How can I open a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner married to a Thai national?

Feb 8, 2021
4 years ago
Mcandrews ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I want to open a bank account as I am married to a Thai to show 400,000in bank but they all refuse to open how crazy is this how to solve
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges faced by expats, specifically a foreigner married to a Thai national, in opening a bank account in Thailand. Many commenters suggest trying various banks and branches, as each has different requirements and attitudes toward foreigners. Some recommend going with their Thai spouse or a local friend, and securing a residence certificate from immigration or their embassy as supporting documentation. Mentioned banks include Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank, with a general consensus that persistence is key, as some branches are more accommodating than others.
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Naam **************
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Keith *******
I suppose a joint account would not solve the problem!
Tom *******
I’ve had the same SCB account for 24 years but am not happy with their overall service so decided after getting my new 1-year extension of stay at Chaeneg Wattana recently that I’d get a new account. What a palaver! I showed them my new 1-year visa by marriage. No. Showed them a cheque for 3.6 mill THB. No. My wife tried. No. That’s why this country’s always going to be going backwards. Their staff aren’t even trained at a basic level to know that a farang married to a Thai with a 1-year visa is allowed to open a bank account and has to produce proof of funds every year for 3 months to renew their visa. This was Kasikorn btw. I also had one from KBank in Siam Sq, from years ago (Thai Farmers back then) that I never closed but lost the card and another from Bangkok Bank which I never closed, still have the (old magnetic strip) card but when I asked about it in a mall bank recently, they said it’d been closed. Not by me it wasn’t and it had at least 1,000 THB in there. You just have to get used to the fact the Thais do things their own way and asking for or expecting modern anything such as well trained staff or modern banking practices is just not going to happen...ever.
Lynnette *******
@Tom ******
same for my son. He has bank account with siam commercial. Needed an another account for daily use separate to his savings account. Answer was no: Marriage visa, money, answer was no. Thai wife tried to help but every bank said no.
Ron *************
I just opened mine at Bank of Bangkok yesterday in Ubon Ratchathani. Just had to show my passport.
Don *****************
Bangkok bank did
Jay *****************
They’re doing you a favor.
Scott *********
Welcome to Thailand...where up is down and backwards is forwards. The people are the best in the world and makes the difficulty worth the time. Don't give up. I left because a doctor told me I'll die if I don't come back to America. I'm coming back to Bangkok as soon as I'm well enough. ❤️ Thailand.
John ****************
TIT
Marco *******
Agency. 5 minutes and you have bankaccount. If you want two
****
Steve **********
@ ***
you say this to a Thai, you'll never get service.
Neil *********
To be fair it’s just to stop any dodgy money so if you know a Thai citizen which obviously you do and get a certificate of residence then you’re sorted and Bangkok bank are the easiest for foreigners
Max *******
You will need to take your passport as they will want this of proof who you are and type of visa you have.
Canice ******
Bring your wife along, and keep trying. Eventually you will find one bank branch allow you to open account
Aroldo **********
If a branch refuses to open it to you, just try another branch. It really depends on the person you're talking to. I've opened mine with Bangkok bank. Just needed a Thai citizen with me to sign as my guarantor. I was on a tourist visa at the time.
Steve **********
@Aroldo *********
Didnt need Thai citizen. Just PP w/ TM 30.

Oh, and smile.
เต๋อ *****
Go to central brach, they should know what to do.

I ask small branch, they said can be open but all transactions must be from that branch in person only.
Jeffrey **********
Kassicorn try there should be easy if you take your wife with you
Mcandrews ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for all you guys help
Mcandrews ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I finally got an account at Central festival Chiang Mai krungsri bank just needed my wife's ID card and her blue book opened easy
Dennis ***********
Kasikorn Bank.
Rob ******
Keep trying different banks and different branches.

I was in on a Non-O and had deposited almost 1 mil THB in my existing SCB account that I kept from when I lived here before. Went to same SCB and many other SCB branches and they kept saying I could not open a new account unless I have the residency letter. Then tried multiple Kbank and Bangkok Bank branches, finally found the BKKbank at Gtower would open a new account (they’re currently closed due to COVID).
Edwin *******
Even with a tourist visa you van open a bank account
Erik **********
moneys into the age of uhmmmm banking
Erik **********
they just dunno anyting
Peter **************
pattaya bangkok bank
Sara ******
@Edwin ******
I think it depends city, officer etc because I can't open and I live here and I am married with Thai.
Edwin *******
@Sara ***********
posible yes i did in Koh Chang green bank

No problem

My Friend live in Pattaya and no problem to

Money maker everything posible in Thailand right

Good Luck
Janny **************
Bangkok bank at Pantip plaza
Hugh ********
You have to try every bank, even the same ones in different areas, it makes no sense I know. Siam did it for me in the end, was a nightmare though
Sean ******************
I had no problem on a tourist visa. Told them I was staying for 6 months, and was looking to buy a condo. Said what do I do with all this money? I'm scared to carry around all this money. Showed them a big bag of money. They sold me some type of life insurance 6,000thb and allowed me to open a bank account. Really in the end they just wanted the money. Lol.
Steve **********
@Sean *****************
opened 1st on a tourist visa. Bkk bank. Not village branch .
Sara ******
@Sean *****************
good for you 👍 that's why I was so surprised that I can't open bank account and I live here and I am married with Thai 🙄
Sean ******************
@Sara ***********
I know I'm surprised too. Maybe don't mention those things and just say that you're here to buy a condo? And then buy their stupid insurance. I think they favor investors with money over everyone else to be honest.
Dilip *********
BOSS WITH OUT WORK PERMIT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO OPEN ANY BANK AC
Garrett ***********
Wrong
Aroldo **********
Jon ********
Drac ******
Go in Bangok bank the only bank you can open a account without stupid comments and questions from the staff
Robert ********
I had no problems with Kasikorn bank. Very easy.
Pablo ********
Perseverance
John ****************
TIT
Bo ***********
Do you have the residence​ certificate?
Wilson *****
They all have different rules at different period of time. Try to find someone with some sort of connection with the bank staff like existing client / friends to go with u.
Frank-Steven ***********
It was this brach of Bangkok Bank that worked like charm for me, yesterday by the way:

Bangkok Bank

053 277 444

*************************************
Russell ******
Kasikorn. No problem.
Roland *******
It really depends on the branch/branch manager policy, unfortunately. Some are more foreigner friendly than others. Your profile says you live in Chiang Mai, try Bangkok Bank in Kad Suan Kaew or Nimman Rd. Get a residence certificate and bring it along with your marriage certificate, your passport and your lease/tenancy agreement for the account opening. Best to go with your wife, should make it easier.
Burnard ************
Do you have the correct visa? A Marriage Visa?

Can you open an account with 800k and take 400 out?
Burnard ************
Just like that, the idiot blocked himself from my thread.

And he cannot even see that I called him an Idiot.

BTW, there is no tourism in Covid.
Benjamin ******
@Burnard ***********
A person doesn't need a visa to open an account.

I think most banks require a minimum opening balance of 1,500 THB
Burnard ************
@Benjamin *****
That is a new one on me.

I know sometimes that works but you may have to go to several bank branches.

They wanted 1 Million Baht and a long-term visa from me 3 years ago.
Benjamin ******
@Burnard ***********
Then that's what that specific branch wanted, but there's no law saying that's the requirement.
Burnard ************
@Benjamin *****
Do Thais go strictly by the law now? 🤣😂🤣

But most banks will tell you 800k unless you get lucky.

Technically there is no law limiting a tourists to 180 days in a 12 month period but try to explain that to Immigration as they are sending you home.
Benjamin ******
@Burnard ***********
>Technically there is no law limiting a tourist to 180 days in a 12 month period but try to explain that to Immigration as they are sending you home.

Since the airports reopened, I have heard of no cases of anyone being rejected with a valid CoE and visa.

Please don't talk to me again. Thank you.
Burnard ************
@Benjamin *****
This is my response thread. And I was referring to my experience pre-Covid.
Benjamin ******
@Burnard ***********
You are now blocked.
Burnard ************
@Benjamin *****
Fine w/ me
Steve **********
Go into any Bangkok Bank in a city, not village with your wife.. takes 15 minutes.

Prove of residency . Passport with TM-30... Kasikorn is good as well, just smile.
Sara ******
@Steve *********
not in Krabi. I had everything, but no.
Derek ***********
*****************************************************
Mike *********
If you really want a bank account in Thailand, speak to a lawyer and get them go do it for you. Just smile when you pay the bill because you’ve achieved what you wanted with the minimum of grief. I’d advise looking exited about taking out the probable years insurance usually offered when you actually sign up for your account. Don’t refuse it. It earns the bank manager brownie points for selling it. Follow my drift.

As usual , it’s the way things work in Thailand. Go with the flow.

Cheers
Mike *********
Yup!! I smile through gritted teeth sometimes, but it’s their country and and their rules. Cheers
Derek ***********
@Mike ********
The Land of Smiles :)
Steven ********************
Kasikorn
David ********
Many bank branches require a work permit. Apparently, Bangkok Bank is the most likely one to open accounts on only a non-O.
Sara ******
I have same problem. I go now 4 different bank and I can't open bank account. Not even Kasikornbank. Life is little bit harder when I don't have bank account and ATM card...
Steve **********
@Sara ***********
Dont know where you live, but, I and numerous friends have opened accounts both in Bangkok and Chiangmai with no effort.

Direct Deposit, Savings, and debit with card. ( leave min of 50k in one account and you get a credit card up to that limit )

No charge to open, with as little as 500 baht, then use for direct deposit from abroad .Think paid 200 for first debit card.
Sara ******
@Steve *********
I heard too it's easy and I read from Kasikornbank website that I can open. But no. I live in Koh Lanta. I tried all banks here and then I go to Krabi to Kasikornbank and no. I read many tourists open bank account but they don't give me bank account and I am married with Thai and I living here 😔
Steve **********
@Sara ***********
sorry Sara I have no experience on the Islands. I know Hua Hin, Bangkok and Chiangmai were zero problem.
Sara ******
@Steve *********
I heard also that those places no problem.
Steve **********
@Sara ***********
may be worth trip to city to open account, then use ATMs or island branch for transactions.

Once established at branch, change account to them.
Sara ******
@Steve *********
I go to Krabi city. They said no.
Steve **********
@Sara ****
Lanta......as said I have done in Bkk, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai. Cant speak for small provinces
Steve **********
@Sara ***********
I have 4 accounts at 2 banks and never had a problem opening. Only complaint is ATM use out of your problem has a fee. ATM bank transfer feature is great with bills.
Allan *********
Passport with non imm O visa, notice / letter of residence from immigration, proof of wife's address where we live, (village book), Bangkok Bank - no problem.
Sara ******
@Allan ********
I have everything. They don't give me bank account here or Krabi. I don't have wife, I have husband.
Allan *********
@Sara ***********
try different branch even if same bank. Try a branch inside shopping mall. Each branch seems to have their own agenda.
Sara ******
@Allan ********
I am on Koh Lanta. Here is only 3 banks. Last week I go to Krabi and try to open in Kasikornbank but no. I didn't have time go more because we have to drive back.
Allan *********
@Sara ***********
maybe the islands are stricter. I wouldn't know, I'm at the other end of the country.
Sara ******
@Allan ********
I heard it is easy open in Bangkok but I don't go to Bangkok just a bank account...
Shelley ********
I got one at Bangkok bank
@Sara ***********
x
Sara ******
@Shelley *******
do you have work permit? They all want work permit and I don't have.
Shelley ********
@Sara ***********
no I didn't. But I had a letter from immigration, maybe if you ask nicely 😁😁😁😁 but I've heard it's the easiest bank for expats
Sara ******
@Shelley *******
I tried 4 banks and they all want work permit. This is hopeless...
Alexia *****
@Sara ***********
you have to get a letter from your embassy to open a bank account, this way is much easier.
Sara ******
@Alexia ****
I have marriage certificate, visa, all papers they need, I checked from banks website. Still said no. What kind of letter?
Alexia *****
I have 2 different Bank accounts with that letter
Alexia *****
@Sara ***********
embassy will issue you a letter that the Bank will accept
Gary *******************
I went to one. Refused. Took a Thai with me, refused. Showed them my money, accepted. All at the same bank.
RV *************
Bangkok bank?
Andrew ********
Kasikorn for me to.
Bim *******
They all have different rules. Even the same company can have branches that have different rules. Keep looking at watch for any recommendations on here from those that have been successful. I opened one 8 years ago in a 30 day exempt
Wilkes ***********
Kasikorn Bank, no problem for me.
Tod *********
Plain and simple you just didn't try enough banks :O

There is no banking law that prohibits foreigners from opening a bank account on ANY entry stamp, the rule and the requirements are set by each branch's manager.

Krungthai bank at Central World Trade and KrungSri bank at Emquartier in Bangkok will let a person open an account with a passport and a lease
Steve **********
@Tod ********
Absolutely correct... try different branch, or go to main bank.

Foolish to pay lawyer or agent.
John ********
Go to Bangkok bank
Brendon ****************
Anyone had experience opening an account on Koh Samui?
Dev *****
Bangkok Bank, give them copy of your marriage certificate with copy of passport attested by your embassy in Thailand...easy to open
Mcandrews ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bangkok Bank I have already but they stopped doing visa card so I want to get a bank with visa which is most
Steve **********
@Praphakon **********
Bangkok Bank had Visa fof long time then switched to Union, ( not good,as airlines and many hotels wont accept ) They now have Mastercard, which is as acceptable as visa.
JD ********
I have had a Bangkok Bank account for nearly six years now... But when they started forcing the Union Pay on customers about three years ago, I made a big show of making a substantial cash withdraw and announcing out loud that I was going to get a SCB account with a MasterCard. Evidently I was not the only one. About two years ago Bkk Bank started up with the MasterCard.
Sua ********
@JD *******
money talks?😁
JD ********
@Sua *******
- My account balance is not huge but I do feel many Bkk Bank customers were unhappy for the same reason - complained or dropped the account. Collectively it seems the money did talk.
JD ********
After much resistance and many complaints Bangkok Bank stopped forcing the Union Pay card on account holders. Bkk Bank now routinely issues a MasterCard Debit/ATM card. I would rather have a Visa Card but I do not find any real limitation with the MC card.
Ken ********
@Praphakon **********
I've open 2 for the same reason. You can still get a visa card with Bangkok bank if you open an Air Asia credit card account comes with a master and visa card. I've opened accounts with K bank other with Krungthai bank
Kim *********
@Praphakon **********
Bangkok Bank do Visa Card, got one a few weeks ago. Can choose which card you want.
Ken ********
@Kim ********
not in my experience they switched to union pay I had a visa card for almost 4 years was still current when it stopped working went to my branch was told Bangkok bank don't use visa cards anymore. Though I still have one that's linked to my credit card.
Mcandrews ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kim ********
They told me no way can I get one but I have heard others getting them
Kevin *********
Bangkok Bank
Thomas *********
I had no problem with SCB
Merv *******
I had no trouble opening an account at a Bangkok Bank branch in Big C complex in Udon Thani , manager saw me with my Thai partner and depositing U K banknotes i had brought.This was several years before i reached 65 for U K state pension.I was away from Thailand several ýears and account closed in my absence.When i return to Udon Thani will again go to that Bank branch for preference and open new , show passport with retiree visa .And explain my U K bank account will be closed and transferred to them , plus monthly pensions from U K .If i have large U K banknotes will give Thai bank headed letter this withdrawn from my U K account .The U K banks are regulated to report large unexplained deposits to combat criminal activity _ not known if Thai banks similar .
Dave *******
@Merv ******
can you shine any light on this. I am not at retiring age... yet 😁😁

My situation is business in Thailand so the criteria is different.
Seán *******
Perhaps Thai banking are over careful because they don't want criminal funds like banks in the West are happy to take? It's the bad minority that makes life difficult for all!
Belfast *****
(It is said that they don’t like nor do welcome foreigners . Bless you)
Graham ****************
I done it married and Thai I'd card
Kay ***********
Buy a insurance from bank , then open account free.
Steve **********
@Kay **********
no cost to open an account. Only initial cost for debit card, replacements is lost are free.
Zxa **********
@Kay **********
Which bank? Krung bank is not allowed.
Kay ***********
@Kw ****
my customer went to BBL , insurance fee about 3500THB
Lurcho ********
Kasikorn with a Visa from memory
Richard ******
Get a proper visa or buy a property
Arron *********
Bangkok Bank only need wedding certificate apparently. Otherwise proof of address from immigration and I got mine at Kasikorn.
Luc ************
Open an account at Deutsche Bank.
Christ *******
Just bang another million in and all sorted
Karel ***********
Bangkok Bank, Kad Suan Keuw, Chiang Mai, 1st floor,
Phenwisa *********
For sure Bangkok bang in Changwattana where is stay in the same building to immigration would make it easily. they know what it purpose to. I went there many times about visa, no need to explain much.
Luis ***********
@Phenwisa ********
good idea if live in Bangkok. Bad idea if you don’t and if you have to get new debit card or update passbook.
Jp *******
@Luis **********
debit card has no expiration date and is renewed automatically for a fee. Passbook can be updated at any branch
Luis ***********
@Jp ******
good to know. Thank for clarifying. 👌🏽
Chris *******
Bangkok bank head office in Silom (Bkk), with marriage certificate and visa ..

You should do easily
Mcandrews ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Own but in wife's name
Sidney *********
Amazing Thailand,still in the dark ages.
Sidney *********
So would I.
Dave ***********
@Sidney ********
id love to see a Thai citizen with no legal status try to open an account in the UK or another western country.
Ruth *******
@Dave **********
no problem in the U.S. with proof of a local address (lease, utility bills, etc.) and a passport.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
Do you rent or own?
Adam ******
go back home make money and come here with money
Lynnette *******
My American son has thai wife and visa. He has saving account but they won't let him open normal bank account.
Oliver ********
@Lynnette ******
i've lived here for a decade and only ever had "savings" accounts. no practical difference really.
Lynnette *******
@Oliver *******
he just wanted a separate account for 400k immigration money and his daily outgoings. But they said no.
Oliver ********
@Lynnette ******
there is no technical reason, the staff just couldn't be bothered. he could walk 1 minute to the next bank - they are literally everywhere.
Lynnette *******
@Oliver *******
you assume we didn't. We did. We went to every bank we could. Different branches too. Took all the documents required. But the answer was no.
Nick ********
UOB walk in with 50,000 walk out with account and card and still with the 50,000
Frank-Steven ***********
In addition to my initial statement: Having a Thai native speaker friend with you, who can explain to them their own requirements (or even make some up) gets you a long way - of you should not be so lucky to have a work permit.
Alan *******
Try K Bank, take your wife with you. Blue Housebook if she owns house, or rental agreement, your passport her ID and some cash as deposit. I did this with my GF , now wife, on a 30 day tourist visa. Just keep trying different Banks if you dont succeed first time around. Good Luck.
Pailyn ************
My American husband has retirement visa and Bangkok Bank account in Bangkok. We moved to Samoeng, Chiangmai and he wanted to open an account in Samoeng but manager refuse to open for him. So we went to Bangkok Bank in Robinsin Airport and shown retirement visa and they open account for him.
Oliver ********
just go to any big mall with your passport and whatever other documents you have (e.g. work permit, residency certificate, property ownership/tenancy papers) and go around each bank until you find one that says yes. if none of them can be bothered with the hassle (it's possible but unlikely) drive around the block to the next mall and repeat.
Derek ***********
I wonder how easy will it be to withdraw 😂
Steve *********
@Derek **********
if it's like mine, I got a visa debit card right away
Derek ***********
@Steve ********
hell yeah 😂
Steve *********
This is asked almost daily. Go with a Thai person and try different banks or branches of the same bank. I've even opened one whilst on 30 day visa exemption.
Frank-Steven ***********
Just been to Bangkok Bank in Chiang Mai today. Status: TR Tourist Visa on Covid extension. All they wanted was a Passport and Residence Certificate. Finish. My advice: If they make it difficult, just try a different bank. Or even: Just go to a different branch office of the same bank. This is Thailand. Everything chaotic - ask thee people, get three answers.
Steve **********
Steve **********
@Frank-Steven **********
Took 10 minutes to open DD account and ATM w/ card account at Chiang Mai Bangkok Bank at Khad Suan Keaw
Zxa **********
@Frank-Steven **********
Is this card only for deposit and withdrawal? Can you use online banking with this card?
Frank-Steven ***********
@Kw ****
I have full access to online banking and also to the mobile banking app with all its plentiful features. The only major thing not available as a foreigner (and I did not ask for it, you may be able to get it, too) is the investment section.
Zxa **********
Frank-Steven ***********
Bangkok Bank

053 277 444

*************************************
Sri ***
@Frank-Steven **********
same in india, most of the asian countries are like that
Alan *********
@Frank-Steven **********
I think many are to lazy and easy to say can't do. Sometimes I ask to speak to the manager and get a result
Shay ******
Take your wife with you, you'll have to present the marriage cert and house book. She has to sign some forms and hey presto!
Mickael ********
That is strange, did you tried bangkok bank?
William ****************
Give it to bargirl.. She will open for you...
Ulrik *************
You need a Permit to stay (TR 60 days enough) and a proof of Residence (rental contract enough) from Immigration.
Stuart *********
@Ulrik ************
as Benjamin said. No you don’t. Some branches may ask you for proof of residence or even a particular type of visa but it’s bullshit. You don’t need either.
Benjamin ******
@Ulrik ************
No you don't
Ulrik *************
@Benjamin *****
if You have what I mentioned You will not be denied to open account.
George *********
Try K Bank
Albert *****
Ask immigration for a letter
Joe ********
First of all where are you located?
Jamie *******
Try different branches. Don't tell them that other branches have said no.
Benjamin ******
Where are you at? If you're in Bangkok, use the Bangkok Bank in CentralWorld (first floor). They need a residency letter and 1,500 THB opening account balance.
Zxa **********
@Benjamin *****
How to get the residency letter?
Benjamin ******
@Kw ****
Two ways:

1. You can go to your local immigration office and ask for one. Each immigration office has their own policy about the requirements.

2. You can go to your embassy and ask for one. For Americans, it cost $50, and you'd write your address out on the form they give you.
Zxa **********
Yvor ***********
Why ?
YeDo ***********
Agent
Stuart *********
Each bank and each branch have their own quirks. Some will let you many won’t. Keep trying. Try shopping mall branches, try ones near international schools. Eventually you’ll find one. There is no law saying any foreigner cannot open a bank account on any form of visa or even exemption.
Kev **********
I opened on on visa exemption last year kasikorn bank
Stuart *********
@Kev *****************
many others have too. Completely depends on the branch and management.
Kev **********
@Stuart ********
yes the member of staff the branch the day the time the weather can all be a factor I just got lucky I guess
Stuart *********
@Kev *****************
completely. So many of the same questions/situations on here with branches saying “no” but a short walk down the street to another branch of the same bank and hey presto. You’ve got an account. No rhyme or reason. Just pot luck.
Yvor ***********
@Stuart ********
it's wrong.
Dennis ********
@Yvor **********
don't change a thing
Stuart *********
@Yvor **********
what’s wrong?
Philip **********
From what I heard from other posts like yours is. Just keep going to other banks with your wife and talk directly to the manager.
Dennis ********
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