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

Jul 12, 2022
2 years ago
Ido ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Looking for an agent that can help with opening bank acount in Bkk

I don’t have work permit and also not permanent adress yet.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the challenges of opening a bank account in Bangkok without a work permit or permanent address. Various suggestions are provided, including going to specific banks like Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn, using bilingual friends for assistance, or seeking help from agents. It's noted that different bank branches may have different policies regarding requirements for foreign applicants, and many participants share their experiences. The discussion highlights the need for documents like a passport and potential minimum deposit requirements, while also addressing the common difficulty of being caught in a bureaucratic loop when trying to secure necessary documentation.
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Alain ***************
Try baansmile.com. I made the bank stuff myself but they helped me finding my first condo
Andy ********
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
Ido ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *******
thank you, I need bkk please
Andy ********
@Ido ***********
sorry, im not familiar with any in Bkk
Ido ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *******
can you please share the contact?
Andy ********
@Ido ***********
This is the company. It was so simple.
John *********
You do not need an agent.
Ido ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ********
so how to do it? Can you help?
Ido ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
What is TM30?
John *********
@Ido ***********
I just went into Bangkok Bank with my Passport and my TM 30 card. If not that Bank try Krungsri
Khalil ************
What kind of visa do you have?
Ed ******
Do u mean I can open a bank account with Bangkok Bank in Hong Kong? Will it be regarded as Bank account in Bangkok?
Damien ********
@Ed *****
no , only good for Baghdad,Beruit and Bombay ?! Sorry mate , couldn’t help myself! …. Of course it will be good anywhere Bangkok Bank is
Ed ******
@Damien *******
ic ic thx.
Ed ******
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😨
Pikey *********
Take your thai girlfriend to the bank 🏦 and you won’t have any problems I didn’t
Philippe *****
Just get a wise account
Evan *******
@Philippe ****
I have one but unclear how this works exactly - so I transfer money from my foreign account into my THB account all within Wise, then if I use my Wise debit/visa card to withdraw funds at local ATMs is this subject to the typical 220 baht fee or not?
Philippe *****
@Evan ******
I am sorry I wouldn't k ow that actually. You can probably check on wise what the atm fees are.
Evan *******
@Philippe ****
it's not explained fully there, at least I cannot find it. Plus, the "Visa" credit card use isn't clear either for me. Are funds withdrawn from your other foreign currency Wise account if you don't have in THB? Haha I'm sure it all works but if you're not smart about how it works you'll pay pay pay for stupid fees
Ivan ************
@Evan ******
it will take from whichever other currency and convert it. Besides the conversion fee you pay 2% ATM fee plus the 220B Thai side fee. It's usable in a pinch, these fees are still lower than many banks, but better to get a local account if you live here, then no 2% and no 220B fee.
Philippe *****
@Evan ******
their support is pretty good, they should be able to answer your questions
Stuart *********
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.
Gordon *******
@Stuart ********
Good advice as usual Stuart.

It's not easy to open up a ban account, regardless of what people may say
Ashley ********
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
Nick ************
Sent you a PM.
Tom ********
Get an embassy letter with any address will do, bkk bank
Brook ********
@Tom *******
neither an embassy letter nor a certificate of residence, nor insurance is necessary. Just your passport and a ฿10K minimum initial deposit at Kasikorn.
Ido ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brook *******
I was there today in exchange tower branch and they said can’t open with tourist visa
Nick ************
@Ido ***********
that's what they told me at the same branch so I got a retirement extension, went back and they said the same thing!
Brook ********
@Ido ***********
Try another branch. How small was your initial deposit?
Ido ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brook *******
we didn’t even reach this issue. I can deposit as much as they want
Kate ************
What do foreigners do if they don’t have a work permit? Can you still open a bank account?
Stéfan ********
@Kate ***********
yes... the branches set their own policies... some require a work permit, others just a passport with any visa.
Lyndon ************
Or go do it yourself at Bangkok Bank, head office
Edwin ********
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...
Michael *******
@Edwin *******
certificate of residence and copy of blue book. Passport. Go Ito immigration first. Get certificate of approval and visit your bank. I used Bangkok bank. Took a 1 hour appointment. It helps if you take out insurance. Gesture! Accident insurance.? And your right. Take thai friend to help. Makes life easier.
Edwin ********
@Michael ******
More complicated than I expected. I used Krung Thai when employed by a Thai university (KTB required by the university for direct deposit of pay). Then *after* that job ended I opened a second savings account at Bangkok Bank, and I think they requested only Passport and nothing else (but, then, I speak fluent Thai, and sometimes people give me a "pass" on the more normal details, so other people's experiences may be different.
Michael *******
Key visa
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