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Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a 1-year ED visa?
Jul 15, 2025
10 months ago
Rodri ******
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat is the possible bank where I can open an account as a 1-year ED visa holder?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The ability to open a bank account in Thailand as a holder of a non-immigrant education (ED) visa can be challenging. Many users indicate that most banks decline to open accounts for holders of this visa type, citing legal restrictions. Some banks might consider applications if the individual has a residence certificate, a valid passport with at least 3 months remaining on their visa, and formal school documents. It's also noted that the length of the visa matters, as standard ED visas are typically issued for 90 days with the possibility of extensions, while certain educational programs can lead to a 1-year extension. Visiting branches of specific banks, like KrungThai, with the necessary documentation may yield better results. Community advice emphasizes persistence and potentially contacting a school for assistance.
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Paul ****
Krungthai
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.
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.
Andrew ********
Ive been trying and been denied 3 times even been to agent and they told me not likely they wouldnt try for me
Robert ********
None. Not legally.
An agent may bribe somebody for you though.
An agent may bribe somebody for you though.
Max *************
@Robert *******
Many agents do bank accounts,but I have no clue about the cost. It's actually not a bribe.Robert ********
@Max ************
Of the Customer doesn’t have a long term visa, the banks are not allowed (anymore!) to open an account. NonO, LTR or Elite is ok, but DYV is not as one must leave the country regularly. So it is illegal, therefore only possible with bribe.
Brandon ************
@Robert *******
There is no LAW that says banks cannot open accounts for anyone. It's bank policy that they will not open accounts for certain people.Max *************
@Robert *******
Again,it's not actually illegal. It's the same when using an agent when applying for an extension at immigration. You're paying for it and the agent is paying immigration,but it's not officially illegal. This is a common misunderstanding among foreigners.Robert ********
@Max ************
No. You’re wrong. It’s officially not allowed to banks to open accounts for people without long term visa.
As it’s not allowed for immigration to give the year extension if no money (
*******
k) in the bank for the ***
months. And still agencies do it. This is Thailand and money opens all doors - without exception.
But I will not argue anymore as my job is done. I have warned whoever wants to read my comment. And the consequences are theirs to face.
Reply to
Robert ********
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.
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.
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
John **********
@Jesper ******
also a residence certificate from immigration and a Thai SIM in their nameJeremy ********
@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
John **********
@Jeremy *******
it depends where you are studying. You can get 1 year at universityJeremy ********
@John *********
that’s an Ed+ visa not a regular Ed visaJohn **********
@Jeremy *******
no, the ED+ is a visa that allows you to stay in Thailand after you stop studying to look for work etcJeremy ********
@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
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+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
John **********
@Jeremy *******
not trueJeremy ********
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+ visaReply to
John **********
Reply
Jesper *******
Don't listen to the negative comments....it still can be done just visit more branches
Rodri ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jesper ******
thank you Jasper 🙏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.
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.
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.
Maksym ***********
@Matthew ********
funny how you mix immigration rules and bank policy all together.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 readMaksym ***********
@Matthew ********
you are funny. aggressive arrogant. It must be hard to live with such aggression towards others.Reply to
Maksym ***********
Reply
Muchlis ********
@Maksym **********
agreeReply 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 ?
I think you can after minimum of 3 or 6 months doing the course ?
Yvan **********
None
Istvan *********
Possibly nowhere.. they get more strict.. your chance to start visiting every branch one by one and try...
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.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 workingReply to
Istvan *********
Reply
Jeremy ********
Right now today
Nowhere
Nowhere
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 citiesJeremy ********
@Plumber ******
what visa do you have…Plumber *******
@Jeremy *******
tourist visa exemptJeremy ********
@Plumber ******
nearly impossible on 15 Jul *****
But tomorrow everything might change
Keep up to date on the newest requirements
Good luck
Plumber *******
@Jeremy *******
it worked for meReply 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?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
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Frangipani *******
Cannot do it legally.
Duncan *******
@Frangipani ******
ED is a Non-Imm visa - there is NO law that says bank accounts cannot be opened for a Non-Imm holder.Brandon ************
@Duncan ******
There is no law that says bank accounts cannot be opened for any visa type.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Graham ******
@Frangipani ******
rubbish, it is not illegal but internal bank policiesJordan *****
@Frangipani ******
since when?Reply to
Jordan *****
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