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

Can I open a Thai bank account in Chiang Mai with a DTV visa for health insurance purposes?

Oct 8, 2025
2 months ago
Is anyone successful in opening a thai bank account in chiang mai . With DTV workation . My thai insurance company wants a local bank account in my name to process the health insurance claim .
2,503
views
5
likes
67
all likes
30
replies
0
images
14
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The ability to open a Thai bank account with a DTV (Digital Nomad) visa appears to be challenging. Many commenters shared their experiences, indicating that banks are not allowing accounts for DTV holders due to new regulations and that some are even shutting down existing accounts. They mention that Thai health insurance companies typically require customers to be residents, implying long-term visas rather than tourist status. Some individuals suggest alternative solutions, such as negotiating directly with the insurance company or exploring creative workarounds.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Marta *************
Yup I did with TTB but now can’t transfer money into it from Wise. You can watch/read about our experience here

*****************************************************************
Anonymous ******************
I had a similar situation with an auto insurance claim. At first they said if it’s over a certain amount I needed a Thai bank account but I went to their head office to show them my DTV and explained I couldn’t get a bank account and they had management issue me a check 7 days later. I took the check , paid to me , to a bank with my friend and they deposited in her account and she pulled the cash out. Maybe you can try this.
Jason ********
Hahaha good luck with that. They are some of the most discriminatory in the whole country. I’ve had Bangkok bank and krungsri for ten years based out of Bangkok.
Andrew ********
You will not get an account on a DTV new rules
Benjamin *********
Nobody. Next.
Anonymous ******************
Technically Thaï health insurance companies require their customers to be thaï residents. Meaning to have a long term visa and live full time in Thailand. They don’t deal with tourists. It should be written in small lines in the contract you signed. That’s why they require a Thai bank account. Unfortunately DTV is legally considered as a tourist visa. It’s not made to make a life here.
Adam *******
An insurance company making it hard for you to get your payout. Well I never.

They must love the new Thai restrictions.
Adam *****************
No
Anonymous ******************
Your best bet is to fall in love and marry a local girl 😅
Tararag ********
Anonymous participant 377 even with spouse visa, they won't let you open a thai bank account from now on
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Anonym deltagare 377 Nope its cheaper with Thai Elite Visa!
Sunshine ********
Anonymous participant 377 then u have a bank account but empty. 😆
Anonymous ******************
@Sunshine *******
haha come on, some ladies enjoy paying for their farang.. not all are broke or money thirsty
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 740 mine pays for me quite alot even though I insist on paying she still likes to cover the bills, that's called class. You seem to be referring to desperate females whose only hope in life is using a foreigner for money.. speaks volumes . You might wanna meet some other women apart from bargirls
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 377 Falling in love is not compulsory, just the marriage bit! 😆
Anonymous ******************
They’re actively shutting down current accounts that belong to DTV holders :/ there have been a few people who have been lucky enough to keep theirs but my guess is it’s nearly impossible to get an account.
Brandon ************
No. You cannot get a Thai bank account with a DTV because it's a tourist visa.
Anonymous ******************
@Brandon ***********
Tourist Visa work but its must be over one years.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 993 No tourist visa at. Even 5 & 10 year Privilege Visas are feeling the pain
Chris *********
Anonymous participant 203 I have an elite, I have an old account15years and s new one 2 months no problems
Kyle **********
@Chris ********
Elite is not a tourist visa and specifically allows bank accounts.
Chris *********
@Kyle *********
it's a tourist visa mate. When I extend it I tick the box tourist
Kyle **********
Fair and you’re not wrong, but it’s the one “tourist” visa with a significant amount of additional privileges built into it, like specifically guaranteeing a bank account and offering assistance in obtaining it.
Brandon ************
What? No, tourist visa doesn't work.