Answered3 years ago
How can I open a bank account in Bangkok as a foreigner and do I need a translator?
Bank help: I am trying to open a bank account to transfer money into a local bank from the USA. I need a translator to help me. If you speak both Thai and English, please reach out to me. I am located in Bangkok.
Answer summary
A user is seeking help to open a Thai bank account for transferring money from the USA while in Bangkok. The conversation reveals that while some banks, like Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn, have English-speaking staff that can assist you, having a translator may not be necessary for the administrative process. However, challenges may arise due to visa requirements, and it's recommended to proceed with an agent for smoother service. Their input highlights that maintaining valid residency and visa status is crucial for account opening, along with potential documentation from immigration. Other users suggest using services like Wise for easier money transfers.
50 repliesnewest first
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Andrew ********
I just opened a bank account with kasikorn I think they are the easiest. You need a o visa or higher also you need to go to the immigration office and they will give you a form and then you go to the bank and open an account?? It does take a while maybe that’s why they don’t like us to have accounts
David ********
You will need a residence certificate from immigration to open an account a tm30 best use an agent as things have tightened up recently agent can sort these out and take you to the bank no que
Mark *********
Does this really have anything to do with English? It is a very straightforward administrative process with very little need to speak any language. The issue is most likely simple supporting documentation by way of visa and residence. I am seeing no absolute clarity here on those. Everyone is just casting around in a mirk without such basic information.
Mina *******
Sukhumvit area Bangkok bank , not far from landmark hotel . There are some staff speaks English . Good luck
Anthony *******
If you are American you need to learn to speak English properly first
Robert ***********
@Anthony ******
Typical stupid statement.Anthony *******
@Robert **********
it’s not stupid it’s true you call a toilet a bath room no shower or bath or a restroom no beds to lay on no sofa and you call me stupid?? Learn the language before you commentRobert ***********
@Anthony ******
And you add another stupid response to your trail?? Please stop talking you sound ridiculousSteve **********
@Anthony ******
not true, they don't !There is no proper American languages it varies region yo region.
Steve **********
Every city branch ( not town or village ) Bkk has an English speaker
Kris ********
Get a lawyer to help.
Steve **********
@Kris *******
yikes, don't even recommend an agent....ask Bkk bank manager if buying insurance from them will help..a 5000 policy commissions the bank employee...worth a try
Henrik *****
It will be very difficult if you are on a touristvisa, and you haven’t a permanent adress in Thailand.
They don’t waste time on people just in Thailand for a few weeks every year.
It would probably be the same if a foreigner try to open a bankaccount in your country
They don’t waste time on people just in Thailand for a few weeks every year.
It would probably be the same if a foreigner try to open a bankaccount in your country
Linz ************
@Lay ******
as others have said, make it easier on yourself, get an agent to help do all the hard work, seriously it is not worth you messing around with @Mots *********
get our vote as well
Phil ******
@Lay ******
every bank the manager and assistance speak English. Best you get an agent as rules have tightened.You definitely need a LT visa and even then Its hard.
Maple *********
Where’s are you ?
Lay *******
OP@Maple ********
BangkokMaple *********
@Lay ******
go to Bangkok Bank at Asoke they can speak English.
Martin *****
Maybe it would help by telling where you are staying.
Us *****
Just pay an agent to bribe the bank manager. That is the quickest and most painless way. When you are in Rome, act like a Roman.
Jeffrey ************
Do you want to say where you are?...
Lay *******
OP@Jeffrey ***********
yeah I should have, Bangkok.
Egger *********
Transfer to a wize account then
To your Thai account when opened , cheaper the a bank to bank transfer .
I needed an address to open account ,
To your Thai account when opened , cheaper the a bank to bank transfer .
I needed an address to open account ,
Lay *******
OP@Egger ********
thanks, I was thinking of doing it that way. The banks in Bangkok gives you a currency exchange rate that's pretty low. Have you used wise for awhile, any problems?Egger *********
@Lay ******
I use wise all the time , once bank is set up transfer in minutes. Can set up regular payments easily as well.
Ang *****
A translator won’t be able to help you if the reasons are the bank says no. Usually a visa issue.
Marty *********
I’ve usually found English speaking staff at Kasikorn. Occasionally they put me on the phone with one of their English fluent staff.
Geraldine **************
I have never needed an interpreter to open a bank account in Thailand.
James ********
@Geraldine *************
presumably coz your native tongue is not Burmese ….Geraldine **************
@James *******
😂Nooooooo I don't think so... I am English.James ********
Geraldine **************
The Bangkok Bank has English speaking staff that can help you.
Robert **************
@Geraldine *************
I just opened one in Hua Hin with Bangkok Bank. Relatively simple process. But it would help to have a native speaker with you. If not Google translate might be sufficient. Good luckGeraldine **************
@Robert *************
I already have an account with Bangkok Bank. I have had it for many years.. But thank you anyway 😊🙏David ********
@Geraldine *************
lol, I got everything wrong, didn't I? ... That said, I believe Wise it's a British company ... But I may be wrong ... Again!! LolDavid ********
@Geraldine *************
oops ;-)Geraldine **************
@David *******
I am English not American!!!Geraldine **************
@David *******
I already have a Wise account and a Thai bank account.. It's not me that needs any advice here 😂David ********
@Geraldine *************
Have you considered something like ‘Wise’? Open a Wise account and send money from your USA bank to your Wise account and use Wise to transfer it to Bangkok Bank … unless you’re trying to transfer several hundred thousand dollars it might be more convenient to open a Wise account than set up a Bangkok Bank account using translators (I assume that since you already have a BBK account there’s some limit on that account that precludes just doing a regular wire transfer from your US account?)
Colin **********
@Geraldine *************
depends on the bank, some don't, but thier call centres do have an English option, as do other banks.Geraldine **************
@Colin *********
I just mentioned Bangkok Bank which I have used for umpteen years! As I have never ever needed an agent or interpreter. In any of their branches that I have visited language had NOT been a problem.Geraldine **************
@Colin *********
Fair enough! As you rightfully say.. We can only speak on our own experiences 👍Colin **********
@Geraldine *************
yes that's your experience, very valid, in the two branches near me no one speaks English, my experience.
May *********
There are many Burmese agents who provide the services which include for opening the bank account in Thai banks. If you are not met the requirements to open the bank account, translators can’t help you but only for interpretation service.
Lay *******
OP@May ********
Can you recommend one in Bangkok?May *********
@Lay ******
once my friend used called Mon Mon in her fb account
John ********
Translators are for written documents and interpreters are for oral
John-Paul ******
John Wilson I am sure the poster appreciated the education... though we all knew what they were saying.
Damo ***********
@John *******
what a CH you are.... we all know what the guy needs.... can you help him or not? If not, shut up!
Martin *****
Take an agent..
@Mots *********
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