Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption and extension?

Dec 15, 2023
a year ago
Terry ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have 30 day visa exemption and have obtained 30 day extension. Can I open a bank account on this status ? If yes , please advise what is the procedure and documentation required. Recommended bank.

I have just been rejected by Bangkok bank who said it is no longer possible

Thanks in advance for your replies
3,745
views
6
likes
97
all likes
38
replies
0
images
21
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquires about opening a bank account in Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption and a 30-day extension, having encountered rejection from Bangkok Bank. The community provides mixed feedback, suggesting the user either check multiple banks, contact an agent, or acquire specific documentation like a yellow book and a verified address. The advice points towards the current difficulty of opening accounts on such visas, with many recent changes in regulations. It's generally agreed that utilizing an agent may increase chances of success.
Khun ************
Very easy with an agent... don't listen to all these people on this thread... they are so full of stupid knowledge.

I did on a 30 day visa exempt... it was too easy. Easier than opening an account in the states. 8,000 baht.
Peng ******
@Khun ***********
8000 baht is a very good price right now. Siam Legal is unable to open bank account anymore for short stay Visa. Other agents are far more expensive.
Stephen *******
@Khun ***********
when, recently, say within the last 4 months
David *********
@Khun ***********
Spent 8000 to open a bank account and call others stupid…. Hahaha
Alistair **********
@Khun ***********
don't listen to all these people? You mean almost every comment that's literally saying use an agent...
Mike *****
@Khun ***********
time to extend some more and spend some time at a temple. After come back to FB and try to be a bit more helpful instead of calling people stupid. Thank me later.
Khun ************
8000 baht, an agent will open it for you.
Brandon ************
@Khun ***********
very expensive. Going rate is 4-5,000.
Saty ******
You won’t be able to get one
Andy **********
It's not easy anymore, a lot of the rules and regulations have recently changed, Stop giving yourself a headache, just pay an agent!! Go and lie on the beach with a cold chang beer, or spend a few days walking around banks in the blazing sunshine "up to you" 😂🇹🇭😎
Terry ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
🏖️🍺🍺🍺
Steve ******
Agents can do
Roger **********
It’s possible if you have a yellow book or someone to verify your address or… if you know a Senior bank employee. It’s possible but not easy.
Thomas *******
@Roger *********
I tried in May 2023 in Tha Bo, with a verified address (wife's house) at government office and they said I needed to be there for 6 months to get on yellow book. All the banks, one branch of each, said no without long term visa. Seems it might be easier in a big city to try the numbers (for lack of a better word) game.
Robert ***********
@Thomas ******
No its not easier. It was last year but no longer.
Luc ************
Get in touch with an agent. Contact Siam Legal
***********************
Bora ********
No
Fra *****
Did you walk into a bank already and talked to the clerk ?
Terry ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Fra ****
yes . 2 different banks . Same answer . Cannot open account
Tom *********
it is no longer possible !!!!!!!!!!!
Phil ******
Nongnuch ********
you need to find an agent, but be advised, even for an agent it might be difficult to open a bank account for you on a visa exempt. It is easy for them to open an account for you on a tourist visa. Try Pattaya, the agency is F.S. Consulting
@Stefan *******
Simon *********
You are visa exempt so I don't think you can maybe ask an agent if they would be able to help you
Phil ******
Hello
@Terry ***********
did you ask a standalone branch in Bangkok and not one attached to a mall? What did they want from you to setup an account?
David *******
Go to immigration office and get a letter
Robert ***********
@David ******
It won't matter.
Phil ******
@Robert **********
sorry. You need to get from a standalone branch the requirements to open a bank account and then start obtaining the documents. You are wrong.
Robert ***********
@Phil *****
Well Phil. I have been to 19 branches now in Phuket and Bangkok and none will provide a bank account without a minimum 3 month visa like an ED visa. I have residence cert from immigration, METV, passport, money, condo lease and no one will open an account at Bankok Bank, Krunsi or SCB.

So unless you can tell everyone here which branch will do it.....you are wrong.
Phil ******
@Robert **********
So What are you doing wrong in the list of requirements they would have given you?

List what you CANNOT prove to the bank on the list of required documents. Oh you did go to a standalone bank branch too?

Failing this go speak to Benjamin of integrity legal.

************************************************
Robert ***********
@Phil *****
First....I was never provided a "list of requirements" at any branch even though I asked.

I am not doing anything wrong. The banks are no longer providing accounts to anyone on tourist visas or exempts. Pretty simple. I went to all stand alone branches but 2.

And the banking regulations changed in March. I have talked to 3 agents and the cheapest wants 8k baht and wants to take my passport. Not happening.
Phil ******
@Robert **********
then talk to Ben if you cant do it, as my friend on visa exempt followed my advice in August and got his bangkok bank savings account with debit card in Hua Hin
Robert ***********
@Phil *****
And what did it cost him
Phil ******
Maybe your ed institution can help you
Phil ******
@Robert **********
nothing. He put ฿800k in for a retirement visa which he obtained in November
Terry ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
branch at Future park Rangsit . Said need work permit or long term retirement visa
Terry ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
yes correct in a mall . Will try another stand alone branch .
Phil ******
@Terry ***********
ok try another Branch. Ask for a list of requirements.

Its in a mall. Is that correct?
Brandon ************
You either need to check many many many bank branches until you find one willing, and they may require you to buy insurance before opening an account. Or you find an agent to do it for you.
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