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Can you open a Thai bank account from the US?
Thai bank accountBangkok BankUS banking regulationsexpat bankinginternational bankingvisa requirementsfinancial services in Thailandmoney transfer services
Sep 16, 2020
6 years ago
Steve **********
ORIGINAL POSTERIs it possible to open a Thai bank account from within the US?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among users is that you cannot open a Thai bank account from the US, particularly at the Bangkok Bank branch in New York, as it operates as a commercial branch and does not perform retail banking services, such as opening personal accounts. Some users have shared experiences of successfully opening accounts in Thailand under different circumstances, while others highlight stringent requirements and recent changes in international banking laws that necessitate in-person visits and proper documentation.
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Bill **********
Bangkok Bank visa card is a rabbit visa (bunny) card and is still in effect. Just ask for a bunny card.
Michael *********
Why is their a branch of Bangkok Bank in NYC if you can't do banking buisness their!
George *************
The BKK NY branch is a commercial bank for businesses, not doing retail business. Same as the BBK London branch.
Reply to
George *************
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Michael *********
I emailed Bangkok Bank in New York if I could become a member in NY. I haven't received a reply yet
David ****************
i called that branch in february 2020 and asked this question, the answer was No.
Durrant ********
Bangkok bank don't have Visa card anymore so you can't buy goods online from another country with Paypal or by using your card number direct.To open an account with another bank that has Visa you need to have a work permit or an O-A Visa. An O visa will not do it.
Bill **********
I use Bangkok Bank, both in NYC and Thailand. Have switched transfers via TransferWise. US bank is Schwab which refunds any ATM fees, any where.
Billy *********
I believe tjat Bangkok Bank has a New York office
Glen ********
Simple answer from the original question is No, you can not open an account at a Thai bank in the US. Retired American here, living in Thailand
Glen ********
No, this branch is a commercial office not a retail bank.
Reply to
Glen ********
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John-Paul ******
Bangkok Bank has a branch office in New York City.
Garrett ***********
@John*****
Can't open a Thai bank account from them. Just like the Citi bank in Bangkok, you can't open a US bank account from there. Tod *********
which is a BUSINESS branch and will not open personal accounts
Reply to
Tod *********
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Niel *******
Have you heard if TransferWise
Jake *******
I have an American Citibank account and a Thai Citibank account and do global transfers for free but the Thai Citibank account has a monthly service fee of 300 baht if there's less than 1M baht in it. Also, the Thai Citibank account was not easy to open. I went to one of the three branches in Bangkok 4 years ago and had to beg them to let me open an account. I told them I've been a Citibank customer for 20 years which is true. They said the requirement was to deposit 1M baht or some obscene amount of money but the personal banker I was talking with eventually waived that requirement.
วà¸à¸£à¹Œà¹€à¸£à¸™ ********
Nothings done online in Thailand. Its way behind in that department. All paperwork and fucks me were they keep it all🤣
Kool *******
No, because of new international banking laws with the United States, and reporting requirements, you must present your passport at the bank in person. It is part of the new (two years ago), anti-money laundering laws.
Khaiginlian **********
1800 to Donnie
Siddhartha *********
Lot of posts I see they struggle even when present in Thailand!
Steve **********
There is a branch of BKK bank in New York. I was told by a friend he opened an account through them without walking in the doors. Says he can access those funds in Thailand with no fees. I do not know how they are tied but he says it works.
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Hugh ********
It is true but maybe it just depends where you ask 😂
Kool *******
@Steve *********
, that Bangkok Bank branch is a wholesale bank, you used to be able to send money through that branch to Thailand, but with the new international transfer requirements it is now very difficult, and, as a wholesale bank, a private citizen has never been able to open an account there, either savings, or checking. I worked through that branch for 7 years sending my money to Thailand branch. And, transferring through that branch to my account in Bangkok, there was a $5-$10 transfer fee by the NY branch, and a .01% fee charged by my Thai branch, with a bt200 minimum, and bt500 maximum fee to receive the transfer from the New York branch. It used to cost me $12 to send $2000John *********
Immigration letter
Hugh ********
Maybe but i tried that in the one in london and got turned away. Dont really know why they are there tbh, foreigners cant open a bank account in thailand with bkk too. They ask for a letter from the embassy, a letter the embassy doenst give
Glen ********
Bangkok Bank in Thailand is the most used bank here.
Steve *********
@Hugh *******
this is not true. I opened 2 bangkok bank accounts whilst on 30 day visa exemptions. No embassy letters. Werner *******
@Hugh *******
Lots of foreigners have opened accounts with Bangkok Bank. I have one that I got on a tourist visa. If one branch tells you no, you just go to another branch until someone tells you yes. It's totally possible.Reply to
Werner *******
Reply
Stephen ***********
no
Kim ******
No
Sergejs *********
no
Reply to
Sergejs *********
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