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Can I open a Thai bank account from the U.S. via a branch in Los Angeles?
Thai bank accountsVisa requirementsInternational bankingExpats in ThailandBanking in ThailandNON-O visaThai financial institutions
May 4, 2025
a year ago
Tee *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHey …. So since this bank has a location in Los Angeles… I should just open an account while here and then move to Thailand since the main branches are out there. I can imagine this would be the easiest way to get a Thai account..? Anyone try this before ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The community discussion revolves around whether it's feasible to open a Thai bank account through a Thai bank's branch located in the U.S. Participants indicate that branches outside Thailand typically do not offer consumer banking services, focusing instead on investment banking or limited transactions. Several users mention that it might not be possible to use an account from a U.S. branch to seamlessly transition to a Thai account due to differing banking regulations. It's generally agreed that opening a bank account directly in Thailand upon arrival is likely the more effective option.
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Mo ******
Probably investment banking. They likely do M&A, leveraged finance, brokerage, etc. No consumer banking like the one you are looking for.
Bob **********
Most Thai banks in the states are commercial banks but you can try Bangkok Bank in New York used to work but not anymore
Bob **********
Correct
Brian *******
@Bob *********
no sir. i tried last week they said only do transfers there.. total useless branch if you ask me..Reply to
Brian *******
Reply
Todd *********
Obviously, the answer is no. Having branches in another nation is still a completely different banking entity
Andrew *******
It’s incredibly easy to get an account with an agent. Just soy the ฿5000 and have one set up instantly
Cory **********
@Andrew ******
outdated information. tried to help a friend and contacted 20+ agents in Chiang Mai and Pattaya. Cheapest option is 40,000 baht if my friend gets a Non-O they will get him a bank account.James ********
@Andrew ******
not TRUE now. Major changes in banking. Even Thai Visa Agents are saying they cannot get it.Expat **********
@Andrew ******
it’s incredibly hard now. If on a tourist stamp.Reply to
Expat **********
Reply
John **********
I think that is a "wholesale" branch so doesn't do everyday accounts
James ********
@John *********
correct ✅Reply to
James ********
Reply
Sergey *********
After Citi and SC went out of consumer banking in Thailand, I think such an option no longer exists. (No, it won’t work with Bangkok Bank etc., which have branches in some countries.)
Brian *********
It won’t work
Aneek *****
A “branch” located in another country is governed by THAT country’s law. Unless you have something like an HSBC global account (50k usd+ min balance) then you can connect the two.
Sergey *********
@Aneek ****
HSBC has no consumer banking in Thailand, so that won’t help. And now Citi and SC are also out of it.Aneek *****
@Sergey ********
i wasn’t referring to TH specially, just the principle of it.Sergey *********
@Aneek ****
Then Citibank is probably easier than HSBC.Reply to
Sergey *********
Reply
Axel *******
But it may still be helpful in opening an account with them to get one in Thailand.
Axel *******
Interesting but not sure if this would be a Thai account. I suspect it would still be an American account held by a Thai bank located and registered in America. Did you talk to them by any chance to ask about this
Biff *******
You may find that, as with the Bangkok Bank London branch, that it is an investment branch of the main bank and it doesn’t offer normal public banking services.
The London branch of Bangkok Bank does offer a currency exchange service to any Thai bank account but that’s pretty much it for banking services other than investment.
It doesn’t even offer any services to existing Bangkok Bank customers.
The London branch of Bangkok Bank does offer a currency exchange service to any Thai bank account but that’s pretty much it for banking services other than investment.
It doesn’t even offer any services to existing Bangkok Bank customers.
Anonymous ******************
You don't need a Thai bank account to get the visa.
You can open one on the ground. People have been opening them recently. Do a search.
You can open one on the ground. People have been opening them recently. Do a search.
Paul *************
Anonymous participant 198 there’s been some insane figures thrown around getting an agent to do it though. I’ve heard 15 and 20k being almost the norm if on dtv…
Paul *************
I will add to this for the original poster
Sometimes when you got to a bank here in Thailand they want you to go to the branch where the account was opened to do anything. Ie get a new card or update bank book (as examples) This would be my only concern opening at a branch out of the country.
Sometimes when you got to a bank here in Thailand they want you to go to the branch where the account was opened to do anything. Ie get a new card or update bank book (as examples) This would be my only concern opening at a branch out of the country.
Olaf **********
@Paul ************
usually if being persistent they will budge, i guess it just a bit of hassle to deal with another branches customer for some reason so thats why they try to send you to the opening branch first.Paul *************
@Olaf *********
fair comment it’s certainly been said many times over my last 2.5 years here so just thought it could be a consideration if nothing elseReply to
Paul *************
Reply
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