Thanks in advance. ￼

Ask Thailand · Answer

Expats holding a non-immigrant OA visa can open bank accounts in Thailand that accept both USD and THB. Several banks, including Kasikorn, offer foreign currency accounts, but immigration typically requires that extensions be supported by statements in Thai Baht. It's advisable to maintain sufficient balance in THB to meet the necessary requirements on the day of any visa renewal. While holding foreign currency accounts is possible, they may not meet immigration's requirements without a corresponding Thai Baht account.

Lonnie ******** · Answer

Depending on your visa type, you can open a foreign currency deposit account. At K-Bank, the minimum deposit is $5,000 USD if you already have a savings account with them.

Wannikea ********* · Answer

Ask at your local office if they will accept a foreign currency account. Be absolutely sure that you have well above the necessary amount for currency fluctuations. I know at SCB the USD statement/transaction amount was always listed in dollars and baht.

Ian ********** · Answer

Some banks have foreign currency accounts, but immigration will only deal with your Thai baht account

Taki**** · Answer

Most Thai Banks have foreign currency accounts. Not a problem for extensions except the foreign currency deposit must be sufficient to meet the Baht requirement at the exchange rate on the day of extension.

Jesper ******* · Answer

Thai bank do offers foreign currency accts but if u need statements for extension it needs to be in thai baht.....

Jump**** · Answer

Not solely for hedging purposes￼, but more importantly I was wondering if there was any issue with holding USD in your account as it pertains to non-immigrant OA renewals? Judging from how many variables come into play depending on who you get at immigration, perhaps it’s best not to explore this🤣￼

Pete ******* · Answer

Yes you can get foreign currency deposit accounts but it is pointless to use one to hedge against FX rates. Just use a Wise account which offers much better rates.

Brandon ************ · Answer

Some banks do offer foreign currency accounts.  I'm not sure what the requirements are around those, or even which banks offer them, but they do exist.

Can I open a bank account in Thailand that holds both USD and THB as a non-immigrant OA visa holder?

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