Answered5 years ago
How can I open a bank account in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
Hi everyone. I am currently on a tourist visum in Thailand till the end of july. I now want to open a bank account, but here in Pak Chong the banks refused. The reason is that by year-end I'd like to return on retirement-visa, but therefor I need to have a Thai bank account and have money on it for at least 3 months. Any advice? Thanks
Answer summary
An expat on a tourist visa in Thailand seeks advice on opening a bank account for his upcoming retirement visa application. Various commenters suggest different banks that may be more accommodating, like Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank, emphasizing the importance of visiting larger branches. Some recommend persistence and trying different locations, as policies can vary. Additional tips include obtaining proof of residency or a letter from a pension provider to facilitate the account opening process.
32 repliesnewest first
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Steve **********
Bangkok Bank, any large branch...no problem
Jeff **********
If you can get a letter from a pension provider Bangkok bank will accept you. They want an original letter though.
Ian *******
I got one from Bangkok Bank on a 30 day visa
Steve **********
@Ian ******
mine started with a 30 day. Its now been almost 2 decades.
Michael ********
Yellow bank no problems
Stuart *********
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.
George *************
On consideration is that you don't want your branch to be too far from where you live because in Thailand a surprising number of things are required to be done at your home branch and can't be done at other branches of the same bank.
Vince **********
@George ************
Is it possible to open an account in one branch and then transfer the account to another branch of the same bank? Or do they make that difficult too?
Stan *******
Kasikorn is the most farang friendly bank I know of
David ***********
I agree
John-Paul ******
Bangkok Bank!
Channa ************
Please. I am also on retirement visa. Bangkok Bank only have authority to open account for retirement visa. Other Bank demand Registration paper of companies at Thailand. It is best kindly engaged Advocate. He will Apply your retirement visa and open Bank account in Bangkok Bank.
Terary **********
You have to shop around some banks will do it no issues other banks dont want to do it. Getting a recommendation will be helpful
Darren ***********
TMB quick and easy.
Karel ***********
Bangkok Bank but it depends on the branch and the knowledge of the manager
David *********
I agree with Robert. Bangkok Bank seems to be more flexible. Take with you proof of your residency and maybe you get lucky. Otherwise enter on a tourist visa and apply for a retirement visa. If so they issue for 3 months and you can then open a bank account and have the necessary funds for 2 months prior. Other options are costly but no hassle
Ken ***********
@David ********
but will immigration issue a Non O from a tourist visa without financial documentation?Robert ********
The only one I know of that will do this is Bangkok Bank and if you are open to buying a year of insurance, they may become more helpful.
Don ********
@Robert *******
That was the offer I got, buy an insurance policy from them for 5,900bt and they will allow me to open an account. Robert ********
@Don *******
Oh I am jealous. I had to pay 24,000 for a year :) I'm glad you got your account, it's not easy anymore but it's great to have.
Andrew ********
Kasikorn, go to a main branch.
Wyn **********
I found K bank easy but was on the OA visa.
Janin ******
Try Kasikorn
Frank ********
You tried it in the banks at the mainroad and in tesco lotus of Pak Chong too? Why in Pak Chong - you live here (I live in Pak Chong)? You ask for a real account or an account with a saving book (and visacard)?
Frank ********
I use this saving deposit passbook account for visa-extension at the Immigration.
Ken ***********
It does seem so ridiculous to need a Thai bank account to get a 1 year extension yet so difficult to open account. A classic Catch 22
Nils *****************
Try krungsri bank
Frank-Steven ***********
@Ken ******
You should get used to those situations if you want to retire here. You will have broken processes like this on a weekly basis in this country. Try different banks. Get a residence certificate from immigration to impress / convince the bank. Bring a Thai national to tell the bank what to do.Ken ***********
@Frank-Steven **********
I have been on a yearly extension for 14 years now...but still run into unusual document requests occasionally 
Richard *******
Thailand excels in Catch 22s.
Lisa ********************
Try a different bank. Bangkok Bank seem to be fairly easy going.
Garrett ***********
Just have to keep trying mate. There are definitely banks in Bangkok that will open an account with a tourist visa, maybe you'll need to make a trip to a big city.
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