Has anyone managed to open a bank account with a residence certificate in Bangkok?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The ability to open a bank account in Bangkok with a residence certificate varies based on the type of visa held. As of August 2024, many users reported that it is indeed challenging to open a bank account on a tourist visa, with some banks having policies against it. A long-term visa such as a Non-O increases the chances of account approval. Users also noted that while a residence certificate seems valuable, it may not be accepted if issued under a tourist visa. Proof of accommodation, such as a lease, appears to be more effective for most banks.
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Go to Bangkok Bank. They have an office in NYC, so it is easy to transfer funds. Do take no for an answer. Just try a different branch, time of day, day of the week, a different person... you know the usual Thai way.
Henrik *****
A residence certificat has no value for the banks, if it is issued on a shorttime (tourist) visa and with a stay shorter than 3 months.
They may lift an eyebrow, and think you are a person who cuts corners to your own benefit, and that is not the kind of customers they want.
They want customers with a permanent adress, who stay in Thailand most of the time, and that is what you have to convince them, that you are such a person.
Correct. I've had (and still have) accounts with Bangkok Bank and SCB and they always wanted to see my lease (which proves I'm a bona-fide resident) and my passport. That's all. Never asked for certificate of residency, which as you say, doesn't really prove anything
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Jim ********
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David ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you all. From your comments and my current experience, I've come to the conclusion that, as of Aug 2024, opening a bank account on a tourist visa is impossible, at least in BKK, unless you pay an agent. The banks claim it's their policy to refuse tourist visas, while Immigration claimed to know nothing about bank policies. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I should have applied for a long-term visa before arriving, instead of trying to convert a tourist visa to a non-O. But then, there are still agents to resort to.
yes I have been told that has changed recently, I opened my Bangkok bank account 3 years ago, and they didn’t even ask about visas, just a passport and proof of accommodation.
not in Bangkok it won't. Other provinces yes, but Bangkok requires a certificate of residency, which you can only get after you've done at least one 90 day report.
But to get that you need a TM30! When I did mine, I needed a letter of consent from Immigration. You only need residents certificate for driving licensee.
making things up again are you? Different bank branches have different requirements and a residence certificate is a common one and immigration issues them for bank accounts, drivers licenses etc. The certificate has the reason on it
not correct - proof of residence is issued for several purposes - among them getting a bank account - getting a drivers license - buying a car etc. The purpose is stated in the document
yes. I’m trying to tell you that’s not entirely true! Different places, different reqs, mine required a proof of residence. I know this as at about the same time I also needed one for a DL (can’t reuse them) and the people I rent from were too dense to complete there own TM30 requirements so the whole process was like pulling teeth. In turn fairly hard to forget. 😉
It seems prudent to express all possible outcomes for people, not the least.
Agents can usually resolve a TM30 issue. I never rented in TH! I just wonder what is going to happen with all these Nieve digital knobs heads who will soon descend on immigration and the banks.
Getting a bank account without a long stay visa is hard. If you’re only on a tourist visa, many banks will say no. Best bet is to get an agent to grease the wheels.
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Greg *********
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