thailand
Ask question

How can I open a bank account in Thailand if I need a visa to do so and also need a bank account to get a visa?

Thai Bank AccountVisa RequirementsNON-O VisaLong-Term VisaVisa AgentsImmigration ProceduresExpat FinanceLiving in Thailand
Jan 31, 2024
10 months ago
Frank ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
G'day, thanks for adding me to your site.

I have question, it has probably been covered here many times but i wasn't here.

My question is, to get a bank account in Thailand i will need a visa, but in order to get a visa in need to have a bank account in Thailand?

How do i get around that?
6,000
views
15
likes
171
all likes
88
replies
2
images
34
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the common dilemma faced by expats regarding the requirement of a bank account in Thailand to apply for a visa, and vice versa. The conversation suggests various approaches to navigate this issue, including hiring a visa agent, visiting banks directly (some users reported being able to open accounts without a visa), and obtaining proof of address through immigration processes. Opinions vary on the necessity of agents, with some advising direct bank interaction as possible and others recommending agent assistance due to varying bank policies. Additionally, the conversations touch on the ongoing changes in banking policies and personal experiences.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Neil ********
Get a visa for over 1 year. You can use your local bank to prove assets and then you have 1 year to open an account in Thailand.
9 months ago
Like
Reply
Frank ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
A 12 month visa. From Australia
10 months ago
Like
Reply
T ****************
You can visit Thailand for under 30 days( from most “western” countries) without a visa.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Norman **********
Agent is the best way forward!
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Christopher *************
Depends on what kind of visa you are applying for?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Aaron ********
but you might need a work permit to open a bank account. It depends really, but I think there are ways to open an account just have to go talk to the bank
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Aaron ********
You don't need a bank for a visa
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Paul *********
Get visa from thai consulate in Sydney. You can keep your money in Australia
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Kevin *********
Catch Y Sip Song.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Callan ******
@Elite *************************
10 months ago
Like
Reply
David **********
Why would you need a bank account to obtain a visa? That makes no sense at all.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
It makes sense, because for some types of visa ( ie marriage, retirement ) there has to be an amount ( 400.000 - 800.000 Baht ) deposited in a Thai bank, to be able to get the visa.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
David ********
Muppet’s on here
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Alma ***************
What kind of visa? If you are just a tourist you do not need a bank account. If you apply for a non immig O then yes you need a bank account and lots of money in it.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Alma **************
 if you visit often you need a bank account here as more cost effective than with foreign card at 220 baht per transaction
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Alma ***************
@Phil *****
 true..that's why I did not close my account
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alma ***************
Reply
Brian *******
Agency will sort that out for you with a fee
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Us *****
This is the classic catch 22. For Thai guys to make money, they need to be a ladyboy and to be a ladyboy, they need money for operations.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Rj ******
Same as all keep saying, just go to a agent. If your in pattaya area message me just did itv1 week ago
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Mitchell *******
If you are renting a condo longer term, it seems to be easier, as there is some sort of lease or agreement.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
Go to Immigration, they can issue a paper, that make it easier, to convince banks to let you open a bankaccount, since you need to put money in for visa-purposes.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Lay *******
@Henrik ****
 does that actually work? What do you say to the immigration officer? I'm in the same situation and getting desperate. I need to open a bank account in Bangkok soon!
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
You simply tell them you are going to apply for retirement or marriage visa, for which you need to deposit a amount before you can get the visa.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
Matt **********
Where do I find an agent that deals with helping get a bank account?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Alma ***************
@Matt *********
 just go to the bank with your passport and you will be able to open an account..
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Neil ***************
@Alma **************
 I tried That last Friday at Bangkok bank in pattaya

U needed a list of things to have

Can use an agent and pay 6500 baht

And you get 300 baht in your account
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Alma ***************
@Neil **************
 we did ours without an agent with a proof of address from our landlord and the money needed and got things done in one day..
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alma ***************
Reply
Robert ***********
@Alma **************
 In 98% of the caes that is not true anymore.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Matt **********
@Robert **********
 what's the 2 percent?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Robert ***********
@Matt *********
 Random bank that you walk into and the person behind the counter let's you open an account. Maybe she likes your eyes or some other lucky annomaly.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Alma ***************
@Robert **********
 oh wow! I think it's a good thing I did not close my bank account since I opened it 3 years ago even after leaving Thailand last year..we are back now and it is still active..thibhs are not going to be the same going forward I bet!
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alma ***************
Reply
Joey *****
@Matt *********
 don’t need agent

They can help, but you will pay some agents 7,000 baht
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Joey *****
Reply
Andy *********
@https://www.facebook.com/Ti****************************
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********
How to get a SIM card 30days data only in Thailand?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris ********
 go to telwiz or AIS store and do. You need a base plan and ontop data plan. Its quite simple
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
@Phil *****
 Don't ask a question buried in another thread.

Start a new thread.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Henrik ****
 bloody hell I really don't understand this.. Can we meet and you can teach me protocols....

Maybe at the old englishb pub where b pints are ผ฿45 btw 1-3pm.... p. Me
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Chris *********
@Phil *****
 I’m Nong Prue staying with a mate till end of March yay
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
Hey try and keep your number active whilst overseas. Go get a bangkok bank account too
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris ********
 end of April for me too. Enjoy
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Chris *********
@Phil *****
 thanks very much mate I’ll give it a try
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris ********
 im on these 2 plans. And can stream TV videos whatever i want
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********
@Phil *****
 Telwiz or AIS ? And are they ok ( I’ll be travelling around Thailand)?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris ********
 either depends what's closest. AIS is the carrier and Telewiz is an agent. Make sure you get them to setup the AIS App for you. Here's the link so install on your phone and Get them to set it up for you.

For Android

*******************************************************************


You live here?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********
@Phil *****
 thank you so much for your kind help mate much appreciated.regards Chris btw are you over here now ?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris ********
 yep
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********
@Phil *****
 Pattaya?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris ********
 nahhh. Here in Phrakanong in my appartment. Married a long time now
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********
@Phil *****
 good luck to you and yours Phil
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris ********
 pm sent
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Paul ********
Keep trying banks and eventually you will hit pay dirt!
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Joey *****
I went to immigration and did TM-30… (address verification) took it BBL main head office Silom and opened without issues.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Kim *********
@Joey ****
 immi give you a proof of residence which can used to open a bank account other things - that is based on the tm30 - at least that's what I experienced
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Joey *****
@Kim ********
 my lease was accepted at immigration then immigration sends the registered mail to me. Take that to Bangkok Bank
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Joey *****
@Kim ********
 registered mail was sent to my condo where I share with a Thai. Jut wrote up a lease agreement. That was sufficient for address at immigration
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Joey *****
Reply
Damien ********
@Joey ****
 did u have to take out insurance with the bank ?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Joey *****
@Damien *******
 no I did not
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Joey *****
Reply
Frank ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you all for your replies. I live in Australia, do i approach an agent in Australia or Thailand?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Henrik *****
@Frank ***********
 Don't use a agent, get in control and do it yourself.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris *****
@Frank ***********
Get the agent in Thailand. Many available who can assist. Take note, every bank branch in each province can be different even if same bank name.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chris *****
Reply
Jo **********
you do not need a visa to open a bank account. I did and others have. you don’t need an agent
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Luc ************
@Jo *********
 nope. That stopped last year, even with an agent. I tried.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Mitchell *******
@Jo *********
 It is getting harder in the last year or so.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Keith *******
@Jo *********
 I have been to all 3 branches of Bankok, all 3 branches of Kasikorn a and 2 of Siam banks in my city, NONE will open an account on an OA visa without me going to the UK embassy in Bangkok for a letter of guarantee. Thousands of people have in the past without a visa, I am aware, people still do now at random branches in random cities. Most people now use agents as its the easiest method!
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Jo **********
@Keith ******
 have you been SCB?
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Keith *******
@Jo *********
 yes
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Keith *******
Reply
Jo **********
@Keith ******
 ok Bangkok. I think as most things i’m in Chiang Mai and they are much looser
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jo **********
Reply
Keith *******
@Jo *********
 everything changed roughly a year ago
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Keith ******
 it is still possible but, granted, more perseverance is needed
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Jo **********
@Keith ******
 these were recent
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jo **********
Reply
Seán *******
K bank is the best I have found and they also process on line visas for the government which seems to make my applications easier. You will need some proof of address in Thailand but assistance is will be needed from a reputable Thai.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
I opened an account with BBL without a visa BUT I had a Thai address. However I do agree, best to get an agent. Even with the bank, having a Thai spouse to deal with the bank made it a lot easier
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Frank ***********
 agent now OR apply for a long term visa in your home country that allows you to show funds in your HC account.

Then travel here to complete visa process
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Keith *******
@Phil *****
 I tried this but no bank account with OA visa
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Keith ******
 damn dunno what you did wrong Keith try this guy
@Integrity ******
 in Bangkok or an agent near you.

Current from
@Siam ******
 NOTE they advise even with Visa Exempt

********************************************************************************
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Keith *******
@Phil *****
 easy with an agent
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Keith *******
Reply
Chris *******
@Keith ******
You can use your home bank account for first time
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Keith *******
@Chris ******
 I came 15 months ago on an OA visa, where i live it is impossible to open a bank account on a OA visa, maybe Bangkok it is possible if you go from branch to branch. I am aware If you use an agent no problem, 18 months ago you could open on an OA here but it changed because of money laundering. I see many other people in other cities say the same, in this and many other groups.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Chris *******
@Keith ******
You can open bank account thru Siam legal for 3000 baht
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Keith *******
@Chris ******
 yes I'm aware, next time I travel to BKK I will
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Chris ******
 correct
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Keith ******
 already have from 13 years ago. Whilst they tighten rules I advised a friend last year. He went to a bangkok bank standalone branch and got it Aug.2566.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Keith *******
@Phil *****
 random branches in random cities you can, majority not
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Keith ******
 yep def. Not the mall branches
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Mark ********
@Keith ******
 I got 2 bank accounts on my OA visa. Bangkok Bank and Krungsri.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Tong *****
Go to an agent
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Brett ******
You could use a visa agent, they can help you with opening a bank account and visa options.
10 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brett ******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What visa do I need to open a bank account in Thailand?
25 comments
3 months ago
How can I get a Type O retirement visa in Thailand without a Thai bank account?
116 comments
6 months ago
What are the requirements and challenges for opening a Thai bank account as a foreigner on a tourist visa?
21 comments
7 months ago
How did you successfully open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa?
93 comments
7 months ago
How can I open a Bangkok Bank account quickly as a traveler to Thailand without a letter from my home bank?
15 comments
7 months ago
How can I open a Thai bank account without a retirement visa?
95 comments
9 months ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand without a long-stay visa?
27 comments
9 months ago
How can my parents open a Thai bank account to qualify for a Non-O visa for retirement when they don't have a visa yet?
41 comments
a year ago
How can I open a Thai bank account in Bangkok with a Tourist visa?
15 comments
a year ago
How can I find a visa agent in Kanchanaburi to help with bank account requirements for my visa?
8 comments
a year ago
How can I open a bank account in Bangkok on a visa exempt entry?
3 comments
a year ago
How can I successfully open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa?
128 comments
a year ago
What should I do to prepare for opening a bank account in Thailand on a retirement visa?
33 comments
2 years ago
How can I obtain a residence certificate and open a bank account in Thailand without a long-term visa?
134 comments
2 years ago
Do you need a Thai bank account to obtain a visa in Thailand?
61 comments
2 years ago
How Can I Open a Thai Bank Account with a Tourist Visa?
26 comments
2 years ago
How can I open a bank account in Bangkok without a work permit?
39 comments
2 years ago
What are the steps for opening a bank account in Thailand without a work visa?
72 comments
3 years ago
What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa?
135 comments
4 years ago
Why is it so difficult for foreigners to open a bank account in Thailand?
102 comments
4 years ago
What agents or banks can help expats open a bank account in Thailand?
33 comments
4 years ago
How can I open a Thai bank account as a foreigner without a visa?
84 comments
4 years ago
What type of visa do I need to open a bank account in Thailand?
57 comments
4 years ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand without a long-term visa?
24 comments
5 years ago
How can a tourist open a bank account in Thailand for a Retirement Visa?
46 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.