thailand
Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a 1-year ED visa?

ThailandBank accountED visaVisa rulesExpatImmigrationBank policiesFinancial services
Jul 15, 2025
2 days ago
Rodri ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
What is the possible bank where I can open an account as a 1-year ED visa holder?
2,031
views
6
likes
64
all likes
41
replies
0
images
22
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand as a holder of a 1-year ED visa can be challenging. Many community members suggest that banks often decline such requests due to stricter regulations. However, it has been noted that some banks may allow account openings with certain requirements, including a residence certificate, a passport with a valid stamp, school documents, and sometimes, a letter from your school. It is recommended to visit multiple bank branches to increase your chances, as policies may vary by location. Additionally, questions about visa validity and the misconceptions surrounding the 1-year ED visa versus its 90-day extensions were discussed, emphasizing that the ability to open a bank account may depend on the type of visa extension one possesses.
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Pertti *************
50k one day service
a day ago
Like
Reply
Paul ****
Krungthai
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
There's no such thing as a 1-year ED visa. All ED Visas are 90 days. And then the subsequent extension is either 90 days for informal schools (Thai language, Muay Thai) or 1-year extension for university study.

If you have a 1-year extension with university, you should be able to open an account, and your university may be able to assist you.

If you have a 90-day extension from a Thai language school, many people have reported not being able to open an account.

If you have a 1-year extension from a Thai language school, then you have an illegally obtained agent extension and not being able to get a bank account will be the least of your worries. You are going to have issues entering Thailand for years to come.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Andrew ********
Ive been trying and been denied 3 times even been to agent and they told me not likely they wouldnt try for me
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Robert ********
None. Not legally.

An agent may bribe somebody for you though.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Henry ********
Go to KrungThai in Central Rama9.

Have your letter from school that says your length of studying (minimum one year) and no end date on the letter.

Bring with you:

- passport

- TM30

- rental contract

- school documents

- phone service bill that proves you are the owner of the phone number

Visit your phone service shop and ask for the paper, they will need your rent contract in order to do it, and a small top up fee (50 bahts for AIS).

Go to the KrungThai branch before 5pm.

Also, your ED stamp needs to have at least 30 days left on it for opening your account. If less than 30 days, you’ll have to wait for your next extension at immigration.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jesper *******
Get a letter from the school that issues you the 1yr ED visa and ask the school which branch do they do business with....u get a better chance going to the same branch
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Jesper ******
 also a residence certificate from immigration and a Thai SIM in their name
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Jesper ******
 you don’t get a year visa with an ed visa

You get 90 day visas with extensions

At any 90 day point immigration can decide not to extend you 90 days
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Jeremy *******
 it depends where you are studying. You can get 1 year at university
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jeremy ********
@John *********
 that’s an Ed+ visa not a regular Ed visa
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Jeremy *******
 no, the ED+ is a visa that allows you to stay in Thailand after you stop studying to look for work etc
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jeremy ********
@John *********
 that’s the end part of it

The Thailand ED Plus Visa is a special type of Non-Immigrant visa specifically for international students pursuing a bachelor's degree or higher in Thailand. It offers unique advantages like the ability to leave and re-enter Thailand multiple times during the study period without needing a re-entry permit.

It’s for higher Ed students who are going to universities

Not the rank and file Thai language courses, Ed visas, Muay Thai etc
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Jeremy *******
 I'm not disputing it exists, but you can also get a standard 1 year ED visa, you're not forced to get ED+
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jeremy ********
@John *********
 standard Ed visas are not 1 year

They are 90 day visa that are extended at immigration

At any time an I/O can deny the extension

The disconnect is that you pay for a year but in reality it’s only 90 days at a time per extension
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Jeremy *******
 not true
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jeremy ********
@John *********
 ok

Prove me wrong since you know it all
2 days ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Jeremy *******
 go and look on the immigration website site or many others. If you study at bachelors level or above you can get 1 year extension on an ED visa or an ED+ visa
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Jesper *******
Don't listen to the negative comments....it still can be done just visit more branches
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Rodri ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jesper ******
 thank you Jasper 🙏
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rodri ******
Reply
Jay ******
It’s up to the bank branch, but most will decline.

However it is possible at some banks and branches, but you’ll need a residence certificate, passport with at least a 3 months stamp and school documents from the school you’re attending.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Matthew *********
Its funny how bank don't want to open banks for people on proper visa and want people to hold amounts that most thais can't do. Recent article put out that banks are hurting financially because thai can't not make deposits because of huge debt ratio. Sure makes a lot since not to let farangs open bank accounts. Sure are a lot of genius making policies in thai.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maksym ***********
@Matthew ********
 funny how you mix immigration rules and bank policy all together.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Matthew *********
@Maksym **********
 because you stupid to understand that bangkok bank is acting like agents to enforce immigration rules. Try reading bangkok post once in a while. They have auidle for people like you that can't read
a day ago
Like
Reply
Muchlis ********
@Maksym **********
 agree
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Muchlis ********
Reply
Ant ***********
If you already have the ED Visa

I think you can after minimum of 3 or 6 months doing the course ?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Yvan **********
None
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Istvan *********
Possibly nowhere.. they get more strict.. your chance to start visiting every branch one by one and try...
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jim *******
@Istvan ********
 In August 2024, I visited all Thai banks, none would even talk about opening an account with them. Now, even more strict, not even the eVisa (90 days) would let you in.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Istvan *********
@Jim ******
 yeah i know this is why i use TrueMoney wallet. I can top up, pay QR code, send money, etc. Not perfect but working
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Istvan *********
Reply
Jeremy ********
Right now today

Nowhere
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Plumber *******
@Jeremy *******
 if you have a full time address it will make it easier , I went to krungthai bank in our local town with my girlfriend and used her address as my place of living and they opened an account straight away , I think it’s more difficult in the cities
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Plumber ******
 what visa do you have…
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Plumber *******
@Jeremy *******
 tourist visa exempt
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Plumber *******
Reply
Rodri ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeremy *******
 Isn't this visa considered as a long term visa? Do you think it’s impossible at the moment to open a bank account or it’s “difficult” so i can try different branches?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Rodri *****
 it’s basically a 90 day tourist visa that doesn’t rate a bank acct according to Thai banks

But with all things Thai related what you know today means nothing tomorrow

Good luck
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Frangipani *******
Cannot do it legally.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Duncan *******
@Frangipani ******
 ED is a Non-Imm visa - there is NO law that says bank accounts cannot be opened for a Non-Imm holder.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Duncan ******
 There is no law that says bank accounts cannot be opened for any visa type.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Graham ******
@Frangipani ******
 rubbish, it is not illegal but internal bank policies
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Jordan *****
@Frangipani ******
 since when?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jordan *****
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a 1-year ED visa?
8 comments
a month ago
Is the ED visa considered a long-term visa for opening a bank account in Thailand?
7 comments
2 months ago
Which banks in Thailand allow account opening without a visa?
161 comments
2 months ago
Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O visa for a retirement extension?
16 comments
4 months ago
Can I open a Kasikorn Bank account with an ED visa?
12 comments
5 months ago
Which banks allow Thai language students with an ed-visa to open a bank account?
7 comments
5 months ago
What local IDs and banking options are available for holders of an ED visa in Thailand?
39 comments
8 months ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist or student visa?
75 comments
8 months ago
What are the benefits of holding an ED (study) visa in Thailand?
7 comments
a year ago
How can I open a bank account in Phuket with an ED visa?
21 comments
a year ago
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption and extension?
38 comments
2 years ago
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with an ED visa, and what bank is the easiest to use?
4 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements for a foreigner with a tourist visa to open a bank account in Thailand?
16 comments
2 years ago
Which banks accept ED Visa holders for opening a bank account in Thailand?
15 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements to open a bank account in Bangkok with an ED visa?
6 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand as an expat?
26 comments
3 years ago
Can you open a Thai bank account with an education visa, and which bank is recommended?
7 comments
3 years ago
Can a holder of a non-immigrant O A 1-year visa open a bank account in Thailand?
47 comments
5 years ago
Which banks allow opening an account with a short-term visa in Thailand?
59 comments
5 years ago
What form do I need from immigration to open a bank account in Thailand on an ED visa?
81 comments
5 years ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand without a long-term visa?
24 comments
6 years ago
How much money do I need in my bank account to apply for an ED Visa for Thailand, and can I use a bank account from Thailand?
0 comments
6 years ago
How can I obtain a 1-year visa to open a bank account in Thailand, considering I have a Thai wife?
5 comments
7 years ago
Can I open a Thai bank account with an ED visa?
20 comments
7 years ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand with an ED visa (language school)?
0 comments
7 years ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?
7 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?
9 comments
a month ago
What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?
21 comments
a month ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?
16 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?
8 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.