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Can US Citizens Open a Bank Account in Thailand Without a Long-Term Visa?
Thailand bankingForeigners in ThailandUS citizensVisa requirementsBank account openingNon-resident bankingAgent assistance
Jul 21, 2024
2 years ago
May *****
ORIGINAL POSTERCan US Citizens open a bank account in Thailand without long term visa ? Non-resident. And which bank would you guys recommend if I can do so?
TLDR : Answer Summary
US citizens can face challenges when trying to open a bank account in Thailand without a long-term visa. It's generally difficult for tourists to secure an account, with many users reporting that banks often require residency or specific visa types. Some users recommend using an agent for assistance, especially in areas like Pattaya, where agents can facilitate the process for even short-term or tourist visa holders. There are also accounts of individuals having success in banks like Kasikorn with educational visas. Overall, experiences vary greatly with some suggesting a trial-and-error approach at different bank branches.
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Andy **********
If you are on a short time visa, save yourself a headache, and just get the assistance of an agent, Pattaya is the easiest and probably the cheapest.
Greg ***********
there are agents in Pattaya who open a Bangkok Bank account in your name, even on a visa-exempt entry stamp or a tourist visa. Absolutely no problem, that's their daily routine
Henrik *****
An example of requirements to get a bank account.
It can be necessary to get a residence certificat from the Immigration, and by the book you need to have been in Thailand at least 3 month on a long-stay visa.
But not all Immigration Officers can remember what they read in the book.
It can be necessary to get a residence certificat from the Immigration, and by the book you need to have been in Thailand at least 3 month on a long-stay visa.
But not all Immigration Officers can remember what they read in the book.
Peter **********
@Henrik ****
Not entirely accurate, I’m afraid.When you enter Thailand you need a TM30 with at least 15 days on it. Show it at Bangkok immigration and they will issue the residence certificate.
I had only 7 days on my TM30 from the hotel and the lady at immigration showed me an English document detailing the 15 day requirement.
We went to the Isan village after 7 days so we decided to open the account there. I had an account after two days in the village (after registering a tm30 at the house of my sister in law).
You do *NOT* need to be 3 months in Thailand for the certificate!
Henrik *****
It is entirely accurate, since that is what I was told on Phuket about the formal requirement.
But as with lot of things, it depends on which Immigration office and the Immigration Officer in front of you.
That’s why I wrote “can be” “by the book” “officer…remember….book”
But as with lot of things, it depends on which Immigration office and the Immigration Officer in front of you.
That’s why I wrote “can be” “by the book” “officer…remember….book”
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Henrik *****
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Jean-Maurice ********
several friends encouraged me to get an EDU visa and that allowed me to immediately open a bank account. I was in the class for 2 months. so you get some basic thai + and account
Bob **********
It’s hit an miss you just go from bank to bank
Максим **********
Most banks don't open account even with short ED visas...
Jean-Maurice ********
@Максим *********
mine did. I took my edu visa paperwork to kasikorn (specifically) and it was smooth sailingМаксим **********
@Jean-Maurice *******
I tried a few in bangkok - they don't open with ED in language schools, only long in universities. Kasikorn too.Jean-Maurice ********
@Максим *********
no I was at a language school! I recommend ALA Language School in Nana. they had a full process in place, and told me to take some forms to the kasikorn in Asok. they were really nice. and it was so quick.Reply to
Jean-Maurice ********
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Aake **********
Do you think there are special rules just because you're American? Forget it
Peter **********
@Aake *********
Indeed there are special rules for Americans. The procedure is more complicated for the banks and thus they are less easy to open accounts for Americans.All caused by the American money laundering paranoia.
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Peter **********
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Max *************
You can do what many tourists do. Walk from branch to branch. You might get lucky. For some reason it's actually easier in larger malls.
Mathias ******
Jim ********
Use an agent and you’ll get a bank account
Brandon ************
Your best bet will be using an agent to open the account for you. It's become nearly impossible to open a bank account as a tourist in Thailand.
Ken ***********
@Brandon ***********
agreed.Max *************
Brandon Thurkettle That's not entirely correct. It depends on bank and location. But there are branches that actually rejects US citizens because of the money laundering paranoia in the US and FATCA. They hate the paperwork.
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Max *************
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