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Can you open a Thai bank account on a visa exemption and what documents are needed?

Thai bank account Visa Exemption Banking in Thailand Krungsri Bank Bangkok Bank Wise Expat banking Required documents for bank account Opening bank accounts as a tourist

May 8, 2023

2 years ago

Josh **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Has anyone had any recent success with opening Thai Bank account, on a visa exemption, at any particular branch? Hoping to find a way to get money into Thailand through Wise so that I don't incur ridiculous bank fees while travelling.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Expats have shared varied experiences regarding opening Thai bank accounts on a visa exemption. Successful account openings were reported at banks like Krungsri and Bangkok Bank, with required documents typically including a passport, proof of residence such as a lease agreement, and occasionally a letter from their home embassy. It's advised to visit multiple banks as policies may vary, and patience is key. Some suggest utilizing services from visa agents for assistance, while others recommend preparing a solid case for account opening that includes intent to invest in property.

Glyn **********

I went to immigration with proof of residence and paid 500baht for a letter. Opened an account at the Bangkok Bank. To open a wise account I needed to be in my home country.

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Meaw **********

PM me

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Tracey *******

Went to bangkok bank today (i'm also on visa exemption) they need

1. passport original

2. drivers license

3. document signed from your embassy (see photo)

The specific branch I went to:

*************************************

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Tracey *******

Yeah they gave it to me, she said the embassy needs to confirm/notarize your address in Thailand and passport (doesn't have to be that exact same format as the document she gave me but needs the same info)

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Josh **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

you got this document directly from the branch ?

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Josh **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thank you so much

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Josh **********

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Michael ********

Krungsri (yellow one)

Just copy of lease and

Passport required

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Ricky ******

You should have a Chase or Starling current account to avoid UK bank fees. That just leaves you with 220b atm per transaction, but I expect you already know this.

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Ron *********

Bangkok bank, "all seasons place" branch. I printed out a blank affidavit from my embassy and wrote where I was residing and swore to it at the embassy lol. Worked fine at the branch.

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Robert **********

US and I think British embassy stopped doing residence certificates

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Ron *********

@Robert *********

just telling you what I did in February.

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Robert **********

they are stopping June 1, I got mine recently also.

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Robert **********

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Ron *********

I was on tourist visa

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Ron *********

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Mark *********

I opened one on Visa Exempt with just copy of lease + passport. I tried 3 banks, 3rd one was a charm - Krungsri @ Central.

Before you go the visa agent route - just spend a day going to as many locations as possible. Expect to hear ‘No’ many times but eventually someone will say yea. Make a day out of it.

Also maybe try non-foreigner locations like in Thai neighborhoods etc.

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Josh **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks! By copy of lease. Do you mean a formal lease of a property you were renting out, or an agreement drafted by a short term rental of the place you were staying at?

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Mark ********

@Josh *********

I opened an account at Krungsri with a 3-month lease copy and my passport. Also mention that you are going to buy a condo sometime and will be transfering the $$ from abroad to your new bank account. Lay it on thick. Also tell them you will be needing insurance..lots of. They will bend right over for you.😏

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Mark *********

@Josh *********

It was a formal lease as I was staying there for 2 months. But I would think they're one in the same. They just need a real looking, signed, addressed paper in their hands.

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Mark *********

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Michael ***********

I opened mine at Kasikorn. Needed wife’s id, blue and yellow books and original wedding cert

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Brian *******

Get a wise card and preload it

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Chan ******

Whay it means please？ Thank you

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Josh **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

not possible from anywhere I will ever be.

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Brian *******

*****************************************

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Chan ******

Thank you so much.

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Chan ******

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Noel *********

@Mots *********

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Richard ******

Just go to a visa agent and pay them to sort it for you

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Josh **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

oh interesting. So this is the current standard procedure ? Any idea what an agent would charge for this ?

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Bob **********

@Josh *********

about 5000 and maybe 5999 for accident insurance

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Bob **********

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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