How can I safely manage a bank account in Thailand if it's under my girlfriend's name?

Banking in Thailand Expat Banking Challenges Opening a Bank Account in Thailand Tourist Visa Issues Online Banking Security Thai Visa Regulations

Nov 13, 2024

2 days ago

Alex *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, I  have a question regarding banks in Thailand. Since I only have a  tourist visa, I am not able to open a bank account. Therefore, I opened  an account using my girlfriend’s identity. I have a debit card that  allows me to make withdrawals. However, since my girlfriend's phone  number was provided to the bank, I cannot use the app on my phone, which  is a bit inconvenient... So, I asked my girlfriend to allow me to  access my bank account online without using the app, but with a username  and password. She explains that it’s dangerous due to scammers and that  only the app is secure. Honestly, I don’t see why it would be riskier  with a Thai bank than with a French bank to connect without the app.  Connecting through the internet just means using a username and  password... What do you think?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user describes a situation where they opened a bank account in Thailand under their girlfriend's name due to being on a tourist visa, but they face issues accessing the account online. Most commenters suggest that the user should have their own bank account, recommending using an agent to facilitate this for around 4000-5000 Baht. Some argue about the security risks of sharing access to an account while others provide practical solutions, like changing the linked phone number to the user's number or temporarily swapping SIM cards to initialize the banking app.

Robert **********

I wish I could find a girlfriend as trustworthy as yours.

10 hours ago

Alex *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert *********

As I've written elsewhere, even after 20 years of marriage, you can still have big surprises. That's what my lawyer told me during my second divorce. Is my girlfriend truly loyal and honest? I can't be completely sure. So, I'm taking precautions. She knows this and accepts it.

Sorry to disappoint you...

9 hours ago

Robert **********

Haha. Nice reply. I was being facetious. Good luck with your quest.

9 hours ago

Reply to

Robert **********

Rogerpatrik **********

You are a brave man 🙈🙉🙊

11 hours ago

Bob ********

They will only allow you to have the app on one phone at a time, we upgraded our phones and we had to go to the bank and get them to authorise the app on the new phone by entering the imie number of the phone

12 hours ago

Alex *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bob *******

ok. I will try but it looks that somebody wrote it's impossible with Kasikorn... I will see...

11 hours ago

Reply to

Alex *********

Todd *********

Ktb doesn't have internet banking anymore, have to use the app

I don't have to do the OTP as I went to the bank and told them it's impossible to receive a text overseas

17 hours ago

Ian **********

My friend opened a joint account with his Thai wife while on a tourist visa. Perhaps you could try that.

a day ago

Jim ********

Get a Thai sim. Change the number on the account to that number. Set yourself a reminder to pay it every month using your online app. It is registered to your phone... just don't change your phone. It works even when you put your faring sim back in

a day ago

Cliff *********

Have her put her SIM card into your phone.

The bank staff will help you initialize the account and the app on your phone.

Then you can use the app and access the account for deposits and payments.

After initialization, you can put your SIM card back into her phone.

You will have your own account number and password.

This is what I am doing with Bangkok Bank and it has been very very convenient.

Banking is done with the phone carrier and is secure.

For safety from her….don’t leave a huge amount of money in the account.

a day ago

Rogerio ******

why can't you ask your gf to go to the bank and update 'her' number to your phone?

a day ago

Andy **********

It doesn't make any sense to be doing all the messing around, trying to use someone else's bank account, when you say you will need your own account in a couple of months anyway, for visa purposes, if you're doing the visa yourself, you will need to season the funds for two months anyway, an agent can assist with opening a bank account on a tourist visa.

a day ago

Us *****

You did what? You are an id*ot. You might as well buy her a house under her name. Thai girls are tricky, your account would be emptied the minute she finds out you cheated on her. Get an agent to open one up for you.

a day ago

Achanster ******

Ask her to change the telephone number to yours

a day ago

Johnnie ********

I had a 30 day exemption, applied for a 60 day visa, no problem at all.

BKK at Pattaya 🙏🇹🇭❤️🇹🇭🙏

a day ago

Andre ***********

Go around with your passport, you will get it

a day ago

Bill ********

😂😂😂😂😂

a day ago

Ling *****

The reason the app is better is because you can only have it on one device at a time. Everytime I buy a new mobile phone I must go in person with my passport to my bank to put and verify it on the new phone. Some banks like Krung Thai bank have stopped Web login altogether. One thing for sure, I would put any account in my own name and if I have to pay an agent to do it I would. Good luck.