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How can I open a bank account in Thailand while on a tourist visa?

Visa ExtensionBank AccountRetirement VisaForeigners in ThailandBanking Rules in Thailand
May 31, 2021
4 years ago
Marc *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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
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TLDR : 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.
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.
Steve **********
Bangkok Bank, any large branch...no problem
4 years ago
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Jeff **********
If you can get a letter from a pension provider Bangkok bank will accept you. They want an original letter though.
4 years ago
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Ian *******
I got one from Bangkok Bank on a 30 day visa
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Ian ******
 mine started with a 30 day. Its now been almost 2 decades.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
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Michael ********
Yellow bank no problems
4 years ago
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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.
4 years ago
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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.
4 years ago
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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?
4 years ago
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Vince **********
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Stan *******
Kasikorn is the most farang friendly bank I know of
4 years ago
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David ***********
I agree
4 years ago
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David ***********
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John-Paul ******
Bangkok Bank!
4 years ago
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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.
4 years ago
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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
4 years ago
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Darren ***********
TMB quick and easy.
4 years ago
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Karel ***********
Bangkok Bank but it depends on the branch and the knowledge of the manager
4 years ago
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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
4 years ago
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Ken ***********
@David ********
 but will immigration issue a Non O from a tourist visa without financial documentation?
4 years ago
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Ken ***********
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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.
4 years ago
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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.
4 years ago
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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.
4 years ago
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Robert ********
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Andrew ********
Kasikorn, go to a main branch.
4 years ago
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Wyn **********
I found K bank easy but was on the OA visa.
4 years ago
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Janin ******
Try Kasikorn
4 years ago
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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)?
4 years ago
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Frank ********
I use this saving deposit passbook account for visa-extension at the Immigration.
4 years ago
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Frank ********
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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
4 years ago
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Nils *****************
Try krungsri bank
4 years ago
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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.
4 years ago
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Ken ***********
@Frank-Steven **********
 I have been on a yearly extension for 14 years now...but still run into unusual document requests occasionally
4 years ago
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Ken ***********
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Richard *******
Thailand excels in Catch 22s.
4 years ago
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Richard *******
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Lisa ********************
Try a different bank. Bangkok Bank seem to be fairly easy going.
4 years ago
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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.
4 years ago
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Garrett ***********
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