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Can I open a Thai bank account with only a tourist visa if I have a lease agreement?

Thai bank account tourist visa lease agreement residence certificate banking options for expats visa requirements in Thailand Krungsri bank immigration challenges

Dec 5, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, with regard to opening a Thai bank account with only a tourist visa, would it help if I had a lease agreement (with my girlfriend who owns her condo)? Thanks

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Opening a Thai bank account with only a tourist visa can be challenging. While having a lease agreement might not significantly help, it is recommended to obtain a residence certificate from the local immigration office. It's suggested to visit various bank branches, take your girlfriend (who owns the condo) with you, and persist in providing documentation to increase your chances of success. Some banks, like Krungsri, may allow account opening if you can demonstrate a one-year rental contract. Recent changes have made it more difficult to open accounts without a Thai resident's intervention or help from an agent.

Chris *******

There have been some changes lately and it is increasingly difficult to obtain without some Thai intervention.

They want a visa but you need the bank account for the visa, catch 22.

They will say get a letter from your embassy but no embassy will issue a letter for residency.

The Thai residency certificate is not enough right now.

Persistent attempts, a Thai friend and lastly an agent and eventually you will get one.

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Charles ********

no embassy? I can't say all but most do in various forms. In the case of US its a signed affidavit with your information.. It's been good for opening bank accounts, getting drivers license, and for buying a car... All I have used in the last year no problem.

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Chris *******

@Charles *******

yes including the US embassy this is a change as of about a month and a half ago.

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Charles ********

highly doubt that. It's just a notarized affidavit.. I am not even sure it would be legal for them deny notary service based on stating your address and notary service are still offered based the embassy website.

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Charles ********

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Dimitri ********

Krungsri will give you a bank account with a tourist visa if you can show a 1 year rental contract.

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Charles ********

Take your girlfriend with you.. And her blue book. Probably the easiest way. Usually banks tell you no at first, persist, keep handing them documents and usually they say yes... But with your gf, will probably be easier. If you get a firm no, go to a different branch.

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Phil ******

@Charles *******

definitely thats how I received my Bangkok bank account and it was the 3rd attempt at different branches

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Phil ******

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Michael ********

Would be more help her going with you to her bank to open account.

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Stuart *********

Probably not going to make a difference for a lease agreement. You may need a residence certificate from your local immigration office or buy their insurance for a year. Go from branch to branch and find one that will do it. Otherwise ask an agent. Probably cost around 5k but it’ll be done.

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Craig *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks Stuart, for me a bank account would be nice to have but not essential and so not worth any extra cost to get it.

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Paul ********

I dunno- once you have one, being able to pay bills with their online ap and make and receive payments with PromptPay’s QR codes is pretty usefull.

And if you use ATMs, fee-free withdrawals with a Thai debit card are nice.

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Craig *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paulo ********

well I don't have any bills to pay, but prompt pay does interest me.

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Phil ********

And with Kasikorn you don't need your ATM card to withdraw at an ATM. Just use the card less option on the app. Top up mobile phone, there's lots of advantages of having a Thai account. Sending money from home country and no ATM charges etc.

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Paul ********

Yeah you can use your phone instead of card at the ATM for Bangkok Bank too, but I’ve never used that feature.

Lots of my friends have Kasikorn and really like it.

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Stuart *********

@Paulo ********

SCB have the same feature. Cardless ATM. The nice thing about that option is that if you are withdrawing from outside your home province then there is no charge for a withdrawal. Unlike using a card.

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Phil ********

@Paulo ********

Been with Kasikorn about 15 years.

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Craig *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

yes thanks Phil, I also like the cardless cash option!

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Craig *******

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