Answereda year ago
Do you need to go to Bangkok to open a bank account in Thailand as an expat?
From Jomtien
Agent now saying you need to go to BKK for bank account?
Is that normal?
Agent now saying you need to go to BKK for bank account?
Is that normal?
Answer summary
The original poster is inquiring whether it is standard practice to travel to Bangkok to open a bank account, as advised by an agent. Commenters express varied experiences; some mention that due to recent changes, particularly affecting those with short-term visas or visa exemption stamps, opening a bank account in Pattaya has become more challenging, requiring visits to Bangkok. It is noted that only long-term visa holders can easily open accounts without having to go to Bangkok, while there are concerns regarding increased bureaucracy and confusion following recent regulations.
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Baran ********
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Sue **********
If you are on a tourist visa or visa exempt you will not be able to open a bank account not even in Bangkok, just be aware of that. But if you have longstay visa and meet the requirements you can open a bank account at any bank at any branch even in Jomtien.
Martin *****
How about kasikornbank?
Peter *******
@Martin ****
They don't do the 800k in and out anymore
Brandon ************
I've seen the exact same reports from others. The heat got too hot for the banks in Pattaya after all the headlines so they're not available anymore. Agents had to find new branches and they've done so in Bangkok
Jim ********
What visa do you have?
Jeremy ********
What visa are you on or are you here on Visa exempt stamp
Brett *******
OPJeremy ********
@Brett ******
ever since the crackdown on the call centers and the issues with Bangkok bank 3 weeks ago all accts of anyone with a short term visa or visa exemption stamp has basically stopped all new bank accts other than long term visa holders Not sure what bkk will do for you, but I would say try since TiT might happen
Paul ********
So if you have a Bangkok bank it now has to be in Bangkok.
So you go to bank to get a letter for immigration and it’s going to be in Bangkok????
No way
So you go to bank to get a letter for immigration and it’s going to be in Bangkok????
No way
Jesper *******
@Paul *******
you can get letter and statement from any bkk branch anywhere in thailand the OP says agents can only assist opening new accts in bkk and not jomtienPaul ********
@Jesper ******
oh I thought it had to be your branch
Walrus *******
I've not had that. My account is in Bangkok but use ATM anywhere for a small fee per month
Simon *******
@Walrus ******
if you use the contact less withdraw with the qr code you don't get charged at the atm'sSue **********
@Simon ******
really? Thanks for the top. So if you use your card origin from another province they charge the 15 thb fee, bit not if I use the app and QR code for cardless withdrawel?Simon *******
@Sue *********
yes
Andy ************
Not ideal. Lots of transactions must be carried out at the branch where your account is held, so that means many trips to Bangkok. Plus any withdrawals made outside of Bangkok will cost 15 baht each
Alan *****
@Andy ***********
yes I had an issue & went to a branch of the Bangkok Bank & they said I had to go to the branch that I opened my account
Michael *********
@Andy ***********
Over the past 10 years, I have never had to visit my branch to complete any transactions, nor do I pay anything for a withdrawal outside Bangkok (where my account is)Andy ************
@Michael ********
You must be the one exception to the whole rule in Thailand!Activity
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