How can I open a bank account in Bangkok without a work permit?

Ive only used an agent once and that was to open a bank account. I used Thai Visa assist. best 1k baht ive ever spent after wasting days getting the run around from several banks

You do not need an agent.

What kind of visa do you have?

Do u mean I can open a bank account with Bangkok Bank in Hong Kong? Will it be regarded as Bank account in Bangkok?

That's strange. Last time I went to Bangkok Bank, they look at my visa and said they did not open account for someone with a 30 days visa😨

Take your thai girlfriend to the bank 🏦 and you won’t have any problems I didn’t

Just get a wise account

Stock answer as asked many many times on here.

Classic Catch-22. You need a bank account for a long term visa but Bank Manager says you can’t open an account without a long term visa.

There is nothing in Thai law that prohibits a foreigner from opening a bank account - with or without a long term visa or work permit. That said each branch of each bank has its own rules and some won’t allow it yet some will. If one branch won’t allow it walk along to the next one. Try shopping mall branches, or ones close to an international school who are well used to people needing an account but have no long term visa.

If you’re in a major city or tourist centre then you’ll more likely have luck at some branch. Ask in a local Facebook group for that area who’s had success and what bank/branch. If you’re in the boondocks in Nakhon Si Nowhere then you may be out of luck.

Some banks/branches will ask you to take out a insurance policy to open an account. You may get away politely refusing, as they know it’s not mandatory, but probably won’t.

Some may want a “proof of residence” from an embassy or immigration. Again another classic Catch-22. A number of immigration offices will only issue this is if you’ve done a 90 day report, but you need a long term visa to have done a 90 day report. You may have better luck at your embassy, but don’t hold your breath.

Taking a Thai friend along may help in some instances, but no guarantee you’ll get an easier acceptance.

Perhaps show a wad of cash and say I need to deposit this somewhere. Again it may not help.

Unfortunately it’s just hit and miss.

Failing any luck yourself put a shout out for an agent to help. Generally visa agents offer a bank account opening service. Expect cost to be circa 5,000 baht.

I ask myself this are there more foreigners working here or foreigners who are retirees ? The reason I ask is they say a work permit is required . Well hang on what happens if you are retired. Makes no sense

Sent you a PM.

Get an embassy letter with any address will do, bkk bank

What do foreigners do if they don’t have a work permit? Can you still open a bank account?

Or go do it yourself at Bangkok Bank, head office

Agent probably not needed, if already employed in Thailand. Otherwise I am not sure, and defer to

@Michael ******

above. If you do not speak Thai, simply bring a bilingual friend to the bank with you, and things should normally go smoothly for you...

Key visa