How can I open a Thai bank account as a foreigner without a visa?

I went to two banks one told me it was a new law requirement for me to be in the country for one year before applying. He said that as a rock solid truth but just around the corner another branch of the same bank did this for me with a smile in a few minutes. Bangkok is full of smiles and contradictions but its still great.

there is a bank in Bangkok that will open one with the work or rental contract.

No need of visa for Bangkok Bank but need to show proof of apt lease not hotel.

Siam legal

Forget SCB. They require a work permit.

Bank of Bangkok will open with proof of residency

I used the one in central plaza ...pattaya.

yes , I like Krungsri as well. I needed some extra things like proof of where I live etc. easily got from my rental agent. But It wasn't as bad as the bangkok bank...too much red tape and had to buy some insurance as well...I also like like the app for transfers...so far so good.

They all vary, but Krungsri offered me an account without requesting a visa, they have a good online banking app also, easy to monitor and transfer... I recommend Krungsri Bank...

Went to Bangkok bank with a "letter of reference" from my embassy. All smooth.

its thailand!, Not what you know, ITS WHO you know

Try a bunch of flowers it worked for me

If money is not an issue, contact Siam Legal. You'll get your bank account in minutes.

According to the Law they can’t (in theory) deny you a bank account, but they try not to.. follow tips where to go

As a foreigner they will still offer some deal in Bangkok Bank and krungthai they can help need to tell them the situation if they say no try another branch.

UOB Bank Thailand !! Best bet!!

They need a Certificate of Residency from immigration😊

Mots servicres,.visa pattaya,. Visas and bank accounts,.

So much is catch 22 at the moment. Proof of address either from the owner where you stay or the yellow book is important.

Where are you, Bangkok?

I just showed my passport no trouble

I have read all the tips over the last couple of years, but the common thread over that time is:

1. Different Customer reps in the SAME branch will have completely different results, so it really IS the luck of the draw.

2. Bangkok Bank seems the best to try first.

3. Having a passport is usually a must

4. Go with a Thai person you trust. This gives you 50% chance instantly!

I got a savings account and debit/BTS card without needing a visa, but she saw from my passport that I am there often, and she also wanted a foriegn account from where regular funds would be coming from. My gf did all the talking.

I was given the run around for 6 weeks in rural Thailand. Told I needed a work permit when the last thing I wanted was a job! Apparently it is easier in larger cities especially if they are used to dealing with foreigners. I eventually succeeded in Sakon Nakhon when i got the house book and a guarantee off my landlady. I hope that helps you. You gave to keep trying as the rules are different everywhere even with the same bank. I also had to have lease agreement and was on amnesty when I finally got it.

Try different branches. You CAN open an account on a tourist visa but it's down to the branch. May be more problematic now if you are on amnesty. You often need either a residence cert from immigration (can get this on a tourist entry depending on province, not in Bangkok) or a letter from your embassy (some embassies such as the UK are unhelpful and will not issue this). Some banks will open without this.

I'd try a few branches and see what you can get. But like someone else said, it may make sense and be easier just to pay an agent. I know people who have got accounts open through an agent for a flat fee of 1,000-1,500 and it didn't require anything else other than their passport. This is less than the likes of the US embassy will charge you for the letter ($50) anyway, even if you can get it from them. Some banks will accept "reference from a person known to the bank" in lieu of the residence cert/embassy letter (Bangkok Bank states this officially on their requirements) and the agent can often fulfil that role for a small fee.

This question comes up repeatedly.

There is no one answer as it depends on what bank you go to, in which location and if there's an "R" in the month!

My experience : I went with my Thai partner to the Bangkok bank in downtown Khon Kaen (round the corner from the Kosa). I was on a 30-day visa exemption. In half an hour, I left with a current account and a visa debit card.

You have to go to the place where Thais get there passports get a letter take it back to the bank for proof

I was able to open a savings account at the Krungsri branch at Exchange on a tourist visa back in January or so. I think I only used my passport.

I went to Bangkok bank last week and was told by two different reps that I needed an affidavit from the US Embassy validating my passport. However, from a previous thread I opened last week I was informed: “The Krungsri bank in Emquartier will open a bank account with just a passport and a lease (or sometimes just a business card of the building you stay at) and the Kasikorn bank down at Central World Trade will do the same.” Therefore you may want to give one of those banks a try. It is probably hit or miss depending on which branch office you go to.

some banks are helpful some are not just keep trying until u find one that will do it

If you are located in Bangkok, I know a law firm who can assist you open the bank account. You only need your passport and you do not need the embassy letter.

Bangkok Bank

Bangkok Bank has an INTERNAL policy which allows them to start a SAVINGS account for you, with a Mastercard Debit Card/ATM.

It seems to depend on the individual branch, not on the bank itself. I opened an account absolutely hassle free at KBank in Sri Racha (on the advice of an Immigration Officer in Sri Racha)

If you do decide to go the route of getting an affidavit (that’s what the letter is called...) from the embassy, you may need to push them for n appointment. That was my experience with the US Embassy. Be prepared to be a squeaky wheel.

Kasikorn bank, all the others just said no.

If want hassle free use an agent

KTB are pretty good

As Pete Laird has said it's pretty hit and miss. Every branch has a different policy, although it seems from general consensus Bangkok Bank is overall the most Farang-friendly. It is also a distinct advantage to take a Thai friend with you, who can do most of the speaking

Individual branches will sometimes just let you open an account,like Peter said try them all hopefully one of them will say yes.

This moron happen to all thai non immigrants visa holder

Yes its crazy but has always been that way. Just persevere and go bank to bank and even same bank in a different area and one will say yes