This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Can someone with a DTV visa open a bank account in Thailand?
Aug 15, 2025
8 months ago
Dee ******
ORIGINAL POSTERSo today I contacted Bangkok Bank in regards to opening an account with a DTV visa, I was told that there are no set rules and it’s all dependant on the specific bank manager in the branch that you try.
She also mentioned that even if one branch refuses to try another as there are DTV holders with bank accounts.
She also mentioned that even if one branch refuses to try another as there are DTV holders with bank accounts.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The issue of whether one can open a bank account in Thailand with a DTV visa is contentious and appears to depend heavily on individual bank branches and managers. Some individuals have reported success in opening accounts with DTV visas, but recent discussions suggest that rules may have become stricter. Several comments mention recent changes in policy, increased scrutiny due to anti-money laundering regulations, and general difficulty for DTV holders to access banking services. Key takeaway: while some have succeeded, experiences vary greatly, and persistence may be necessary.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
MORE ******
Now even with an agent you can't open a bank account if it's not a NonO visa, NonB with an ED visa you can open an account in one bank
Dave ***********
Please do report back, and let us all know how you get on with opening your Bank account with your DTV. It will be very useful information for many people in this group. Thank you
Greg *********
This is Thailand. Anything is possible if you have a pocket of cash.
Anonymous ******************
I have an account in bangkok bank with dtv
I opened it on tourist visa last year and they froze my account couple months ago.
When I went to the branch they told me they can unfreeze it if I show them 1 year rental lease which I did and they unfrozen my bank account
I opened it on tourist visa last year and they froze my account couple months ago.
When I went to the branch they told me they can unfreeze it if I show them 1 year rental lease which I did and they unfrozen my bank account
Ossie *********
You could always come to Thailand on a 90 day visa open a bank account before you apply for your DVT
George *****************
@Ossie ********
it is hard manager bank won’t agreeReply to
George *****************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Which branch did u go to?
Pete *******
You were told nonsense probably not to lose face. A DTV is a tourist visa, tourists cannot open bank accounts.
Ivan ************
@Pe**
Elite is also a tourist visa. There's no explicit legal restriction on this. Having said that I don't deny DTV holders are finding it very difficult, and there obviously was a concerted change of policy. But it's not because it's a tourist visa and tourist visa holders are legally prohibited from opening bank accounts.Paul *******
@Pete ******
What you're saying is nonsense. It's up to the branch and each individual you ask will say something different based on what they believe to be correct. Nothing to do with "saving face". What a nonsensical assumption on your part.Pete *******
@Paul ******
you obviously are not up to speed on how Thailand operates. Banks no longer open accounts for people on tourist visas due to increased AML/KYC checks driven by a change in law making the banks responsible for any fraudulent activity. Going to a different branch or different bank is not going to make any difference whatsoever.Paul *******
@Pete ******
You clearly have no idea how Thailand operates. There is no consistency. Whereas a tourist visa holder may find it next to impossible to open a bank account, a DTV holder might have a different experience.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
James ********
@Paul ******
the rules have recently changed. Bangkok Bank will not open a bank account with the DTV visa.Paul *******
@James *******
Bangkok Bank might not but you can't necessarily speak for every branch.Andi ***********
@Paul ******
You are right, it is branch specific for DTVERS.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Dee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
well as I said I know 3 people that have done!Jon **********
@Dee *****
You wrote that it was last year, then it was possible. This all happened this year. Currently it's more or less not possible to open a bank account on a tourist visa.James ********
@Jon *********
correct ✅ as the rules recently CHANGED.Reply to
James ********
Reply
Pete *******
@Dee *****
you know three liars….Ray *****
@Pete ******
not at all, as the OP said it's up to the branch. There have been reports of others getting bank accounts too. In Thailand it always good to keep tryingReply to
Ray *****
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Dee *****
right but you said that was last year so at least 8 months ago, before the policy changedReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Dee ******
ORIGINAL POSTERYes of course i will keep you posted, i only shared this now as that’s what i was told today. I do know about 3 people that opened bank accounts using DTV but that was end of last year and I do know things change rapidly here.
Mark ********
@Dee *****
Keep in mind those three people could soon have their accounts frozen and suspended. Having an account on a tourist visa doesn't guarantee it will stay that wayReply to
जगद्गुरु *****************
Reply
Greg ********
Let us know how you get on. If you do open a bank account I am sure many others would like to know the specific branch.
Anna *********
Good luck with that Generally no one can get a bank account with a DTV but you may be lucky
Brandon ************
Haven't heard of a single success story on opening a bank account with DTV without the help of an agent in months.
Doug ********
@Brandon ***********
what’s an agent ?Dee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
I have and apparently so have Bangkok BankJames ********
@Dee *****
when did you open the bank account with Bangkok Bank ?Cliff *********
James ********
@Dee *****
Good Luck 🍀Reply to
James ********
Reply
19 comments
9 months ago
12 comments
9 months ago
12 comments
9 months ago
13 comments
a year ago
10 comments
a year ago
59 comments
a year ago
19 comments
a year ago
20 comments
a year ago
28 comments
a year ago
42 comments
a year ago
20 comments
a year ago
34 comments
a year ago
22 comments
a year ago
18 comments
2 years ago
34 comments
2 years ago
8 comments
2 years ago
5 comments
2 years ago
24 comments
2 years ago
5 comments
2 years ago
71 comments
2 years ago
9 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
2 years ago
31 comments
2 years ago
3 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.