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Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)?

Digital Nomad VisaBank AccountThailand Banking RegulationsVisa RulesForeigners in ThailandTourist VisaBanking Challenges
Aug 4, 2025
23 days ago
Ryan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, I am still looking to find a branch location to open up a bank account on a DTV so far everywhere I’ve gone tells me it’s not possible unless I speak to an agent who wants so much money to do it. Has anybody had any success recently?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the difficulty of opening a bank account in Thailand as a holder of a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), which is classified as a tourist visa. Participants report that most banks are currently not allowing DTV holders to open accounts due to new regulations that hold banks accountable for fraud. Many recommend using agents to navigate the process, although this often involves high fees. There's a shared sentiment that recent legal changes have made it increasingly problematic for foreigners on tourist visas to access banking services in Thailand.
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Beverly ***************
No longer able to open a bank account on certain visas. Definitely not on a tourist visa, not even an ED. You need a rental agreement, and a Thai phone number in your name also. Government has really cracked down,
23 days ago
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Brian *********
Would applying for a mortgage with a bank give you a chance to have an account. Just wondering
23 days ago
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Ryan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brian ********
 nope buying a property and itself does not give you the ability to open a Thai bank account
23 days ago
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Chris ******
I got a call from my friend who work in Thai bank, without LTR, elite and retired visa, cannot open bank account , mean without that cannot buy any property even bring cash full pay
23 days ago
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Brandon ************
@Brian ********
 Basically impossible for foreigners to get a mortgage in Thailand, especially ones who don't have a work permit.
23 days ago
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Brian *********
@Brandon ***********
 That’s a shame many foreigners buy property are they all on work permits. Would be interesting to know the statistics. Thanks Brandon for your reply.
23 days ago
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David *******
@Brian ********
 Thousands of foreigners buy condos in Thailand but they're paying cash for them, and the money must come from overseas. Incredibly rare situation where Thai banks will loan Thai money to a foreigner to buy a Thai property. Perhaps if you're married to a Thai lady, it might swing something
22 days ago
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David *******
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Deschandol ***********
Except if you buy a property
23 days ago
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Roberto *********
You can't open a bank account on DTV
23 days ago
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Michael ********
You cant unless you use an agent even then difficult hence high price
23 days ago
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Matthew *********
Welcome to thailand, hurdles everywhere
23 days ago
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David *******
@Matthew ********
 Every country in the world has banking regulations. Those who qualify in Thailand can open a bank account
23 days ago
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Matthew *********
@David ******
 what rock do live under. You are not expat in thailand with a statement like that and must rarely ever follow people's remarks that it's almost in possible even if have all the documents and correct visa. Your an idiot. Go troll somewhere else
23 days ago
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David *******
@Matthew ********
 I live in Thailand. I have a long term visa. I have a bank account. No hurdles. This post relates to a DTV, which is categorised as a tourist visa, as it requires the holder to regularly leave the country. That's the regulation. How does stating a fact make me a troll? Look at yourself first
23 days ago
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Max *************
@David ******
 He's always whining about something. Go figure. 🤔
23 days ago
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Max *************
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Charles *******
I used an Agency in Bangkok in 2023 . They got me a 12 months Visa in one single day.

1. Created a bank account

2. Credited it with 800 000THB

3. Got me to Immigration office

4. Stamped and granted at 17:00h

Sounds good but …….

I am back in Hua Hin with a 90 days Visa and going to apply to a 12 months Visa.

I hear that when Immigration sees on my Bank Book that on a single day 800 000THB were credited and then withdrawn, I will be in big trouble
23 days ago
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Pete *******
@Charles ******
 A lot has changed in 2 years.
23 days ago
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Peter ********
@Charles ******
 IO will be more interested that b800k was not held in the account for 2 months post application, and/or b400k was not in the account for months 3 to 9 before going back up to b800k. As the financial requirements are not met, the visa is no longer valid.
23 days ago
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Max *************
@Charles ******
 Wow, you've been here 2 years. You must be very experienced by now,right? I kind of doubt that. Your comment just shows you couldn't do anything yourself and you didn't even have the money.
23 days ago
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Charles *******
@Max ************
 no no. I came for a few days in 2023. Paid for a 12 months multiple entry Visa but went back to France and came back one time only in 2024.

I arrived again in July and hold a 90 days Visa
22 days ago
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Charles *******
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David *******
@Charles ******
 That's why Bangkok Bank have stopped issuing letters to those who obtained dodgy visas
23 days ago
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Max *************
@David ******
 Exactly, the future will tell if other banks will do the same. KBank for example has a lot of foreign customers.
23 days ago
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David *******
@Max ************
 It depends on the banking regulators. In the big picture, foreigners make up only a small percentage of customers. Those that use agents and the only transaction is 800k in and out on the same day each year are not considered profitable customers, so banks would have no problem in suspending the accounts and moving those customers on
23 days ago
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Max *************
@David ******
 In some branches in Chonburi province which includes Pattaya and Jomtien, foreigners make up way more than just a small percentage of customers, especially at Bangkok Bank which isn't the first choice for Thai people here. They prefer SCB and KBank. I don't mind Bangkok Bank being tougher, it doesn't affect me at all. I have several accounts incl.an FDA where I keep a large portion of my money. My account at KBank is used for my daily expenses,living costs so to speak. It works for me.
23 days ago
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David *******
@Max ************
 My lady's sister is a regional manager with Bangkok Bank in Chantaburi province. She has informed me Bangkok Bank has around 500,000 customers nationwide of foreign birthplace. With a customer base of 17,000,000 the foreign "contingent" represents less than 3%
23 days ago
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Max *************
@David ******
 I think there are about 17 million accounts,not customers.Then ask her how much money in total those 500k foreigners have in various accounts compared to Thai customers. If she actually knows,you'll be surprised. You can find out online,I did some research earlier this year. If you've been around a while you'd know that Thai people haven't got very much in savings. The numbers are basically a disaster and both BoT and the government are worried. So,the amount of common Thai customers at Bangkok Bank is basically irrelevant when they have no money.
23 days ago
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Max *************
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Nongnuch ********
the DTV is a tourist visa, and you can't get a bank account opened on a tourist visa. As you are supposed to earn your money as a digital nomad with customers from abroad, Thailand expects you to withdraw the costs for a living in Thailand with your foreign credit card on a Thai ATM
23 days ago
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David **********
@Nongnuch *******
 no, not all are making money in thailand....some have DTV medical treatment
23 days ago
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Max *************
@David *********
 So why do they need a Thai bank account?
23 days ago
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Nongnuch ********
@David *********
 and yet this still would be no justification or need for a Thai bank account. You can withdraw cash Thai Baht inside any bank or at any ATM with your credit card(s)
23 days ago
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David **********
@Nongnuch *******
 I am going to try it. There is more justification with medical so lets see what can be done.
23 days ago
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Nongnuch ********
@David *********
 well it is the bank's rules. If they don't open accounts based on a tourist visa type, which the DTV is, there is nothing you can do
23 days ago
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David **********
@Nongnuch *******
 charm, my friend.....
23 days ago
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David **********
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Tony **********
If you can get an account through an agent at a branch close to you, is just go for it. Cost will depreciate over the life of your visa.
23 days ago
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David *******
@Tony *********
 And will the agent refund the fee when the bank auditors freeze the account? Excuse me whilst I ROFL
23 days ago
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Tony **********
@David ******
 why would they freeze the account if it was opened in your name and under your phone and passport.
23 days ago
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David *******
@Tony *********
 Simply because of the visa category. In the past, agents used local bank managers by paying them to ignore the visa category. Accounts are now being audited away from the branches, and those which are attached to tourist visas are being suspended or frozen.
23 days ago
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David *******
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Max *************
How much is "so much money"?? This might be a longshot,but have you tried in a mall where they usually have almost every Thai bank? It has for some reason worked out for a lot of people on tourist visas. If it works today? To be honest,no idea.
23 days ago
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Andy *******
What is "so much money"?
23 days ago
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Peter ********
Bite the bullet and use an agent. If you can't afford an agent how are you going to afford up to 800,000 baht sitting in your account
23 days ago
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Bradford ******
@Peter *******
 500k for DTV.
23 days ago
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David *******
@Peter *******
 Using an agent is bad advice. If the incorrect visa is used, the bank auditors will freeze the account. You can bet your bottom dollar there will be no refund from the agent. Even Thai Visa Centre has announced they can no longer help with bank accounts. Way too risky
23 days ago
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Ling *****
@David ******
 i opened my KBank on a tourist visa some years ago when it was allowed and it is still open. Recently I got the statement from dtac showing that I own the phone number associated with my account. Whilst I was at my KBank branch updating all this I asked the guy if he needed to see my long term visa with extension and he no need. It seems some accounts that were opened quite a few years ago are grandfathered.
21 days ago
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Fred *********
@David ******
 I got a bank account opened on a tourist visa by an agent. Ive still got it 7 months later. As long as the phone number is active and under my name the bank won't have any issue with it.
22 days ago
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Ryan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Fred ********
 how much did this cost you to do?
22 days ago
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Ryan **********
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Toon *********
@Peter *******
DTV has no such requirement
23 days ago
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Toon *********
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Pete *******
Been widely reported now for many months that DTV holders cannot now open bank accounts.
23 days ago
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Brandon ************
I haven't seen anyone report success in a long time. Banks simply aren't offering accounts to people in Thailand as a tourist anymore (and the DTV is classified as a tourist visa).

A new law went into effect recently which makes banks responsible for all scam and fraud losses, and they are doing everything possible to ensure they're not liable for any financial losses.
23 days ago
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Billy **********
@Brandon ***********
 hello Brandon

what’s confusing to some is even with the new laws re: bank accounts.

I understand the reasoning behind the new regulations.

The confusing part is it’s against the law but for a “fee” aka payoff, magically an account can be opened with an agent as long as you pay the vig

I have a Bangkok Bank account which I’ve had for 10 years now even after I left Thailand and moved to Laos.

I have had the the bank account and 800k in bangkok bank for years as we travelled across the border twice a month and BB account made it easy to pay for things.

Now we have moved to HH and retained our yearly rental and are settling in.

Being this will be my 2nd RV and required funds in the bank for donkey years, why was I quoted 39,000 baht by a well known and recognized agent?

I have ALL the boxes ticked for easy process.

My first RV cost 12k without a bank account or funds.

Guess prices have gone up 3.5x 😳

Just smile and be happy 😃
23 days ago
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Stuart ***********
@Billy *********
 instead of paying 39,000 baht to an agent when you already have a Thai bank account and 800,000 deposited, why not do it yourself as it is easy to do? Have I misunderstood something about your circumstances?
23 days ago
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Billy **********
@Stuart **********
 hopefully, although my email was clear and precise. Maybe they misunderstood and priced for opening accounts and temp. provided the funds.

Either way, I will do it myself for that fee 🙈
23 days ago
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Stuart ***********
@Billy *********
 that probably explains why the price has rocketed. It's really easy to extend your stay yourself, it takes me about 45 minutes in immigration each year and costs 1,900 baht. Good luck.
23 days ago
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Graham ******
@Stuart **********
 the OP is on a DTV and wants to open a bank account
23 days ago
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Stuart ***********
@Graham *****
 yes I saw that Graham, the OP will struggle as Brandon explained because he is on a DTV, but Billy said he personally has an account with 800,000 baht and is complaining that the price for an agent to get his second "RV" is 39,000 baht, so I was suggesting he does it himself instead.
23 days ago
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Billy **********
@Stuart **********
 not complaining, just think they’re taking the piss

I would pay 8-10k for the convenience, not 39k

No worries 😉

Thanks for the responses ✌️
23 days ago
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Billy **********
Cheers 🍻
23 days ago
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Billy **********
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Brandon ************
@Billy *********
 it's not against the law. It's bank policy. There's no law that says people on tourist visa cannot get a bank account.

But each bank branch manager is the king of their branch and has discretion to add their own rules or interpret bank policy as they see fit.
23 days ago
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Ryan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 who knows a good king of the bank that will allow me to do it
23 days ago
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Ryan **********
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