Answered5 years ago
Can I open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa?
Does anyone have any recent experience on being able to open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa? Tried a few banks and branches earlier and was told work permit is needed.
Answer summary
Opening a Thai bank account on a tourist visa can be challenging but is possible. Many recent experiences suggest that different banks have varying requirements. While some banks insist on a work permit, others may only require a passport and proof of residence, such as a lease agreement or a letter from immigration. Personal recommendations include visiting popular banks in tourist areas or going with a Thai friend who has an account at the branch. It's advisable to persistently try different branches, and bringing cash can also help in facilitating the process.
31 repliesnewest first
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Brian ********
You can try an Agent who will help you open a bank account for a fee
Adam ****
that may have worked 10+ years ago, but they closed even those grandfathered accounts a couple years back. I doubt you can have it done
Nick ************
No need for work permit but you must show proof of residence eg. Lease agreement.
Alain ***************
Go Friday one branch to the next. Tell them something like that your student visa is waiting for approval. It will take some time to visit many branches, but with some luck you’ll get it
Michael ********
Yellow bank no problem
Gareth ********
OP@Michael *******
is that krungsri bank?Michael ********
@Gareth *******
sure is
Kat *********
Following
Albert ********
Its hit or miss.Make friends with a bank manager.
Craig ********
Bangkok Bank opened one for me with only a passport and a notarized copy of my passport from the US embassy. I'm on a tourist visa
Antonino *******
@Craig *******
, right, I did the same thing, when I still had a tourist visa, with the Bangkok Bank in Sampran, which is not a touristic place; moreover, when I changed my passport, they registered it, without again requesting a copy of it certified by my Embassy.
Supetstar *********
Same question..Im from Philippines but im planning to open petshop with my Thai friend here is it possible if my friend will accompany me to open bank account for me?
Nick *******
If all else fails use an agent.
Russell ******
Kasicorn bank is the easiest. SCB can be very touchy! SCB refused me even though I had proof of ownership of 4 properties! Just need cash and passport. Better still, take a Thai person.
Andy *******
Get a letter from immigration proof of address 500 Baht
Native ****************
Usually best to talk with the Bank Mgr for this first time and mentioning that you plan to deposit a fair amount of money in the future won't hurt in your efforts. Should be an easy Yes. Best of luck and let us know how you make out.
Dana *******
I opened mine in 2016... On a TV. Had to have two ID : passport and Driving Licence. Bangkok Bank, Kao San Road Branch... The head of the office was reluctant first, but when I mentionne that my intention was to be retired in Thailand, he immediately signed... However, he mentioned that, to have access to PC online-banking, you need a work permit... :-/
Ant *******
I opened one with Bangkok bank in pattaya a few months ago.
Yen ******
I opened a tourist Bangkok bank account in Aonang back in December. Only needed a letter of residency which I obtained from Krabi Town immigration office with a payment of gratitude. Document needed a receipt of tm3 from hotel (I got away with a hotel confirmation) & your passport. Only downside is only bank account & atm card provided, no online banking account. However, I can use the account for most transactions as transferring money from my foreign bank account via wise, grab/lazada online purchases,... tip: just need to find the right bank location.
Benjamin ******
how about telling us what part of Thailand you're located?
Gareth ********
OP@Benjamin *****
I’m in BangkokBenjamin ******
@Gareth *******
Try the Bangkok Bank in Centralworld (first floor). They only need a residency certificate issued by your embassy, and a 1,500 THB opening deposit (along with your passport)
Robert **********
@Benjamin *****
they wanted to give me account with no atm, mobile, internet, or debit card. I refusedBenjamin ******
@Gareth *******
If you're an American, you will use that Affidavit from the US Embassy saying you live in Thailand, and you live at whatever address (it costs $50 USD). If you are not an American, ask your embassy for more information.Gareth ********
OP@Benjamin *****
I’m only on a tourist visa. Am I still able to get a residency certificate?
Monti ********
Walk into a branch with a bundle of cash and they will gladly open the account. They have monthly new account quotas they need to meet. I opened an account at SCB in Siam Square with only a tourist visa and cash. Mind you it was a long time ago but there is no law that says a visa or anything else is required for a foreigner to open a bank account. Requests for work permits, residency certs, etc. are just them telling you they prefer to not deal with foreign customers at that branch.
Lyndon ************
I opened a Bank account on a Tourist visa in October 2021.
Bangkok bank, headquarters, Silom, have English speaking staff who are familiar with the process.
Needed an Embassy Certified copy of my passport, TM 30 details and my Thai partner helped. She was asked to show her ID and vouch for my address. To get the passport copy, you need to make an appointment first online with the UK embassy.
Bangkok bank, headquarters, Silom, have English speaking staff who are familiar with the process.
Needed an Embassy Certified copy of my passport, TM 30 details and my Thai partner helped. She was asked to show her ID and vouch for my address. To get the passport copy, you need to make an appointment first online with the UK embassy.
Bobby ********
You keep trying. Take a Thai person with you, preferably one who has an account at the branch you want to open at. If in Bangkok, go to Bangkok Bank HO in Silom. They're normally more hospitable.
Tony *********
I think it's easier in a tourist area. I have accounts with three Thai Banks. Krungsri just required a passport and Kasikorn and SCB wanted a passport and a rental agreement as proof of address. If you get a no just go to another bank or another branch of the same bank.
Bobby ********
So they're lying. How do retirees open a bank account? They don't have a work permit. Try another bank/branch
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