How can I open a Bangkok Bank account quickly as a traveler to Thailand without a letter from my home bank?

Apr 9, 2024
8 months ago
Keith *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Good morning everyone.This is a follow up question to some of my previous correspondence.

I am travelling to Thailand at the end of April on a 60 day e-visa which I plan to extend by 30 days. In the mean time I will apply for a Non O visa based on marriage.

I understand that I will need to open a Thai Bank account in my name only and deposit 400,000 Thai Baht.

I've been reading advice on how to go about opening a new bank account in Thailand.

I note that it is suggested that I provide a letter from my bank in my home country requesting that the Bangkok Bank open a bank account for me.

However when I contacted my bank and requested that they provide me with a letter of request they informed me that they do not provide this service.

My question is such is :

In order to open a new bank account with the Bangkok Bank quickly and easily what should I do?

Thanks in advance.šŸ™
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking guidance on how to open a bank account with Bangkok Bank while in Thailand on a tourist visa, particularly expressing confusion about needing a letter from their home bank. Community responses clarify that such a letter is not necessary, and suggest that obtaining a Non-O visa may simplify the process. Other comments suggest using an agent for assistance and sharing various experiences regarding costs and requirements.
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Keith *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'll be in Koh Samui. If I need to use an agent does anyone have any recommendations?
Steven *******
Iā€™m convinced itā€™s easier to use an agent in this case.
Keith *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Kevin. I'll give it a go!
Kevin ***********
Do it yourself I opened one bkk bank and only paid 590 baht which you have to deposit bit of form filling at immigration TM 30 etc just have Thai lady with you at bank and immigration it's not difficult just time consuming but I did all in two days
Jan ******************
@Keith ********
Itā€™s not easy to open a bank account on a tourist visa, but youā€˜ll manage if an agent assists you. You donā€™t need to buy an insurance and the fee is from 3500 thb and ATM card 700 thb.
Terary **********
I went to Bangkok Bank in Pataya. I had to buy insurance. I think I paid around 8000. From what I understand, it's cheaper to use an agent.
Chuck *********
I did not have a visa at that time

Only had to have a Thai phone number.
Ken ***********
@Chuck ********
how long ago did you open the account ?
Chuck *********
@Ken ******
last year around March.
Ken ***********
@Chuck ********
good to know, thank you.
Chuck *********
@Ken ******
you are welcome and good luck.
Chuck *********
I used an agent in Pattaya and it was quick & easy. They know which bank branch to go to. I did not have to buy insurance either.
Stephan ***********
It all depends on the branch you go to... they all have slightly different rules. It would be much easier with a Non-O-Visa, another option is to use an agent, they are very helpful with this.

Here an example for Bangkok...
Graham ******
Why don't you get your Non-O before you travel, that should make getting a bank account easier and you have 30 days to do it?
John ********
Thai banks donā€™t care about a letter from your home bank. You have a misunderstanding
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