Can I open a Thai bank account while in the UK?

@Dana ******

it appears to depend on where you are in Thailand what you can and cant do.

did you read the O/P's question they are not IN thailand, :(

the bangkok bank office in new york is for business accounts only not personal ones

@Eddie ******

how it is possible on tourist Visa, can you please explain

@Eddie ******

same same

I should have continued to say that even though my wife and I are stuck back in UK, i continue to use my account through the banking app.😞

I would like to post this information from the Thai consulate regarding the O A Retirement Visa. It makes vkesr that in first application a bank account in Thailand is not required. Just proof of funds or income or both.

Thailand Visa Information: Non-Immigrant Visa "O-A" (Long Stay)

This type of visa may be issued to applicants aged 50 years and over who wish to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 1 year without the intention of working.

1. Eligibility

Applicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application).

Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom.

Having no criminal record in Thailand and the country of the applicant’s nationality or residence.

Having the nationality of or permanent residence in the country where application is submitted.

Not having prohibitive diseases (Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No. 14 B.E. 2535.

Employment in Thailand is prohibited.

2. Required Documents

- Passport with validity of not less than 18 months.

- 3 copies of completed visa application forms.

- 3 passport-sized photos (4 x 6 cm) of the applicant taken within the past six months.

- A copy of personal profile

- A copy of bank statement showing a deposit of the amount equal to and not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly income of not less than 65,000 Baht, or a deposit account plus a monthly income totaling not less than 800,000 Baht. Or having a deposit account and income/pension (per month X 12), a total of not less than 800,000 baht (in the case of showing a copy of the deposit account, showing the certificate from the bank.)

** (Note: in the financial evidence showing that the petitioner may provide proof of deposit accounts or income in the country of his or her country of residence, do not need to be a deposit account in Thailand.)

- A letter of verification issued from the country of his or her nationality or residence stating that the applicant has no criminal record (verification shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission).

- A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (certificate shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission).

- In the case where the accompanying spouse is not eligible to apply for the Category ‘O-A’ (Long Stay) visa, he or she will be considered for temporary stay under Category ‘O’ visa. The marriage certificate must be provided as evidence and should be notarised by notary organs or by the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission.

3. Visa fee

5,000 Baht for multiple entries

4. Recommendations for foreigners with Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A”

4.1 Upon arrival, holder of this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for 1 year from the date of first entry.

4.2 At the end of the 90-day stay, the foreigner must reports to the immigration officer in his or her residence area and report again every 90 days during his or her stay in Thailand. The foreigner may reports to the police station if there is no immigration office in his or her residence area.

4.3 Foreigner who wishes to extend his or her stay shall submit a request for extension of stay at the Office of the Immigration Bureau with documented evidence of money transfer or a deposit account in Thailand or an income certificate showing an amount of not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate plus a deposit account showing a total amount of not less than 800,000 Baht. A one-year extension of stay shall be granted at the discretion of the immigration officer to the foreigner as long as he or she meets the above requirements.

@Nick ***********

you just didn't go to the correct branch of the bank. There is nothing in banking law that prohibits someone on a 30 day visa exempt or a 60 day tourist visa from opening an account, it's totally up to the bank manager at the branch you're trying, SO it would appear you're applying at the wrong branches :P

In Bangkok you can go to Krung Sri bank at Centra World, OR Kasikorn bank in Emquartier and open an account with just a passport and your address written on a piece of paper

@Nick ***********

. I have two thai bank accounts with Kasikorn and I dont have a work permit.

Don't listen to Ben Cartwright. All nonsense

@Nick ***********

you can with UOB and no need to have any Visa, as long as you initially deposit baht upon opening

I am normally take 20k in one go, which is around 500 GBP.

I am using it for a year. Use UK exchange rate and recharge account in next 24 hours

No foreign transaction fees to worry about.

Worldwide fee-free cash withdrawals (some ATMs charge a usage fee. Interest will apply from the day cash is taken out).

@Vasiliy *******

but you still have to pay 220bt and if using such as Thailand Government Saving Bank it will also be in Thai Baht and you will get a charge for using it on your Halifax Account. I know. I am will Halifax and used it last month there.

@Vasiliy *******

you’ve got to be so careful you’re in credit for the amount you withdraw though otherwise the fees are punitive. And constantly withdrawing cash with a credit card can affect your credit rating

When I did that through my US Chase account, Bangkok Bank still charged me an international transfer fee. It was pricey. Has something changed?

@Tim ******

count me in

@Marc *********

did you do this? I don't know about London but I know other international branches such as New York regular Joe can't open an account there.