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How can I open a Thai bank account without using an agent or paying for insurance?
Thai bank accountVisa requirementsDTV visaExpat bankingBank documentsCentral Festival Chiang MaiBangkok BankOpening bank account in Thailand
Oct 29, 2024
2 years ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER✨ Successfully Opened a Thai Bank Account without Agent or Insurance ✨
(Your experience may vary.)
I just want to share my experience opening a Thai bank account without needing an agent or insurance, after running around to 10 different branches in Bangkok and Chiang Mai (since I was traveling around anyway). I’ve included a picture as proof, though I’ve hidden personal details for privacy. Hopefully, this helps some of you—though keep in mind, it may not work the same for everyone, depending on when and where you try. Good luck! 🍀
Branch: Bangkok Bank (Central Festival Chiang Mai)
Banker: When I went, there were two bankers—one male, one female. I chose the male banker without glasses. (Sorry I was too happy and forgotten to write down his name). I’m not sure if other bankers are as tourist/customer-friendly as the one who helped me.
Tips:
* Present yourself well—I avoided wearing a t-shirt, shorts, or slippers.
* Be really polite and pleasant
* I also mentioned I wanted to deposit 10,000 THB.
Documents I Brought:
* Passport with DTV Visa
* TM30
* Rental lease (for proof of address)
* Thai SIM card (for OTPs) -I already have this number for some time now.
* I also had a Thai driving license I got years ago on a 30-day visa-exempt, though I’m unsure if it helped my case.
* I brought the bank statements (I showed for DTV application) to proof I have more than enough funds to support myself in Thailand (Again, I do not know if this helps, but since I already have those documents printed as extra copies for DTV, I just show to the banker too)
I hope this helps others navigating the process! All the best.
(Your experience may vary.)
I just want to share my experience opening a Thai bank account without needing an agent or insurance, after running around to 10 different branches in Bangkok and Chiang Mai (since I was traveling around anyway). I’ve included a picture as proof, though I’ve hidden personal details for privacy. Hopefully, this helps some of you—though keep in mind, it may not work the same for everyone, depending on when and where you try. Good luck! 🍀
Branch: Bangkok Bank (Central Festival Chiang Mai)
Banker: When I went, there were two bankers—one male, one female. I chose the male banker without glasses. (Sorry I was too happy and forgotten to write down his name). I’m not sure if other bankers are as tourist/customer-friendly as the one who helped me.
Tips:
* Present yourself well—I avoided wearing a t-shirt, shorts, or slippers.
* Be really polite and pleasant
* I also mentioned I wanted to deposit 10,000 THB.
Documents I Brought:
* Passport with DTV Visa
* TM30
* Rental lease (for proof of address)
* Thai SIM card (for OTPs) -I already have this number for some time now.
* I also had a Thai driving license I got years ago on a 30-day visa-exempt, though I’m unsure if it helped my case.
* I brought the bank statements (I showed for DTV application) to proof I have more than enough funds to support myself in Thailand (Again, I do not know if this helps, but since I already have those documents printed as extra copies for DTV, I just show to the banker too)
I hope this helps others navigating the process! All the best.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post shares a personal experience of opening a Thai bank account at Bangkok Bank in Central Festival Chiang Mai without the use of an agent or insurance. The author details the document requirements, the importance of a good presentation, and tips for a successful account opening. Responses in the comments discuss variations in the experience, question age requirements, and the relevance of nationality, emphasizing that experiences may vary depending on the bank branch.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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Tore *********
Yeah I also did it easily in Bangkok with DTV and a medical certificate .
Just be aware that if you have to do something other than simple stuff you need to go back to the branch you opened the account with. And outside CM you are subject to the ATM withdrawal fee just like with a foreign card.
Just be aware that if you have to do something other than simple stuff you need to go back to the branch you opened the account with. And outside CM you are subject to the ATM withdrawal fee just like with a foreign card.
Patrick ********
@Tore ********
which branch in bangkok did you open your account ?Tore *********
@Patrick *******
don’t have the name at hand, but was close to Vimut Hospital (Bangkok Bank)Reply to
Tore *********
Reply
Hugo *****
Hey thanks for sharing, can you deposit money online after open account ? They have online app ?
Glenn **********
What passport do you have?
Jolie ******
The Bank statement for DTV doesn’t need to be from Thai Bank, right?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERNope, it was from my home country's bank. (It’s not required in any of the official documents to open a savings account with Bangkok Bank. I just showed it since I had it with me anyway. I’m not even sure if it helped—I just listed everything I presented to the banker.)
Jolie ******
Anonymous participant ahh thank you so much. I am just looking for a way to apply DTV visa. I really hope that you could provide me some information. Thank you!
Reply to
Jolie ******
Reply
Brian ****
It might be easier to open an account at the end of the month because of sales goals.
Max ********
Hey may I ask how old you are? I heard the news that tourist visa bank openings are atm only possible for 50+ years of age old people.
Tore *********
@Max *******
there’s some recent changes, and DTV apparently now being recognized as a long term visa by some banks. Very recent changes apparentlyAnonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max *******
I'm in my 30s. :)Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Marta *************
Did you upen any particular account? Would you be able to share a link to the offer?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marta ************
just the usual savings accountReply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Chitlin *********
So in other words, use an agent.
Akram ************
Thanks for sharing 🙌
Chris ********
Congratulations… interesting info, I did the same last week on normal visa exemption… bkk bank Pattaya, never even asked me to buy useless insurance … I think it mainly comes down to the branch and what stage of menopause the staff are feeling on the day lol ..anyhow great you got it without the hassle some experience
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris *******
thanks for sharing tooChris *******
@Chris *******
central pattaya?Chris ********
@Chris ******
yes the one up from big cReply to
Chris ********
Reply
Ros ************
All you say, it’s not relevant
Phyu ***********
May I know Branch name and how much did you cost for this account?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phyu **********
It's Bangkok bank (Central Festival. Chiang Mai)It didn't cost me any extra money. I just deposited 10,000thb which was going to be used as a portion for my monthly rental anyways.
Mitch *********
Anonymous participant Can you kindly? your nationality? Or whether you’re American or not? Just curious based on Justin’s reply above. Thanks!
Reply to
Mitch *********
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phyu **********
Central festival in Chiang MaiJustin ********
Nationality matters though, cause us Americans must be tattled on yearly by banks who serve us, the US govt twists foreign banks' arms with blackmail threats - hunting us wherever we may roam. Even over $1000USD. 😞
Justin ********
@Phyu **********
op already told you they deposited 10k broAnonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Justin *******
yes. I deposited 10,000thb as I am using that for part of the rental anyway.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Minn *****
Any insurance needed to buy?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Minn ****
no. 👍Michael *********
@Minn ****
the OP mentioned no requirement for this.Reply to
Michael *********
Reply
Ko *****************
Finally you are allowed to open an account.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ko ****************
yes, thankfully. Of course different branches have different requirements and flexibility.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Walter *********
so what ????
Sonny ******
@Walter ********
. What a 🔔🔚 you are 👏👏👏Jeiz ***************
@Walter ********
no need to be rude. Obviously you haven't followed the group enough, a lot of people have been struggling to get a bank account. Kudos to OP for empathizing with that and sharing a solution.John *******
@Walter ********
if you don’t care then don’t replyRomain ****
@Walter ********
so many people swear that you can’t open an account as tourist or DTV without an agent or paying insuranceWalter *********
@Romain ***
of course you can 👍well doneReply to
Walter *********
Reply
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