How Can I Open a Thai Bank Account with a Tourist Visa?

This one of the reasons I say go to a Visa Agent. Sure it will cost more than 1,900 THB for the first time but everything miraculously is done.

Take a letter from embassy for bank account then easily they open account for you.

Inform the bank that you want make a k cash deposits , then they will treat you like a VIP and open a bank account.

Many people on this forum don't like to use agents, and I understand why. Most of the time an agent is a waste of money because you could do what the agent does all by yourself (e.g. apply for an extension of stay, get a Thai drivers license, etc.) However, when it comes to opening a bank account on a tourist visa, I'd go with an agency every time. It's probably going to cost 3K THB but it's worth every penny IMO. The agent will walk you into the bank and you will walk out with a bank account book in hand. All the BS of running from bank to bank will be finished. One more thing, recommend that you open an account with Bangkok Bank. This will make large money transfers to TL easier, especially if you choose to use Wise, like many of us do.

Pay for insurance for year Bangkok Bank job done they open account

Stock answer as asked many many times on here.

Classic Catch-22. You need a bank account for a long term visa but Bank Manager says you can’t open an account without a long term visa.

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.

If you’re in a major city or tourist centre then you’ll more likely have luck at some branch. Ask in a local Facebook group for that area who’s had success and what bank/branch. If you’re in the boondocks in Nakhon Si Nowhere then you may be out of luck.

Some banks/branches will ask you to take out a insurance policy to open an account. You may get away politely refusing, as they know it’s not mandatory, but probably won’t.

Some may want a “proof of residence” from an embassy or immigration. Again another classic Catch-22. A number of immigration offices will only issue this is if you’ve done a 90 day report, but you need a long term visa to have done a 90 day report. You may have better luck at your embassy, but don’t hold your breath.

Taking a Thai friend along may help in some instances, but no guarantee you’ll get an easier acceptance.

Perhaps show a wad of cash and say I need to deposit this somewhere. Again it may not help.

Unfortunately it’s just hit and miss.

Failing any luck yourself put a shout out for an agent to help. Generally visa agents offer a bank account opening service. Expect cost to be circa 5,000 baht.