Can you open a Thai bank account with an education visa, and which bank is recommended?

Apr 5, 2022
3 years ago
Katya *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone.

Just wondering are you allowed to open a Thai bank account on an education visa? And if so does anyone have any recommendations as to which bank to go with ?

Thanks! :)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
It is generally possible to open a Thai bank account on an education visa, although experiences may vary by bank and branch. Necessary documents typically include your passport, a resident certificate, and a letter from your educational institution. Bangkok Bank and K Bank are mentioned as potentially easier options, while some branches of SCB may have stricter requirements. It’s advisable to ask your school for assistance and prepare for some trial and error in finding a bank that will accept your situation.
Jo ********
Currently , most banks are requiring a “work permit”’or some type of thai document . Thai Guarantor not accepted any longer .
Steve *******
@Joseph *******
Certainly not the case, some branches maybe more difficult than others but on the whole it shouldnt be a problem. I changed some Sterling to Baht on 2 occasions at the same SCB branch and the 3rd occasion they asked ME if I wanted to open an account. That was on a Non Imm visa with NO work permit.
Jo ********
@Steve ******
after Covid era ??
Brandon ************
Ask your school for a letter to help you get a bank account. I took that letter and a Thai friend to Kasikorn Bank at Emquartier and they opened it right up for me.
Charles ********
Should be fairly easy to open an account on ED. Most branches will want passport, resident certificates (immigration or your embassy), and a letter from your school. It's always hit or miss, but most should accept you with that paperwork. SCB would be difficult, Bangkok Bank probably the easiest (even on tourist visa). K Bank considered the best and have the most atms in bkk. I am krungthai, opened on Ed, pretty happy with them... Their branches are not as busy at k Bank, but fewer atms, but I can use atm fee free so no big deal.
Stuart *********
There really isn’t an answer as to what bank or branch. It’ll take leg work going from branch to branch, bank to bank. Some branches of Bangkok Bank will ask you to take out an insurance policy in order to open an account.

An alternative is to search for an agent that will do the work for you. Probably will cost around 5k.
Stuart *********
Absolutely nothing stopping you opening an account on any visa ( or exempt). Except the bank manager in the branch you’re asking at. Each to their own. Many won’t. Some will. Finding the latter is the hard part.
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