Answered3 years ago
Do you need a US social security number to open a bank account in Thailand?
Today i talked to an agent to open a Thai bank account but he want my US social security number to open a Thai bank account. Is that the rules to open a bank account?
Answer summary
Yes, if you are a US citizen, banks in Thailand typically require your US Social Security Number (SSN) to open an account. This is due to obligations under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which mandates that foreign banks report US citizen accounts to the IRS. Even other nationals are noticing similar requirements, but the SSN is a specific requirement for US citizens due to stringent US tax laws. It is advisable to deal directly with the bank for sensitive information instead of through agents.
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Troy ******
Why do you need an agent to open a bank account. It's very easy to do.
Kent *********
Yup, I did everything on my own it was about a 1hr 30 min process at Bangkok Bank, needed SSN, IDs passport, letter from immigration, filled out a tax form, then gave blood, finger printed, did a retina scan, DNA test on the spot, sung the national anthem. Ok not the last part but man it took a while, just go with the flow.
สเปซไฟน์เดอร์ *******
Yes if you are US. citizen 😆
Bruce *********
I would pay the extra 2,000 baht so he can have a bank employee open up an account for you without your social. Once the US has access to information they can garnish your money at any time. If you pay extra so they don't know that you have an account there, it'll take a lot of stress off you.
Mark **********
Apparently you are unaware of FATCA. It's been the law for >10 years now.
Chris *******
Welcome to the club
No hiding here from Sam
Lol
No hiding here from Sam
Lol
Arch *********
Yes bcoz everyone wants a slice of the pie 🥧
Robert *******
I think any bank would want proper id when you are a foefeifni
Glenn *****
Many people in the US also have to do a W9
John *****
And Americans still believe they're the land of the free 😆😆 not even free from uncle Sam when you leave
Mac ******
@John ****
we are no longer free, period.
Gordon *******
@John ****
Democrats America
Jeffrey *******
Yes, but I didn’t provide that info until we were at the bank…agent, me and bank employee.
Rick *********
Yes you/bank have to do a US tax form W9 and submit.
Lauren ******************
Yep
Christopher *************
All I needed was my passport.
Ruth *******
@Christopher ************
you’re not a U.S. citizenChristopher *************
True. I guess it probably depends on the Bank. I had a Texan friend MHRIP and he had to have his pensions paid into a US Bank etc as they wouldn't send it to Thailand.
Steve **********
Bank accounts must be reported to Tax agencies, so yes.
Shayne **********
You probably should talk with
@American *****************************
about whether it's better to get your SS paid into the Thai bank or US one and manually transfer each month.@https://www.facebook********************
Ruth *******
The bank will absolutely need it. I would not give it to the agent though. I would go into the bank with them and give it directly to the bank.
This requirement is only for U.S citizens, so anyone from elsewhere advising you on what was required does not know. The U.S. is one of very few countries that taxes its citizens on income received outside its country. Additionally...the Patriot Act added requirements.
This requirement is only for U.S citizens, so anyone from elsewhere advising you on what was required does not know. The U.S. is one of very few countries that taxes its citizens on income received outside its country. Additionally...the Patriot Act added requirements.
Mac ******
@Ruth ******
this was enacted with the Frank/ Dodd act I think of 2012, maybe a year or two earlier!! Yes, doing Obama’s term .
Steve *******
@Ruth ******
Australia also does it unless you are registered in Australia as Non Resident for Taxation Purposes.Ruth *******
@Steve ******
I’m aware. As I said, “very few”. Yet, as you pointed out, the laws are still different. So, again, I say…”anyone from elsewhere advising you on what was required” from their experience “does not know”.
Onne ***********
no
Ruth *******
@Onne **********
wrong
Melissa *********
@Onne **********
for those of us from the USA, we face extra rules because our govt tries to tax us no matter where we live in the world
Chris *********
Do they do this for the uk
Mac ******
@Chris ********
. Wasn’t required for accounts opened before 2012
Tony *********
Chris *********
@Tony ********
good 😂Tony *********
@Chris ********
US citizens are unlike everyone else when it comes to opening bank accounts. They have very strict tax laws.
Colin ***************
Do it yourself
Jay *********
Yes.
John *******
Lol give him one dout he would know if it was right or wrong
Ian *****
FATCA rules for reporting US citizen having bank account here
Marcel *******
I`m from Germany and concacted an Agent to open an bankaccount. I also has to show my tax id. I guess this are the new rules since 2024
Eri ************
Yes. Cuz you have to disclose your Thai account to IRS.
This is bilateral agreement between US and Thailand.
This is bilateral agreement between US and Thailand.
Christopher ********
Yes.
Ta ************
Yeah it was a legislation passed by Obama administration for all US citizens, now Thai banks very reluctant to open an account if you are an American.
Chris ***********
@Ta ***********
yes all Obamas fault
Sahil *******
@Chris **********
True, he had no right to mitigate money laundering & tax evasion.
Mel ******
@Ta ***********
not just thai banks but banks in many countries....
Bart **************
Yes
Us *****
Yes, you have to fill out a form. They have an agreement with the US. Unlce Sam wants to make sure you're not hiding money elsewhere.
Mike *********
Yes because they will fill in US tax forms to report your foreign bank account. Required for US citizens
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