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Is 80,000 THB a Fair Price to Open a Thai Bank Account?
Thai bank accountexpat advicebanking in Thailandfeesvisa requirementsimmigrationfinancial servicesPattayaBangkok Bank
Nov 13, 2024
a year ago
Charlie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi , been quoted 80k BHT by legal firm to open a Thai bank account .. it’s this a fair and reasonable price ? Any guidance would be grateful 🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
The community discusses an individual's quote of 80,000 baht by a legal firm to open a Thai bank account. The general consensus among commenters is that this amount is exorbitant, with typical fees ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 baht, often less if handled personally. Many respondents emphasize that it is possible to open an account independently, especially if the correct paperwork is provided, without incurring such high costs.
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Tapi **********
80 000? If anybody ever paid that, y'all got money!
Hans-Georg ******
The problem is that the foreigner themselves are turning the wheel and then the bank employees are thinking that they can make money from it.
Hans-Georg ******
This is complete bs…
Jimmy **********
Why would you need to pay to open an account???
Hanzala ***
Yes good price, go for it. Idiot
Charlie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Hanzala **
one love ❤️Reply to
Charlie ***************
Reply
Kenneth *******
I have three accounts with Bangkok Bank, and they never asked me questions, and there was no charge to open them. Did you go to a bank or an agent? The 80K Baht you mentioned may be the required account to get a Visa. That would be 800K if you want a retirement visa.
Mick ********
Did it with my wife but with correct paperwork could have done it alone
Free Apart from 300bht for second atm card If not married take a Thai friend with account at same bank
Free Apart from 300bht for second atm card If not married take a Thai friend with account at same bank
Phil ***********
no take your 80k baht in cash, and pop it on the counter in the bank. before you ask to open account. and say.. this is deposit for my condo. ill be paying in the millions yada yada, rummage about pull out some condo brochures and they will pop it in a savings account for you, charge you 400 baht, hand u a visa, and setup the phone app on the spot. 80k for agent account is fully over the top insane level, you got stitched up like a kipper extra special buffalo sickness price. Be nice! be friendly, smile, be daft, be bendy, like bamboo
Dave *********
Why pay an agent to do something you can do yourself? I opened an account with Bangkok Bank last week. You need the following:
Non immigration visa stamp in passport and evisa paperwork if that’s what your country gives you.
Certificate of residency- Get this from immigration office.
Passport and driving license
80k is a total rip off. It cost me 500 baht to open two accounts, one for day to day purchases and another for savings to deposit my visa money 800k so it doesn’t get touched.
Non immigration visa stamp in passport and evisa paperwork if that’s what your country gives you.
Certificate of residency- Get this from immigration office.
Passport and driving license
80k is a total rip off. It cost me 500 baht to open two accounts, one for day to day purchases and another for savings to deposit my visa money 800k so it doesn’t get touched.
Phil ***********
@Dave ********
and even then dave, the 500 is just the fee to make the debit card on the spot hey. i had the same experience, tho I took some cash in, i had condo brochurse on me and pics, phone was ringing off the hook, as im keen to buy a condo. they were fine, friendly, helpful and got it all done on tourist visaReply to
Phil ***********
Reply
Oliver ********
It's fair and reasonable, if you're a convicted fraudster with a lifetime ban on opening a bank account.
Arch *********
Crooks
Kevin *********
Usually they just make you take out an accident insurance for about 7k
Terary **********
I will open you a bank account for 79K.
Charlie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTERONE LOVE everyone ❤️
Keil ******
Big scam
Achanster ******
Which law firm is it? Need to name and shame them, greedy bastards!
Achanster ******
Wow that's a LOT of money. I spent 20k and was told it was too expensive!
Kate *******
Good grief no!!! I really do hate how anyone can do things like this but they do it a lot there.
Tyler *******
Scam
Paul *****
@VIP ****************************
in Jomtien are excellent. Highly recommended.Leon ********
Ridiculous!
Kevin *******
Mugs
Tony *********
If that figure is correct 80,000 baht then the lawyer needs to be in jail...scandalous
Mark ********
Very expensive!!
Don *****
Man that’s just criminal
Marcus ************
Very smart of you to inquire. 5-10k baht should do it.
Meta *******
If you feel it's too much then you're probably right.
Eric ******
No matter who you choose, do your research and read reviews. It is much easier to do it with an agent. The people that are telling you how "easy" it is got theirs a long time ago or got extremely lucky! Even if you can get one on your own, you're going to have to navigate the mountain of paperwork and most likely shlep around to many branches until you find one that will even consider it. For around 5000 baht, why would I even bother trying to figure it out myself?? And Mark at One Stop uses Bangkok Bank. There are several You Tube channels that have done video interviews with him when pressing Visa and tax matters have come up amid rule changes. Just search One Stop Pattaya and you can watch them. That is how I found out about him.
David ********
@Eric *****
got my bkk bank account last week easy as. Basic paperwork l had myself. No cost no drama. Prefer to keep my money and not pay agents only encourages them to screw people. Same as a driver's license it's so basic my 10 year old could do it. It's actually quite fun to do it and people watch 150 bht the same as bike licence. Why would you pay blood suckers.Eric ******
@David *******
As I said in my post, you got extremely lucky. Many people come on here all the time saying how hard it is and ASKING for names of agents. And paying agents encourages them to screw people over?? The owners of this site made this a forum for people to come on and ask for advice and for experienced people, especially the moderators, to help them with useful tips and explanations on how things work. By the way, THEY are agents, yea, they sound like real blood suckers. And it’s actually quite fun to shlep from bank to bank hoping you’ll get one that will even consider it?? Ok, what if you don’t have a Visa and you’re here on an exemption, then what? Try that and tell me how “easy” it is. And “basic” paperwork? Ok, if you say so. Oh well, you got it, good for you. But it’s not that simple for everyone, in fact, downright impossible for some…except with an agent. All that said, I am NOT an agent, don’t work for an agent and have only dealt with one agent, that I learned of through You Tube. When people ask for recommendations, I tell them Mark at One Stop Visa in Pattaya because he knows what he is talking about.Reply to
Eric ******
Reply
Trym ********
I have account in SCB and Kasikorn. It cost me zero thb to establish the accounts. You are being scammed
Trym ********
Looks like someone is trying to earn a little extra.
Cris ******
@HuaHin ***************
helped me open mine. Was like 3,000 baht to open. That's an insane price.Travel*******
Paid 4000 baht
Tik Tok services in Pattaya
Tik Tok services in Pattaya
Johnnie ********
I did myself, 10 weeks on visa, paid bank bht700 to provide proof of residency.
Needed passport, international drivers license plus bht500 to open account. 35 minutes at BKK Pattaya 🙏🇹🇭❤️
Needed passport, international drivers license plus bht500 to open account. 35 minutes at BKK Pattaya 🙏🇹🇭❤️
Tom ************
500bht visa+letter of residence Bangkok bank.
David ********
@Tom ***********
another positive one. Miracles are starting to happen 🤣🤣🤣Reply to
David ********
Reply
Ali **********
I got mine Bangkok Bank account with tourist visa they charged only 1000 baht.
Nipa ****************
@Ali *********
which branch did you go and how long ago? ThanksAli **********
@Nipa ***************
I went to Siam mall branch near mbk back in April this yearNipa ****************
@Ali *********
Thank youReply to
Nipa ****************
Reply
David ********
@Ali *********
yeeppie a good story but the 1000 bht was deposited in your account by the bank l hopeAli **********
@David *******
they deposited 700 baht and 300 baht they charged for issuing debit card which ofcourse was optionalDavid ********
@Ali *********
yeh l just ask them to set up the app on my phone can do everything including ATM withdrawals no fees no card requiredReply to
David ********
Reply
Martin ********
I paied 70k for bank acount, profe of 800k, Oa visa, 12 month extension and reentry visa
Reply to
David ********
Reply
Paul ********
Cost me 7k at Bangkok and got a years accident insurance and did it myself
Winston ********
I had opened 4 bank accounts by just entering different branches coz the same bank at another branch will go by a different rule.
Galenus ******
Only the dumbest will pay that much.
So, pay please
So, pay please
Arron *********
5000
Arron *********
Maneerat Soi Post Office
Reply to
Arron *********
Reply
Shane ***********
Don't buy into that deal.
Felix ****
Will it be opened in their name/nominee service for that price? Then good deal 😂
Peter *********
Rene ********
It's the rip off of the year, banana boat arrival ahoy! 5000 baht is the cost to an agent.
Arnold **********
If you own a property or a business in Thailand you can open bank accounts in 30 months at any bank.
David ********
Got mine 5000 with Moy services pattaya same day.
Ning ******
It is better and cheaper to buy a home safe ?
Pascal *****
free by myself
Kace *******
i got mine by going to immigration and having the helpers fill out my paperwork, waited in line and left with a residency certificate. they asked what bank i want i said Bangkok bank. i went to the Pattaya branch. i waited a couple hours but i only paid the small amount. i almost went to an agency but thought i would try it on my own first. i recommend doing it yourself.
Rene ********
@Kace ******
me tooReply to
Rene ********
Reply
David *******
Thats a rip off 80k for what do it your self for free just need certificate of residence
Rok ********
5000 baht is a reasonable market rate if you cannot provide all the documents the banks want - otherwise a DIY job at 0.00 baht.
Jay *****
If you have the correct visa and residence certificate, just go to the bank no additional fees.
Joy ******
Please contact
@https://www.facebook.com/shar*****************************
Chris ********
No! Visa, marriage, address paperwork, passport, thai speaker and legwork. Do it yourself and save your money!
Joe ******
Must have seen you coming
James ************
Mots in Pattaya can do it for around 5k.
Jack ****************
My friend you need to stop wearing a shirt that says "sucker" on it. All jokes aside- that is too much and you should avoid whoever said that to you at all costs. The person is a snake.
Nicholas ******
If in pattaya use mots services did mine for me
Rob **********
You can do it yourself !
Jim ********
Do it yourself. Walk into a bank and open an account.
Peter *********
When o first went o thailand an agent took me to the bank 800k in and out in 1 second
Marcus *********
I'll do it for you for 20k
James *********
@Marcus ********
I'll do it for *****
😀Tim ********
@James ********
I'll do it for *****
😁Reply to
Tim ********
Reply
Conny **********
Extremely high...
Pete *******
Open for free if you meet these requirements at Bangkok Bank Jomtien. Otherwise agent 5k.
1)Passport
2)2nd government issued photo ID
3)Visa remaining 30 days
4)1 year lease
5)Residency certificate
1)Passport
2)2nd government issued photo ID
3)Visa remaining 30 days
4)1 year lease
5)Residency certificate
Tim ********
@Pete ******
wasn't asked for lease.Pete *******
@Tim *******
maybe not but this is the list of requirements for this specific branch of Bangkok Bank. Every bank or branch maybe different.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Glenn *********
Really OTT priced...please stay away from this place.
Brian *****************
I put 500 baht into my
Account. Pink Bank NP
Account. Pink Bank NP
Randy *********
That’s insane. It costs nothing. Ask the bank what they need, get those papers, return and open account.
Bill ********
No. Rip-off.
Samuel ********
I don’t understand why anyone would pay 5-10K baht to open a bank account, unless they don’t meet certain eligibility criteria. I’ve never paid to open an account. As
I’m moving to Australia soon, I’ve opened an account there without any fees. I’d hate to imagine how much people might pay in that situation.
I’m moving to Australia soon, I’ve opened an account there without any fees. I’d hate to imagine how much people might pay in that situation.
George ********
That’s about right i paid 800k. So you good a quote there mate.
Chris ******
@George *******
suckerGeorge ********
@Chris *****
ever heard of sarcasm?Chris ******
@George *******
hence suckerReply to
Chris ******
Reply
Jon ********
@George *******
get out of here, 800,000 baht to set up a bank account? Want to buy a bridge lol 😂Reply to
Jon ********
Reply
Jon ********
Don’t know where you are but MOTS in pattaya will definitely set you up
Jon ********
That’s not a serious offer. They must think you are ready to get ripped off
Bob **********
5000 is a long way from 80,000
Peter *********
Taking the piss mate
Garry ******
lmao
Tom *********
A total rip-off
Sean ********
@Netty ***************
was great for meGreg ***********
in Pattaya, the going agent rate for opening a Bangkok Bank account on any visa type, is 5000.- THB. Check out F.S. Consulting Co.
Eddy *******
@Greg **********
another vote for f s consulting. Very professionalGreg ***********
@Eddy ******
really, appreciated 🙂 And YES, they know their stuff, they are well organizedReply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Brian **********
Ya, find a better lawyer
Jason *******
Am I missing something? Why would anyone pay money to open up a bank account. I just went to the local krungsri Bank and opened it up myself in 10 minutes
Mark *********
@Jason ******
How long ago? Things have changed very rapidly of late, including some new banking rules coming into play. Agents are the way now, no matter how much shoe leather you are willing to put into saving say 3,500 -5,000. Maybe 8-10K in Bangkok.Jason *******
@Mark ********
2 months agoDavid ********
@Mark ********
last week l opened an account bkk bank. No issue had all the required documents took awhile but hey l got time. She even set up the app for me it's great. The original person called over the manager little bit of talking amongst the 3 of us all good to go.Mark *********
@David *******
Good to have up to date and specific information. What happened even a few years back can be of no relevance. I have certainly never paid to open an account, but most of my accounts were set up years back. That said one was set up in 2022 and no issues. But on all occasions all my ducks were in a row and no stupidities like tourist visas, etc. Something was interesting about 2022, simply that the bank was a very unusual choice. Why do people keep going to banks that we have heard of over and over again refusing? Yes, different officers, different days is an argument, just as with Immigration, but constant rejection is a fair indication so why try bank X?David ********
@Mark ********
the DTV is definitely a game changer for banks but l am sure they will adapt over time. The ball is in the foreigners court on how we approach banks. It not like being in a bar some decorum requiredMark *********
@David *******
I take your point but it is a discussion best not begun or we will move toward looking at educational standards among arriving expats. I mean formal education there. But you could argue that as irrelevant and the thing to focus on is "street" navigational skills, but those have collapsed too.David ********
@Mark ********
once living here we tend to fall into this crazy existence of superiority like we bring all this entitlement to Thailand because we pay or spend so much as opposed to average Thais. But we need to adjust ourselves at times to fit this culture that we all love. It's good to have these types of discussions in forums though expats should work together more I feelReply to
David ********
Reply
David ********
@Jason ******
because some farang think they are in their own country. Here you need you speak with respect tell them why you want the account,have the correct paperwork that the bank requires. If you just walk in and say l want to open an account most teller's will so no. They don't understand your request because they are not trained or know you can open an account. If the teller doesn't respond ask for the manager they will help you and most likely speak English. Also ask them to set up the bank app on your phone easy to pay or do anything that way. Try again but slowly slowly they can and will help you.goid luckKim *********
@David *******
it's not the teller you speak toJason *******
@Kim ********
regular teller is who helped me.David ********
@Kim ********
whoever handles new accounts l am not caught up on their title.on the machine when you enter the bank you select new account you revive a number when your number is displayed you go to the person whose window number is displayed. Is that more specific for you. Are you questioning whether l have an account ?? Or infact l am even in Thailand 5555. I opened an account last week bkk bank 👌🍻Kim *********
@David *******
easy now of course I am not questioning what you ask me about 😅 you didn't have to be specific. I just meant / thought that the staff who handles new accounts and other "special tasks" are not the ordinary tellers who receives and pay out money. But never mindReply to
Kim *********
Reply
Ian ********
@Jason ******
business bank account maybeJason *******
@Ian *******
but unless you are American you need a Thai partner and then they can just go open the account. Maybe 🤔Ian ********
@Jason ******
yes i am sure thats correct .Reply to
Ian ********
Reply
Christopher ******
😆 🤣 😂
Marianne ********
Depending on your current visa, it should be pretty easy to do it on your own, no agent required.
Ploy ************
You don't even have to pay for anything just to open a bank account.
Sarah ******
@Ploy ***********
exactly ... The gullibleness of people never ceases to amaze me here.Brian *********
@Sa***
and what’s worse is your clearly have no idea how financial services work and that in most countries around the world you can pay to open an account. Silly womanBrian *********
@Sa***
maybe it’s just you are horrible. Wow what a nasty comment again.Brian *********
@Sa***
what a horrible comment. People ask for advice and your advice is an insult. Wow bet you feel better for it though.Sarah ******
@Brian ********
nothing horrible about my comment - a simple fact. Would you expect people who come to your country to pay to open a bank account? It's common sense and if people lack that, then they're gullible. Simple.Thaimer ******
@Brian ********
don’t be a snowflakeReply to
Thaimer ******
Reply
Mil *****
It is not at all!!! Don’t do it!
Robert *********
Try Bangkok Bank, immigration prefers them
Phil ********
Throw ฿1,000,000 cash on the counter at the bank and ask them can they look after it for you, and all you want in return is a Debit card and a little book.
Alison *****************
@Phil *******
this worksReply to
Alison *****************
Reply
Sno *******
Nan services
Jan ******************
PM and I will give you an info on an agent in Pattaya who charges 3500 baht and open in Bangkok Bank in 40 minutes without any insurance requirement.
Yev ***********
@Jan *****************
messaged you also.Manzurul ***************
@Jan *****************
pls dmRichard *******
Brandon **********
@Jan *****************
not anymoreVincent *****
@Jan *****************
hi please dm meKirschlee ********
@Jan *****************
hi please send me the details tooCharlie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
just messaged you SirCharlie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
thanks and. Yes please message meReply to
Charlie ***************
Reply
Dylan ********
Walk into a Bangkok Bank branch and speak to the staff, you can open it for free
Sel *****
@Dylan *******
not anymore. I tried a lot of banks. Only when I got my 20 year visa they gave me one.Brandon **********
@Dylan *******
nopeZachariah ********
@Dylan *******
Went to 5 Bangkok bank branches and they all told me no :/ - a year ago they became more much strict. I had luck with K bank with a ton of paperwork.Tim ********
@Zachariah *******
opened account myself in Feb BBK on tourist visaZachariah ********
@Tim *******
That's good, I had to try 11 banks, not even on a tourist visa. They aren't legally allowed to do that anymore they said.Reply to
Zachariah ********
Reply
Phil ******
@Dylan *******
not anymoreReply to
Phil ******
Reply
Shaun *******
My Thai wife and I did it ourselves, it took about 40 minutes.
Ivan *********
@Shaun ******
yes you put the money into her bank account and she gets it out lolzShaun *******
@Ivan ********
no she doesn't, definitely not like that,no walking ATM here. Have a good one.👍🏻Ivan *********
@Shaun ******
pull the other oneReply to
Ivan *********
Reply
Lloyd *********
@Shaun ******
yes, if married to Thai. SCB told me the same, no marry, cannot.
Bangkok Bank no problem
Alison *****************
@Lloyd ********
not correctLloyd *********
@Alison ****************
what's not correct? ElaborateReply to
Lloyd *********
Reply
THAI ******************************
This sounds extremely high unless it includes other services.
Going rate is 5,000 to 10,000 thb.
Going rate is 5,000 to 10,000 thb.
Dave *******
@THAI *****************************
more like 4000k.tops is 5kSoe **************
@THAI *****************************
what type of visa does one must have?Charlie ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER@THAI *****************************
thanks 🙏 🙏 do you have any recommendations for a legal firm to help me in Pattaya ?Gordon ************
@Charlie **************
Tik Tok Services, very reasonableTree *******
@Charlie **************
My husband and I used @Mots *********
in Pattaya to get our visas, bank account, and drivers licenses. Extremely easy and friendly people to work with.Olav *********
@Charlie **************
do itt the easy way and go to the imigration office and they help you.Most of us do and its going good ewen if you misunderstand the first time like l did😇🤣
Frank ******
@Charlie **************
go bangkok.bank Silom HQ with lease and passport , 30 minutes to sign document crazed Thailand and deposit 500 baht into accountStevan ***********
@Charlie **************
try VIP VISA very goodSean ********
@Charlie **************
@Netty ***************
she was greatSno *******
Try nan services or one stop visa
Sno *******
@Charlie **************
going rate is 3500 dont be fooledTHAI ******************************
@Sno ******
We were referring to bangkok, pattaya was not mentioned in the original post.These types of services are cheaper in pattaya, and sometimes can even be done on your own by simply purchasing a small insurance package through the bank.
Reply to
THAI ******************************
Reply
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