Answered3 years ago
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?
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?
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?
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.
88 repliesnewest first
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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.
Frank ************
OPA 12 month visa. From Australia
T ****************
You can visit Thailand for under 30 days( from most “western” countries) without a visa.
Norman **********
Agent is the best way forward!
Christopher *************
Depends on what kind of visa you are applying for?
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
Aaron ********
You don't need a bank for a visa
Paul *********
Get visa from thai consulate in Sydney. You can keep your money in Australia
Kevin *********
Catch Y Sip Song.
Callan ******
David **********
Why would you need a bank account to obtain a visa? That makes no sense at all.
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.
David ********
Muppet’s on here
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.
Phil ******
@Alma **************
if you visit often you need a bank account here as more cost effective than with foreign card at 220 baht per transactionAlma ***************
@Phil *****
true..that's why I did not close my account
Brian *******
Agency will sort that out for you with a fee
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.
Rj ******
Same as all keep saying, just go to a agent. If your in pattaya area message me just did itv1 week ago
Mitchell *******
If you are renting a condo longer term, it seems to be easier, as there is some sort of lease or agreement.
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.
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!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.
Matt **********
Where do I find an agent that deals with helping get a bank account?
Alma ***************
@Matt *********
just go to the bank with your passport and you will be able to open an account..
Neil ***************
@Alma **************
I tried That last Friday at Bangkok bank in pattayaU needed a list of things to have
Can use an agent and pay 6500 baht
And you get 300 baht in your account
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..
Robert ***********
@Alma **************
In 98% of the caes that is not true anymore.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.Matt **********
@Robert **********
what's the 2 percent?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!
Joey *****
Chris *********
How to get a SIM card 30days data only in Thailand?
Phil ******
@Chris ********
go to telwiz or AIS store and do. You need a base plan and ontop data plan. Its quite simpleHenrik *****
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
Chris *********
@Phil *****
I’m Nong Prue staying with a mate till end of March yayPhil ******
Hey try and keep your number active whilst overseas. Go get a bangkok bank account too
Phil ******
@Chris ********
end of April for me too. EnjoyChris *********
@Phil *****
thanks very much mate I’ll give it a tryPhil ******
@Chris ********
pm sentChris *********
@Phil *****
good luck to you and yours PhilPhil ******
@Chris ********
nahhh. Here in Phrakanong in my appartment. Married a long time nowChris *********
@Phil *****
Pattaya?Chris *********
@Phil *****
thank you so much for your kind help mate much appreciated.regards Chris btw are you over here now ?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?
Chris *********
@Phil *****
Telwiz or AIS ? And are they ok ( I’ll be travelling around Thailand)?Phil ******
@Chris ********
im on these 2 plans. And can stream TV videos whatever i want
Paul ********
Keep trying banks and eventually you will hit pay dirt!
Joey *****
I went to immigration and did TM-30… (address verification) took it BBL main head office Silom and opened without issues.
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 experiencedJoey *****
@Kim ********
my lease was accepted at immigration then immigration sends the registered mail to me. Take that to Bangkok BankJoey *****
@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
Damien ********
@Joey ****
did u have to take out insurance with the bank ?Joey *****
@Damien *******
no I did notFrank ************
OPThank you all for your replies. I live in Australia, do i approach an agent in Australia or Thailand?
Henrik *****
@Frank ***********
Don't use a agent, get in control and do it yourself.
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.
Jo **********
you do not need a visa to open a bank account. I did and others have. you don’t need an agent
Luc ************
@Jo *********
nope. That stopped last year, even with an agent. I tried.Mitchell *******
@Jo *********
It is getting harder in the last year or so.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!Jo **********
@Keith ******
have you been SCB?Keith *******
@Jo *********
yesJo **********
@Keith ******
ok Bangkok. I think as most things i’m in Chiang Mai and they are much looserKeith *******
@Jo *********
everything changed roughly a year ago
Graham ******
@Keith ******
it is still possible but, granted, more perseverance is neededJo **********
@Keith ******
these were recent
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.
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
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
Keith *******
@Phil *****
I tried this but no bank account with OA visaPhil ******
@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 ********************************************************************************
Keith *******
@Phil *****
easy with an agent
Chris *******
@Keith ******
You can use your home bank account for first timeKeith *******
@Chris ******
yes I'm aware, next time I travel to BKK I willChris *******
@Keith ******
You can open bank account thru Siam legal for 3000 bahtPhil ******
@Keith ******
yep def. Not the mall branchesKeith *******
@Phil *****
random branches in random cities you can, majority notPhil ******
@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.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.Phil ******
@Chris ******
correct
Mark ********
@Keith ******
I got 2 bank accounts on my OA visa. Bangkok Bank and Krungsri.
Tong *****
Go to an agent
Brett ******
You could use a visa agent, they can help you with opening a bank account and visa options.
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