Answered2 years ago

Do American citizens need a Thai salary to open a bank account in Thailand?

bank account Thailand TTB USA citizen visa regulations foreigners in Thailand

Anonymous *************

asked Feb 28, 2025

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Any USA citizen successfully open a TTB bank account.  They are telling me that as an American I need a Thai salary (no other nationalities are subject to this requirement). If yes, please advise on branch, etc

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by USA citizens when trying to open a TTB bank account in Thailand. Users mention that U.S. citizens may encounter additional requirements, such as needing a Thai salary, which is not customary for other nationalities. There are references to the complexity of U.S. financial regulations that may deter Thai banks from readily accommodating American clients. Additionally, concerns are raised regarding the legality of earning income (like a Thai salary) on certain visa types, such as a tourist visa, which prohibits work in Thailand.

12 repliesnewest first

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Christopher ********

You’re on a tourist visa why do you want a bank account ?

2 years ago

Luke ****

Thai banks need to be more open to foreigners

2 years ago

Greg ********

@Luke ***

Most countries do not let anyone just open a bank account without being a citizen or on a longer term residence type visa.

2 years ago

Anonymous ******************

Yeah, the U.S. has pretty aggressive regulations when it comes to controlling its citizens' finances abroad. In Switzerland, there is a special section in the registration form that applies only to U.S. nationals. All other countries fill the other section. I don't think Thai banks want to play along.

2 years ago

Kyle **********

How can you have a thai salary if with the DTV you ARE NOT allowed to work in thailand nor to get any income from thai nationals?

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@Kyle *********

Exactly, it makes no sense. And I tried to explain that to them, but they seemed unable or unwilling to comprehend.

2 years ago

Biff *******

Anonymous participant They comprehend very well. What they’re saying is, that without a Thai salary you can not open an account with them. The fact that you don’t have one, and on your current visa can not get one is not something they don’t understand. They’re saying ‘no’ to your request to open an account.

2 years ago

Biff *******

Anonymous participant Which, if you’re American, is still a ‘no’. I think they may be hoping that you will eventually understand what they’re saying to you. Currently you seem to think it’s them that are having difficulty understanding.

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@Biff ******

Yes, but they will open an account with someone who has a DTV visa and NO Thai salary, as long as they are not American.

2 years ago

Steve *******

@Kyle *********

the day thai banking rules start making sense is the day dragons will appear in the sky and start squirting vanilla coke on everyone with green shirts on.

2 years ago

Kyle **********

@Steve ******

2 years ago

Greg ********

Might be a local decision. As an American there are extra reporting requirements etc. Even in Singapore some financial institutions did not want to deal with USA citizens due to it.

2 years ago