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Answered4 years ago

Can I open a bank account in Thailand while on a visitor visa?

Roger *********
asked Mar 19, 2023
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I'm looking to the future to apply for retirement type visa. I'd like to get some of the requirements started such as bank account however as I understand it, I am unable to get a bank account while on Thai visitor visa.

Any way to start an account and commence funding it?
Answer summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand while on a tourist visa is challenging due to stricter regulations post-COVID, largely influenced by an increase in foreign applicants. Generally, a residence certificate is needed, which is difficult to obtain as a tourist. While going through an agent (for a fee of around 3,000-5,000 baht) is the easiest solution, some individuals have reported success at banks like Bangkok Bank if they have supporting documents like a Thai driver's license. Opting to go with a Thai resident may also increase chances of approval.
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Roger *********
Roger *********
OP
Thanks. I'll use an agent I think to save time and frustration
Toby *********
Toby *********
Opening a bank account is easy through an agent.
Jim ***********
Jim ***********
Get agent do it. Do urself u need pay 5000 for insurance.
Roger *********
Roger *********
OP
I'll try that too.
Peter ****************
Peter ****************
Roger Slmonot; Don't know if you have a Thai girl friend or friend, but while here as a tourist, just hop in in several bank branches when you see them. Best chance go in together with a Thai (blue housebook). Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn are the best possibilities. But indeed, it's getting difficult more and more.
Michael *******
Michael *******
@Peter ***************
spot on! That’s just what I did! Paid a small some for insurance. But was pretty easy !
Richard *********
Richard *********
I also read about the difficulty in opening Thai bank account but apparently I was very lucky here in Chiang Rai Bangkok Bank. I already had my car and motorcycle Thai driver’s licenses, that might have helped. Here about 2 weeks total and have monthly rental, licenses, and Thai bank account.
Roger *********
Roger *********
OP
I think agent route may be the best, stress free route to take
Phil ********
Phil ********
@Roger ********
It'll be best for you to open any account near where you live, that'll be to your advantage because all banks are fussy about doing simple things (such as change of address, update any information) at the branch where the account was opened.

Bangkok Bank in EmQuartier next to Phrom Pong BTS SkyTrain station may still allow you to open an account by yourself; stop by with your passport & see their list of requirements.

Besides that:

Siam Legal, a law firm will sort you for a fee. Might be 5k thb

***************************
Roger *********
Roger *********
OP
@Phil *******
thank you
Roger *********
Roger *********
OP
Thanks for the info.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
It's possible, just not easy, and probably not cheap. The days of just walking into a bank on a tourist visa or visa exempt and opening an account are likely over. Covid changed things, and the Russians arriving en-masse put the nail in the coffin because banks just could not keep up with the number of people applying for bank accounts.

Nowadays you likely need a residence certificate if you want to do it on your own, which you can get from immigration (difficult or impossible as a tourist) or your embassy (also potential impossible, for example the US embassy no longer offers this).

The absolute easiest way will be going through an agent, who will charge between 3,000-5,000 baht but will be effortless.

Doing it on your own, probably the easiest way is finding a bank branch that will open an account for you if you purchase 1 year of insurance, the price is usually 5,000 baht. Bangok Bank is best known for this, but you might have to try multiple branches to find success.
Phil ******
Phil ******
@Brandon ***********
my friend Alister opened a bangkok bank savings account last August. Yes they want a permanent address not a hotel room.
Roger *********
Roger *********
OP
@Phil *****
understand

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