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Can you open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa?
ThailandBank AccountTourist VisaNon-O VisaExpat BankingVisa RulesImmigration IssuesThai BanksAgent Services
Dec 23, 2023
2 years ago
Steve *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHas anybody recently been able to open a bank account on a tourist visa? I have tried a few and they have all said new rules make it impossible without a Non O Visa but you can't get a Non O Visa from within Thailand without money in a Thai bank account!
TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa has become increasingly difficult due to recent changes in banking regulations. Many banks now require a Non-O visa, which typically necessitates having funds already in a Thai bank account. Although some individuals report success with specific banks or using agents, experiences vary greatly across locations and personal circumstances.
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Sean *********
Have you tried Siam Paragon or CentralWorld; tourist heavy malls? Kasikorn is your best bet.
Acquaintance was successful last month. Home country Drivers license, Passport, lease from condo (that seems to be the key document). A couple dozen banks, and was successful on his first visit to CentralWorld Kasikorn branch.
Also where I was able to open my account on a tourist visa a year ago.
Good luck.
Acquaintance was successful last month. Home country Drivers license, Passport, lease from condo (that seems to be the key document). A couple dozen banks, and was successful on his first visit to CentralWorld Kasikorn branch.
Also where I was able to open my account on a tourist visa a year ago.
Good luck.
Doc ********
Buy a safe and bury in concrete
Claus *********
What a load of bullocks replies here. Yes, you can get a bank account on a tourist visa , and this is by the letters of the law by Bank of Thailand. Bangkok Bank will for sure do it for you, and you will ONLY need an embassy certificate to proof your identity due to Anti Money Laundering issues, which have complicated some procedures for banks. My suggestion is to go to a Bangkok Bank and call their international hotline at the bank and they can guide the staff. Because they are often not comfortable speaking English and then it’s easier to to make you leave .. and yes, don’t dress like cheap Charlie.
Steve *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Claus ********
they really tried for me in Bangkok Bank. They speak good English but showed me the document, recently issued, that shows the type of Visa they can open an account on. Tourist is no longer one of them.Reply to
Steve *********
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Graham *******
I managed it because I was buying a condo and I had proof I had paid the deposit. The bank needs to see purpose for opening an acc.
Phillip ********
Just ask an agent🙂
Shane ************
@THAI *****************************
use this agent. Flawless in all they doCia *********
There's a way to request it.
Michael ***********
This advice is not for opening a Thai Bank account,, rather for getting cash from US to Thailand. I have been told by a friend, not sure how reliable the info is, that you can open an account with Fidelity USA, then withdraw cash from the Fidelity account anywhere in the world fee free. Your Fidelity account acts as an investment and checking account.
Michael ***********
I have been told by a friend, not sure how reliable the info is, that you can open an account with Fidelity, then withdraw cash from the Fidelity account anywhere in the world fee free. Your Fidelity account acts as an investment and checking account.
Mitchell *******
It has been getting harder over the last 2 years. Not it is near impossible. If you pay regular bills at a residence, that can work in your favour.
But generally you will need at least one of:
- non tourist visa
- proof of residence
- work permit
- residence type bill in your name (cable, water, power, etc)
But generally you will need at least one of:
- non tourist visa
- proof of residence
- work permit
- residence type bill in your name (cable, water, power, etc)
Ned *******
I opened one on a tourist exempt ( 30 days extension ) after visiting numerous banks
( in pranchinburi) and being declined, went to immigration office, filled in the appropriate form, including details of girlfriends address, copies passport details page and extension page . . the immigration officer gave me a letter ( in Thai ) and told me in very well spoken English that with this I could now open a bank account . . . Went back to Bangkok Bank, and with the said letter and further copies of documents was able to open an account . . without the added insurance,
👍
( in pranchinburi) and being declined, went to immigration office, filled in the appropriate form, including details of girlfriends address, copies passport details page and extension page . . the immigration officer gave me a letter ( in Thai ) and told me in very well spoken English that with this I could now open a bank account . . . Went back to Bangkok Bank, and with the said letter and further copies of documents was able to open an account . . without the added insurance,
👍
Bob **********
You can only certain offices require the money before you apply and Jomtien is one of them
Brandon ************
@Bob *********
every single immigration office requires the money in the bank before you apply. The thing that's different between the offices is how long the money must be in the account.Bob **********
@Brandon ***********
so this new rule that you can’t open a bank account on a TR means they don’t want us here ???Brandon ************
@Bob *********
it was never "easy" to open a bank account as a tourist. There's just a lot more restrictions now and they're not all fr Thailand. There's a huge amount of paperwork to open a bank account for a foreigner and a lot of it has to do with reporting requirements from the country of the person opening the account. That's one of the reasons they're more willing to do it if you purchase their insurance and they get a commission for the work they have to do. Or you can just get the non-O visa from your Thai embassy before you come here. The fact that they even let people convert from a tourist to a non-O visa in the country is generous of them already. They could very easily require everyone who wants to be here on retirement to get the visa before they travel.
And also, they could care less if you're here or not. You're not going to make any difference in the big picture. Thailand would get by with no foreigners at all if they needed to.
Bob **********
@Brandon ***********
when I opened my accounts I just walked in an opened them now with the US they want you to sign forms for the IRS and SCB told me no account for AmericansReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Jay *********
Language school sent a message from Kasikorn Bank a while back saying they will not allow ED Visa holders to open accounts anymore either, so something has definitely changed. I already have an account so not concerned personally, but good luck to everyone trying to get one in the future and be advised about that particular avenue being closed.
Phil ******
@Jay ********
yes some banks do this but Bangkok bank is the easiestReply to
Phil ******
Reply
Hunter ************
If you have something that shows your are here long term, then you can, depending on the branch. Tourist visa and condo lease got me an account at the krungsri branch in the Lotus at On Nut
Iliyan ***********
Bangkok bank on soi bukhao in Pattaya. Sit with the young guy. He will do it for a small "insurance" of 3000 baht.
Linz ************
Steve, if you have the financial means, do yourself a favour, pay an agent
We arrived end October (from the UK) on a 60 day tourist visa that we obtained whilst in the Uk) within the first 3 weeks we had approached a number of visa agents, chose one (in our case Mots) and here we are now end December, our long term visa is in place, we both have our bank accounts, able to obtain a driving licence if we want it, they will deal with the 90 ay reporting all thanks to the visa agent
Money well spend in our view, some people will argue it is a waste of money/ do it yourself and yes, they do have a point but with a reputable and trustworthy agent, they deal with the bureaucracy/ the waiting/ the administration, they take care of almost everything and for us, it has proven well worth it
Be careful not all visa agents are equal
We arrived end October (from the UK) on a 60 day tourist visa that we obtained whilst in the Uk) within the first 3 weeks we had approached a number of visa agents, chose one (in our case Mots) and here we are now end December, our long term visa is in place, we both have our bank accounts, able to obtain a driving licence if we want it, they will deal with the 90 ay reporting all thanks to the visa agent
Money well spend in our view, some people will argue it is a waste of money/ do it yourself and yes, they do have a point but with a reputable and trustworthy agent, they deal with the bureaucracy/ the waiting/ the administration, they take care of almost everything and for us, it has proven well worth it
Be careful not all visa agents are equal
Rajeev ********
@Linz ***********
for 60 day tourist visa, do they give you some time to enter the country or the 60 day clock starts ticking as soon as soon as you have the visa?Henrik *****
Make a seperate thread to get answers that are not related in any way to the subject of this thread.
Linz ************
@Rajeev *******
when you enter the country though I expect there will be some kind of time scale you have to enter the country byReply to
Linz ************
Reply
Steve *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Linz ***********
thank you.Mark *********
I think that you might have doubts on agents for full-on visa costs (though hardly exorbitant), maybe even entanglement over visas at all. But setting up a bank account is something that is both a one-off and a very low-cost one-off.
Gordon *******
Stewart **********
@Linz ***********
hi have DM yourselfReply to
Stewart **********
Reply
Noel *********
Tried got pissed off ' so got
@Mots *********
to do it for me....John ************
Search a bank with a large number of expat clients. The manager may have a suggestion.
Jo **********
i did and many others I know this has been in chiang mai
Justin ********
You might need a lease with address rhen a letter from immigration
Robert ***********
@Justin *******
Didn't matterReply to
Robert ***********
Reply
Gianpaolo ******
The only bank that allows me to open an account with a tourist visa is krungsri (yellow bank) but 6 years ago! Now I don't know
Darren ****
@Gianpaolo *****
Krungsri will not allow those on tourist visa to open an account now.David *******
@Gianpaolo *****
Cannot do now, must have long stay visaJo **********
@Gianpaolo *****
also SCBReply to
Jo **********
Reply
Steve **********
I think Agents now run this forum
William ******
If you used an agent and it worked, what agents in Bangkok did you use to open the bank account?
Ron *********
Bangkok bank, All seasons place branch in Bangkok. Worked for me with affidavit from my embassy.
Andy *****
I’m struggling to open a KBank account, already have Bangkok bank account for a few years but would rather have a KBank account,
I’m on non O visa, have full D/L have TM30 and married to a Thai national, with my marriage certificates no luck in Bangkok all said NO!! Strange thing is they all gave different reasons why not,
In Pattaya now going to try a here, then moving down to Phuket for New Year. Will give it a go there if not successful here! 
I’m on non O visa, have full D/L have TM30 and married to a Thai national, with my marriage certificates no luck in Bangkok all said NO!! Strange thing is they all gave different reasons why not,
In Pattaya now going to try a here, then moving down to Phuket for New Year. Will give it a go there if not successful here! 
Kylie ********
@Andy ****
try the one next to Tukcom mall on South Pattaya rd. I previously was not allowed app access.. but one visit post covid to this branch and I now have it. I have had this account for 10 yrs.Andy *****
@Kylie *******
thanks I’ll try tomorrow morningReply to
Andy *****
Reply
David *******
Bring your passport and 500 baht to the immigration office and they will give you a letter authorizing it. Give yourself 30 minutes or so. It also helps to have a Thai sponsor with ID. I am sure they check your passport for info. Once you open your bank account the money is there until you use it or for next time. It didn't use to be like this years ago it was simple to open an account. Not sure why the drama now but probably just the fact the banks own government and another fee. Maybe the government and the be banks split the proceeds. 555
Robert ***********
@David ******
I states on the residence certificate it can be used to open an account but it still gets nothing on a tourist visa.David *******
@Robert **********
i only have tourist visa maybe i am lucky or have 30 stamps or somethingRobert ***********
@David ******
Did the bank give you an account?David *******
@Robert **********
yes after 1 day the branch manager in nangrong called and said head office approved. I used the same branch SCB as my wife uses.Robert ***********
@David ******
OK. Probably helped that your wife already had an account.David *******
@Robert **********
I used the same bank branch yes and ticked all the boxes.Reply to
David *******
Reply
David *******
@Robert **********
well if I understand you correctly I paid 500 baht for a letter which has no validity from immigration Thailand government office . I doubt it but if I cannot open an account I will go back and fight I have plenty of time. Take note they know exactly what type of visa I have since they took my passport for some checks. It is a tourist visa at the moment until it changes . My passport. Number will be the same regardless of visa type. Have a great day!
Robert ***********
@David ******
The issue is not with immigration. The issue is with the banking system. Immigration does not need to stay current with the banking laws/rules. If the letter works out for you, consider yourself very lucky.
Reply to
Robert ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
@David ******
it depends on your immigration office. This isn't possible everywhereDavid *******
@Brandon ***********
buriram office did it for meReply to
David *******
Reply
Paul *******
I had to use an agent last month while on a tourist visa. I needed a thai bank account to get a marriage visa but the 7 banks I tried would'nt open an account on a tourist visa. Agent sorted it for me
Tore *********
@Paul ******
if Bangkok, could you DM me the agent?Paul *******
Chiang Mai
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Jeffrey *******
Likely you can only do this with an agent. They became strict/enforcing rules earlier this year, but no difference for several months now. Assuming you are not married to a Thai or have some other significant ties here. But if just on a visa exempt stamp for <30 days...I believe you will need an agent.
Dave ********
For me, Bangkok Bank said 3 official documents from Thailand and I used translated passport, marriage cert, and BFA cert from marriage but I got the impression that I could have used any of a lot of other things. Bottom line was no problem all still on the tourist visa.
Phil ******
@Steve ********
A friend opened a bangkok bank account in August. Go to a standalone branch and ask them what are the requirements, get a list. Its hard but not impossible Good luck.Daniel *****
@Phil *****
that's clever, particularly if you get them to write it down and get the staff members name.Daniel *****
Makes it hard for them to decline when you return with everything they have asked for.
Phil ******
@Daniel ****
no its a printout they do. That's what Alister got and asked me how he needed to do it.Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Robert ***********
@Phil *****
I have seen a written memo at 3 branches of BKK dated April that said no new accounts except long term visas and minimum was 90 day education visa.Phil ******
@Robert **********
great. Why did Alister get one then?Robert ***********
@Phil *****
Who is Allistar? He must have been real lucky. What branch and where exactly? And most important what was his visa status?Reply to
Robert ***********
Reply
Steve *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
thanks but the banks are telling me the rules changed last month.Steve *******
@Steve ********
I opened mine with BBL about 5 months ago. I was on a tourist visa. Thai spouse assisted (which I think is critical. Needed a notarised passport copy, which most embassies will do and a Thai address. At that time the bank told us we were lucky as the rules were going to change the next day. Anyway, just got my O- A visa last week from the TH embassy in Singapore. Next, start on the LTR.
Brandon ************
@Steve ********
they've been saying this every monthWilliam ******
@Steve ********
that's what I was told in NovemberNorbert ***********
@William *****
they want now a taxno.from your country(only this is new).If you don't have one,you have to take one from office of finance in thailand
Reply to
Norbert ***********
Reply
Phil ******
@Steve ********
ok which bank? Did you get a list of requirements?
Did you go to a standalone branch?
Actually the rules changed mid year as they affected existing customers including me.
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Roger ********
Catch 22
Faruk ********
Go to the Immigration Office and explain the situation. They will write a letter for you. You can open the bank account with that letter
Albert ********
@Faruk *******
good luck.Tore *********
@Faruk *******
wont work jn BKK. They require TM47 (90 day reporting)Steve *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Faruk *******
thank you I will try that.Brandon ************
@Steve ********
this will only work in certain provinces. For example you cannot get the certificate of residence in Bangkok as a tourist.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Bent *************
This is Thailand...555
Sean ********
Agent did it here in Pattya last week for me now I'm on my way to getting my retirement visa hopefully. 🤞
Kevin *********
@Sean *******
can you PM me the agent and agency you usedSteve *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sean *******
do you mind me asking what you paid?Sean ********
@Steve ********
500 stays in your account.Sean ********
@Steve ********
5000Steve *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sean *******
thank you.Reply to
Sean ********
Reply
Aake **********
You can get NO visa without money in the bank, I have it. NO retired minimum income 65 000 baht per month
Frank **********
@Aake *********
only if your Embassy gives you a Affadavit of Income, which many do not do anymore.Doug *********
@Fr***
I don’t see how any Embassy can provide or even be expected to provide an affidavit of income. Embassies don’t have any information on the income of their nationals here. This is why the U.S. Embassy no longer provides affidavits of income.David ********
@Doug ********
I'm Canadian, they still provide the letter of income. You have to go there (Canadian embassy/consulate) with documentation (ie. Assessment letter from Canada revenue, which can be downloaded from their CRA website) and/or one page with company letterhead showing your yearly private pension income.You then sign an affidavit for the embassy/consulate, after which if they are satisfied that your documentation is legitimate, they write you the letter for Thai immigration.
But sure what the real issue is with the embassies that stopped providing the letters, but it's not on the Thai side (the immigration officer I dealt with, through my local agent, said they prefer the letters and in fact suggested I switch from my marriage visa to retirement visa as that would make the annual renewal a near formality with a letter of income from the consulate ... No bank statements needed.
Doug *********
FYI On notaries in Thailand generally and why "Thai notaries" cannot validate or otherwise confirm any document. They are useless and the Thai government knows this, but some foreign governments don't quite understand this.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************
*******
/23/no-notary-publics-in-thailand-at-least-as-that-term-is-understood-by-any-lawyer-or-business-owner-outside-of-thailand/Doug *********
This is what the US Embassy says on its website: Effective January 1, 2019, the United States Embassy in Bangkok and the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai will no longer provide an income affidavit and will not notarize previous versions of the income affidavit...
Because the U.S. government has no means of confirming a U.S. citizen’s income, a notarized affidavit from the U.S. Embassy has never met the requirement to prove a minimum income level for a non- immigrant “O”, “O-A”, or “O-X” long-term stay visa. There are other methods for U.S. citizens to demonstrate they are eligible for this Thai visa category.
Because the U.S. government has no means of confirming a U.S. citizen’s income, a notarized affidavit from the U.S. Embassy has never met the requirement to prove a minimum income level for a non- immigrant “O”, “O-A”, or “O-X” long-term stay visa. There are other methods for U.S. citizens to demonstrate they are eligible for this Thai visa category.
*************************************************************************************
Frank **********
@Doug ********
right, apparently they probably just went by the individuals word or the person had to show some proof.Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
Aake **********
@Frank *********
Swedish ambassy do so im happyReply to
Aake **********
Reply
Paul *****************
Not easy....took 3 days just to open a joint account with my Thai partner..she did all the talking....I had no idea what was going on...😅
Bob *******
@Paul ****************
are so you were the couple in the bank that created that huge queue. 😆 😂 😂Paul *****************
@Bob ******
no...lolReply to
Paul *****************
Reply
Sam ********
I've been trying and so far it's a hard no
Shlomo ***********
Following
Brandon ************
A few is not enough. Expect to try dozens. Or find an agent to do it for you.
Tore *********
@Brandon ***********
Ive been in touch with a few agents. After the new regulations, its seems impossible in Bangkok. But apparently possible in other locations (CM, Pattaya) But if anyone knows an agent that can do it in BKK please dm 🙏
Tore *********
@Ruth ******
Can you DM me? Id love to get in touch with someone that can do itRuth *******
@Tore *****************
you can go to any agent in the sane building as Duke Language School (I happened to have been there to talk to them about classes). The agents were quoting around 25K. Another agent on the side street where the entrance to Emporium is located quoted 15K plus buying insurance.Tore *********
@Ruth ******
thanks. Thats steep. I had my roof set at 10K, hmmmRuth *******
@Tore *****************
as I said…It’s crazy. Everyone is saying, “just pay an agent a ‘few’ baht’”. They’re not asking for a “few”.
Tore *********
@Ruth ******
yeah ita a bit. 10K would be worth it for me, but difficult justifying more than thatBrandon ************
@Tore *****************
can probably get it for 5k in Pattaya but if you won't be staying in Pattaya that complicates things since you have ATM fees if you use an ATM outside the province you got your account in.Tore *********
@Brandon ***********
yeah that wouldn’t be handy for me. I need in Bangkok for now, Chumpon in the future. I could probably settle for Pattaya account temporarily (its for money ticking in regularly). But then I have to go Pattaya.My girlfriend did some asking around for, as im under medical treatment here I can get it myself, but not on my current (non) visa. I guess the choice is wait until next time, or use agent. Agent may be worth it for me
Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Ruth *******
@Tore *****************
They can do it in Bangkok, but they’re charging a lot or at least they were quoting me a lot.Reply to
Ruth *******
Reply
Gordon *******
@Brandon ***********
Spot on BrandonReply to
Gordon *******
Reply
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