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Can I open a bank account in Thailand using a TR Visa?

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Jan 13, 2021
4 years ago
Da ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello Guys,

Does anyone know if it's possible to open a bank account in Thailand with TR Visa ?

Thanks a lot for your help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, it is possible to open a bank account in Thailand with a TR (Tourist) Visa, but it may be challenging. Regulations can vary significantly between different bank branches, and experiences from expats indicate that some banks are more accommodating than others. It is advisable to visit multiple branches if one denies your request. Many users reported needing proof of residence, such as a rental agreement, and in some cases, assistance from a Thai friend could help. Some banks may require additional documents or even insurance, particularly for American expats due to extra compliance requirements. Overall, the process may require persistence and flexibility.
Benjamin ******
Yes you can. Each bank branch is different, and have different requirements. Bangkok Bank in CentralWorld, Bangkok, allows a person to open a bank account using a letter from the embassy saying they live at a certain address, and a 1,500THB initial deposit.
4 years ago
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Kris *********
Its Thailand anything is possible
4 years ago
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Nick ****************
If you have a temp driving licence with your residence on the back and a certificate of residence from immigration (100 baht) or your Embassy (British 2400 baht) it is fairly easy. I walked into Bangkok and put 500k on the counter and asked for an account. I bought their 500 baht insurance and debit card and was out in 40 minutes (including the compulsory walk through ATM usage lesson)
4 years ago
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Brahim ******
Depends which bank shop around and you might get lucky
4 years ago
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Arron *********
Best thing to do is go I to any Bank and ask them what they need to open an account. Usually only proof of address and copy of passport is enough.
4 years ago
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Arron *********
I made a Kasikorn bank account with a 30 day visa on entry.
4 years ago
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David ***********
I opened an account with SCB Hua Hin. Used my rental agreement as proof of residence. It was a few years ago so things may have changed. I suggest you take a Thai friend with you - always helps a lot.
4 years ago
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Andrew *****
I’m having problems with a non O visa to be honest it depends we’re you are
4 years ago
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Wilmont ******
I don’t know about today but for me years ago I opened in my name three bank accounts with a tourist visa. Thai Farmers Bank in Ubon, Bangkok Bank in Udorn and Kung Thai Bank in Warin.
4 years ago
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Michael ********
Krongsri bank no problems (yellow one)
4 years ago
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Bo ***********
Possible at Bangkok bank. Just let them know that you need to open bank account for long stay visa. They will ask you to buy 1 year insurance.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
Wanna narrow down where you might be in thailand so people can recommend banks in the area or you want us to guess at it ?? :P
4 years ago
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Stewie *****
I want to see you guess.
4 years ago
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Stewie *****
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Thomas ********************
It is. If you get a "letter of reference" from your embassy it will make it easier. I used Bangkok Bank.
4 years ago
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Eddie *******
Yes. I did. Bkk bank. Chiang mai
4 years ago
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Jane ***********
I needed a Thai person to sign something for me when I got it. Taking a Thai friend with you can help a lot I find.
4 years ago
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Ulrik *************
I did it with TR visa, but I also needed a proof of Residence from Immigration which can be obtained if You have a rental contract.
4 years ago
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Tom ********
@Ulrik ************
 Was this with Kasikorn Bank?
4 years ago
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Ulrik *************
@Tom *******
 Bangkok Bank in Hua Hin.
4 years ago
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Ulrik *************
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Ilia *********
The banks got more strict on demanding work permit. So i would not say impossible but i would advice you think of a good reason and prove you can provide why you need an account because if you just enter and say i am a toutist and just want a bank account they will deny your request 100%. Or if you dont have a good reason it might be better to use a connection or agent to assist you if you don't want to walk weeks on the streets, waste your precious time and hear the same answer "sorry sir we need a work permit"
4 years ago
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Eric *********
I did it ca few years ago at krunsgri bank.
4 years ago
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Chris *******
I used a Thai consultant, on a 30 day tourist visa, had to have a thai cell phone and some other docs. Probably cost me 3000baht but had it all done in one day. Just last Feb.

At Krungsri, at Central.
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
Chris Nadon. Or you can do it yourself for nothing in 30 minutes at Bangkok Bank
4 years ago
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Bobby ********
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Grant ******
Bangkok Bank do in some branch's but you have to buy insurance off them
4 years ago
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Steve *******
@Grant *****
 Really? I never had to buy insurance when I opened a Bangkok Bank account.
4 years ago
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Grant ******
@Steve ******
 Made me and a friend because we were on tourist visas in Phuket I think was 4000 baht.
4 years ago
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Niclas ***********
@Grant *****
 yeah same for me.
4 years ago
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Niclas ***********
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Stuart *********
@Steve ******
 had a friend try this last week. Would only open an account if they bought medical insurance. So they went to SCB instead.
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
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Phill ******
yes , but you may have to shop around alot .
4 years ago
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A-I-*****
Possible, yes. Difficult. More difficult for Americans.
4 years ago
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Robert **********
@ThaiLegal**********
 Krungsri Brought out several forms just for Americans, and we Americans have to make an online report if we have more than US$10,000, and a higher level report I think if you have over US$50,000.
4 years ago
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Vyacheslav ************
@Robert *********
 yes, every bank, not only krungsri.
4 years ago
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A-I-*****
@Robert *********
 Yes... Thank you for confirming 🙏🏻
4 years ago
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A-I-*****
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Andrew ********
As Robert says. Try around all branches have different ideas. I had no trouble with Kasikornbank but had problems with others.
4 years ago
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Joseph ********
It depends on the branch. I opened a bank account on a tourist visa when I first moved here. I've had an account with Bangkok Bank for 6 years now and when I opened it all they needed was my passport with my active tourist visa in it.
4 years ago
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Robert **********
They have the strange paranoia about opening accounts for foreigners who do not have work permits, on tourist visas or retirement visas, etc. You really have to go from branch to branch and bank to bank. I got mine at Krungsri. Also Bangkok bank occasionally tells people that they cannot have mobile, Internet access, nor ATM cards. I think it goes back to an old rule that pensioners needed to prove they were alive by coming to the bank each month. Don’t except that, try another branch.
4 years ago
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Stewie *****
They love to say "No".
4 years ago
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Stewie *****
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Zahir *********
I don’t think.
4 years ago
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Tony *******
I opened one a couple years ago at krungsi but took some pushing and visited many banks that turned me down first.
4 years ago
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Da ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you!!!
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
There is nothing in Thai law that prohibits a foreigner from opening a bank account- with or without a long term visa or work permit. That said each branch of each bank has its own rules and some won’t allow it yet some will. If one branch won’t allow it walk along to the next one. Try shopping mall branches, or ones close to an international school who are well used to people needing an account but have no long term visa.
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
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