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What are the best banks for expats to open an account in Thailand?
Thai bankingbank account openingforeigners in ThailandBangkok BankKasikorn BankSiam Commercial Bankvisa requirementsexpat resources
Oct 1, 2024
2 years ago
Halder ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAny suggestions for opening bank account in Thailand? Which banks are popular among foreigners?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand can be challenging for foreigners, particularly depending on the type of visa you hold. Popular banks among expats include Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and Siam Commercial Bank. Many recommend using agents to simplify the process, especially for those on tourist visas. Required documents typically include a passport, a certificate of residence, and sometimes, proof of a long-term visa. Experiences have varied, with some finding success easily while others face numerous rejections. Therefore, persistence and exploring different branches are often necessary.
Pelle Erikssonā
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Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.ā
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Robert *********
Any interest in the bus timetable to Pattaya?
Will *********
Bangkok Bank and K-bank are the most likely - BUT in can vary from branch to branch - so if they say no, just try another branch
Pornpatcharanan *************
*Visa 1y Bangkok bank /Kasikorn bank
*Come with tr visa get only Bangkok bank .
š
*Come with tr visa get only Bangkok bank .
š
Sheikh *************
k bank and bangkok bank
Stephen ***********
Bangkok bank is best for farang
Don't open krung thai there app is useless my philippine wife got stuck in Lao on a visa trip when her krung thai app went down very unhelpfull help line useless bank
Don't open krung thai there app is useless my philippine wife got stuck in Lao on a visa trip when her krung thai app went down very unhelpfull help line useless bank
SJ *******
Cant you just use your Billy Boys account?
Anthony ******************
ANZ Austrialian Bank has branches in Thailand
Rok ********
Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn ā¦ if not on a long term visa the opening an account is increasingly impossible without an agent. Especially in BKK.
Ian **********
If you plan on traveling around SE Asiaā¦.United Overseas Bank (UOB) have branchās all through SE Asia.
Otherwise GSB. āGovāt Savings Bankā. They have branches in every small village throughout Thailand, unlike many of the other more mainstream commercial banks.
Iāve been living in Phuket for over the past 26yrs and though I have accounts with other banks, UOB and GSB are my two primary banks.
Otherwise GSB. āGovāt Savings Bankā. They have branches in every small village throughout Thailand, unlike many of the other more mainstream commercial banks.
Iāve been living in Phuket for over the past 26yrs and though I have accounts with other banks, UOB and GSB are my two primary banks.
Bruce ****
@Ian *********
Can I get USB account on just tourist visa?Ian **********
@Bruce ***
Those holding Tourist Visas are not permitted to hold bank accounts in Tāland.Reply to
Ian **********
Reply
Nick *******
Bangkok Bank, but Kasikorn is the easiest.
Scott ********
Bangkok bank
Brian *****************
I had good luck with Pink Bank. Couldnāt get an account with purple blue or green.
Angelo ***********
Bangkok Bank and Krungsri. Just walk from branch to branch. A Thai speaking friend is a plus.
Thomas ******
Bangkok bank is the easiest option
Simon *********
If your in Pattaya use Nan Visa Services she is the best š
Mike *******
There are numerous major banks in Thailand. I use Bangkok Bank. Itās a matter of what you are looking for, what they offer, and if you want a branch close to your location.
Braulio *********
Oh gosh..... not another bank account question..........
Nick *********
I use currently KASIKORNBANK and their online account is easy to use
Randy ******
Can one of you EXPATS legally open a Bank in Thailand for us Farangs to deposit our money in there? Open first branch in BKK, lower Sukhumvitā¦. Just thinking outside the box
Dana *******
Bangkok Bank, but you must shop around. A gentle, humble attitude will make a difference
..
..
George *********
@Dana ******
won't work at bkk bank Banglampoo, near Khao San:)I was turned down there. I succeeded at soi 43 Sukhumvit Bangkok bank
Don *****
@George ********
***************************************************************************
Reply to
Don *****
Reply
Chris *********************
Depending on what visa you have kasakorn green bank
Darren ******
Bkk bank , allows a good amount via wise too.
Dan *************
Bangkok Bank
George *********
@Dan ************
I concurAndy ********
@George ********
I've posted this question recently too and tm reading your replies , I'll have to try soi 43 branch... The agents want up to 20k baht lol. Do you think I could get one at your branch with visa exemption? Problem is I'll be in a hotel too...George *********
@Andy *******
they might want a certificate of residance.On their website it states contact the bank. It's a fairly new requirement
Andy ********
@George ********
thanks, on my next visit at the end of the month I'll walk in asoke and soi 43 branchs to checkReply to
Andy ********
Reply
Brian *******
bangkok bank. location in new york city. pretty helpful when the thai bank employees dont speak english they can help you
Michael ********
I opened up Kasikorn account at a small store branch office in Khon Kaen with my wife doing all the talking. Deposited 1000 BHT with no issues. Had to provide a paper from immigration to certify my address and passport. I think the gal thought I was opening it up for a marriage visa. Anyhow the biggest problem was that she wanted to sign my name exactly the same on every document.
Michael **********
I just opened a bank account with bangkok bank on a tourist visa
Michael **********
Medical 6 thousand bht
Jason ******
@Michael *********
what sort of Insurance is it ,if you already have medical and accident insurance,do you need to buy there's ?
Reply to
Jason ******
Reply
Michael **********
Cost 16 thousand bht included insurance and agent fee
Jason ******
@Michael *********
what is the insurance for ,medical ?and how much ?Reply to
Jason ******
Reply
Michael **********
Yes on a tourist visa
Michael **********
In khon kaen
Bruce ****
@Michael *********
did u open it in Bangkok or other location? I'm on tourist visa in CMJustin ******
Michael Sciclunawhich branch did you use? On the visa exemption scheme? Thanks
Michael **********
@Justin *****
it was in khon kaen hasta la visaReply to
Michael **********
Reply
John-Paul ******
Bangkok bank.
Sarel ******
Krungthai Bank
Krungsri Bank
Krungsri Bank
Steven **********
Bangkok bank
George *********
So many guys supporting agents. why?
Kim *********
@George ********
because it is nearly impossible for many people depending on the visa or no visa. Should be easy to understand. Look at the many posts from people who was denied and maybe you will understandGeorge *********
@Kim ********
do you refer people to agents? I can understand that goalposts move all the time.But trial and error will succeed.
I was turned down at Banglampoo Bangkok bank but succeeded on Sukhumvit Bangkok bank.
If looking for a retirement extension a guy will have plenty of time to traipse the tourist areas
Kim *********
@George ********
I don't refer anyone. I tell it is quite easy with proof of residence with the purpose of opening a bank account (last year - they may have tightened the rules since then)George *********
@Kim ********
but I see many guys proposing an agent when the subject comes up.I have NEVER used an agent in 18 years. I can understand guys may not have the funds..or the usual suspect will say it's cheaper to keep your money in UK or wherever and that interest will meet the agents fee + a bit left over.
The word 'agent' always appears in this forum. Surely the OP's know this already?
Reply to
George *********
Reply
Nadeem *********
Krung thai
Ivan *********
Only one bank of Bangkok
Steve ************
I have had a Bangkok Bank account for many years and wanted a 2nd account, one for immigration purposes and one for everyday spending, despite being a customer for many years they refused me. I walked into a Siam Commercial Bank in my local Lotusās and opened a new account within about 30 mins, no problems and I have a very damaged passport. It is very much luck of the drawer and patience is needed.
Bob *******
Bangkok Bank
Jeffrey ************
Kasikorn.
Paul *************
They transferred our Citi accounts to UOB. We used it in Japan and Singapore. If you travel worth considering
Shin *******
I went to TTB but only in Bangkok glad to there maybe others.
Peter ******
We use Bank of Bangkok. Never had any problems
ąøąø°ąø„ąø²ąøŖąøµ *****
Simple, use Bangkok Bank and pay an agent to do it for you, if you are on a tourist visa. If you're on a long-stay visa (e.g. OA, O, Elite, DTL, etc) then just go to the bank with your passport.
George *********
@ąøąø°ąø„ąø²ąøŖąøµ ****
don't need an agentąøąø°ąø„ąø²ąøŖąøµ *****
@George ********
I'm going to assume that you got lucky while you were on your tourist visa and you were able to get a bank account without the need to go to several banks...correct? Well, you are not the norm. Time and time again I've seen posts in this group and in other groups where people talk about having been turned down at multiple banks, when trying to open an account on a tourist visa. Personally, I'd much rather drop ąøæ3K and know I'm going to walk away with an open account, than bounce from bank to bank to bank, hoping I might get an account but hey, that's just me.George *********
@ąøąø°ąø„ąø²ąøŖąøµ ****
you are wrong in your assumption. However I don't have time to discussReply to
George *********
Reply
David **********
Bangkok bank do not use kasikorn bank it is criminal
Dave *********
@David *********
Why?David **********
@Dave ********
they received 5000 from my bank said they never received and kept the money it has been 1 month and the money was never deposited into my accountDave *********
@David *********
Always found them very good.David **********
@Dave ********
I didn't someone else said they kept her money for 3 weeks then returned it but I never got mine backReply to
David **********
Reply
Joachim ************
...auch fĆ¼r o,o cm MachetenlƤnge ? ...oder wurde das nicht abgefragt..
Grant ***********
Bangkok bank been good
Cameron *******
Difficulty of opening an account depends on the type of visa. With a retirement visa took several different banks and multiple trips to accomplish. Just be persistent
Simon *******
I tried to open an account in Bangkok Bank and failed used an agent got the account sorted easily without any problem
Bruce ****
@Simon ******
which agent did u use ... and where ?George *********
@Simon ******
don't need an agent. Go to suk 43 in BangkokKim *********
@George ********
quite stupid to go to Bangkok if you live a long way from that. The waste of time - the cost of plane tickets - the hotel reservation etc etc - you really think that's a good idea?? I opened an account in BKK and had to pay an unnecessary insurance - cost me 5000 baht. That was some years ago and had I used an agent it would have been cheaper then. Your angry emoji is absurdGeorge *********
@Kim ********
really?Kim *********
@George ********
yes šReply to
Kim *********
Reply
Simon *******
@George ********
tried Elton get bank account in Ban phe Bangkok bank filled in all the paperwork the bank workers were very helpful right at the end computer said no had to have 60 days left on my visa,as I had a 60 day multiple entry tourist visa I would of had to do a visa run and open the bank account on the same day.Reply to
Simon *******
Reply
Peter *******
If you are on a tourist visa your choices are Bangkok Bank only
David *******
@Brandon ***********
yeah I don't doubt that. š. I think even back then I was lucky to get it open. Pretty sure she did it outta pity on the 5th trip š. As I said , now I would get an ed visa . Boxing / self defense classes , language . WhateverBruce ****
@David ******
boxing ED ? I've seen self-def and Muay Thai ED ... is there ED visa for boxing?Reply to
Bruce ****
Reply
Bruce ****
@Peter ******
I'm on tourist visa ... in chiang mai .... do I need go to Bangkok or any / closest branch ?Peter *******
@Bruce ***
use an agent where you liveBruce ****
yes if unsuccessful ill look for local agent in CM. Any recommendations?
Reply to
Bruce ****
Reply
David *******
@Bruce ***
I managed it at bkk bank near Saturday night market Chiang Mai on a tourist visa couple years ago . Took a lot of persistence , like 5 visits ... If I had to do it again i would get an ed visa or pay an agent .. tbhBruce ****
@David ******
oh ok there are a few branches in CM I'll try other branches firstBrandon ************
@David ******
things now are very different from a couple of years agoReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Manuel *********
Kbank is by far the best
Glenn ********
@Manuel ********
yes but not opening any more new accounts for foreignsManuel *********
@Glenn *******
lol not true. Bring the correct documents they are happily opening it for you.Glenn ********
@Manuel ********
yes but not in Pattaya, have tried Jomtien and Central MarinaManuel *********
@Glenn *******
what is the reason they say no to you ? What document are you missingGlenn ********
@Manuel ********
they don't open new accounts any more to foriengerManuel *********
@Glenn *******
whatās the reason ?Manuel *********
@Glenn *******
just tested as I needed another account went in central Rama 9 kbank passport work permit and took less then 10 minGlenn ********
@Manuel ********
what branch and what visa do they prefer?Manuel *********
@Glenn *******
central Rama 9 i open there 3x with Kbank. Long stay / nonimmi b/ib + with work permitReply to
Manuel *********
Reply
Nicholas ******
I just used mot services
Bruce ****
@Nicholas *****
do u have a tourist visa or Ed visa ?Nicholas ******
@Bruce ***
I use mot services for everything bank account and driving licence visasBruce ****
@Nicholas *****
ok cool I saw their website. I'm staying in Chiang Mai but if I can't find someone up here I'll travel to Pattaya. Thanks alot_____________________________
Reply to
Bruce ****
Reply
Peter *********
Can someone recommend a bank / Agent in Korat
Anthony ******************
Krubgsri. They are great
Michael ********
Bangkok Bank is the only international bank.
Rainy ****
Anybody has any luck with opening bank account in Bangkok with ED visa from language school?
Michael ********
Bangkok Bank in Pattaya..cost 5300 bahts using an agent.
Bruce ****
@Michael *******
Iquestion: is 5300 baht how much u paid the agent or how.much u needed to deposit in bank?
Michael ********
@Bruce ***
1250 Bahts was deposited in your bank account. I think most of that money goes to the bank in our case the Bangkok Bank but they give you Insurance for 12 months.Think we paid 500 or 1000 Bahts to the agent
Bruce ****
@Michael *******
ok great thanksReply to
Bruce ****
Reply
Chris ********
I used an agent in Pattaya to open an account at Bangkok Bank. I needed a passport, my Airbnb rental agreement (one month rental), and a copy of my us drivers license. I gave the agent a copy of my documents on a Monday. The agent set up an appointment for me at the bank the next morning. Someone from the agency accompanied me to the appointment the next morning and facilitated.
Gilles ******
@Chris *******
how much you paidChris ********
@Gil***
, I think I paid about 8,000 bht.Reply to
Chris ********
Reply
Neil *********
@Chris *******
how long ago was thatChris ********
@Ne**
, August of this year.Reply to
Chris ********
Reply
Chris ********
I was a simple 30 day tourist. But, I had more than 30 left on my visa stamp though. I used Elite Visa in Phratumnak.
Bruce ****
@Chris *******
ok thank youReply to
Bruce ****
Reply
Bruce ****
@Chris *******
Question -- Chrisare u here on Tourist visa or Ed visa, other?
Which agent did u use in Pattaya ?
Reply to
Bruce ****
Reply
Dave ********
Not everyone takes Bangkok Bank debit card
Kim *********
@Dave *******
yes that's annoying - I don't have that problem with Krungsri - very strangeDave ********
@Kim ********
And you never know until you go to use it. Like at 7-11. Thatās really annoying.Reply to
Dave ********
Reply
Roy ********
Bangkok Bank
Corrine ******
What documents are needed to open account as a foreigner?
Halder ********
ORIGINAL POSTERwhat is the certificate of residence? TM 308? and dose 1 year visa count as long-term visa?
Tai **********
@Halder *******
no TM30 is not a certificate. 12 months should be enough, but Iāve had problems with my 12 months ED visa. Depends what visa youāre on.Reply to
Tai **********
Reply
Carsten ************
@Corrine *****
Certificate of Residence from Immigration and Passport with longterm visa.Reply to
Carsten ************
Reply
Mark **********
I went to Bangkok bank in udon Thani. Had no problems
Bruce ****
@Mark *********
question do u have tourist visit or Ed visa?Mark **********
@Bruce ***
tourist at the timeBruce ****
@Mark *********
Thank you.Reply to
Bruce ****
Reply
Mark ********
I've got 2. Krungsri and Bangkok Bank. I find them both same same.
Kim *********
@Mark *******
same same unless you have antivirusprogram on your phone. Then I have to stop Kaspersky and Malwarebytes before I can open BKK and I have to stop my vpn before I can open Krungsri - annoying to say the leastMark ********
@Kim ********
Yeah same šKim *********
@Mark *******
ahh with one stop antivirusprograms with the other disconnect vpn - not quite the same but close š
Reply to
Kim *********
Reply
Marcels *********
bangkok bank
Boran *****
Kasikorn for me seems very easy
Bruce ****
@Boran ****
I recently applied but was rejected at Kasikorn in Chiang Mai ..... using tourist visa. They said need ED or retirement or long term visa or married to Thai___________________________
Gilles ******
@Bruce ***
have you tried with long term rental house or condo?Boran *****
@Bruce ***
Yep itās the tourist visa.Reply to
Boran *****
Reply
Aake **********
It's not so easy to just open a bank account these days. Do you have a visa
Steven **********
@Aake *********
u donāt need visa easy to open company that did it for me u have to pay themAake **********
@Steven *********
Ok dreamer with a huge wallet. Forget all your weird ideasSteven **********
@Aake *********
bell end šReply to
Steven **********
Reply
Jo **********
SCB is very internationaal and the app is extremely clear and user very friendly.
Graham ******
One thing to consider is the 50,000B International Transfer Limit.
The limit of 50,000 Baht in international transfers is ONLY for people who use WISE to transfer the money and ONLY for people using a bank OTHER THAN Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank or Kasikorn Bank. Consider these three banks first (I have Kasikorn).
The limit of 50,000 Baht in international transfers is ONLY for people who use WISE to transfer the money and ONLY for people using a bank OTHER THAN Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial Bank or Kasikorn Bank. Consider these three banks first (I have Kasikorn).
Herbert *******
@Graham *****
I transfered every Month around 68.000 Baht to BKK Bank.Kim *********
@George ********
quite a stupid angry emoji you used. Depending on visa or no visa it can be nearly impossible to open an account without an agentGeorge *********
@Kim ********
I did. Soi 43 Suk Bangkok bank.I am angry cos people try to refer naive people to agents.
Did you get your visa without an agent?
Kim *********
@George ********
ha ha never used an agent for a visa or anything else. But for some an agent is much easier or the only option regarding a bank accountGeorge *********
@Kim ********
true, for those who can't meet the requirementsJames *********
@George ********
or the mental capacityGeorge *********
@James ********
555. Hit the nail on the headJames *********
@George ********
but maybe have the money and just don't want to deal with it. I know several who have gobs of money, talent, and brains, but simply don't want to deal with it, simple as it is. They know it's not brain surgery, but would rather delegate the task.Reply to
James *********
Reply
Kim *********
@Graham *****
no not only Wise - Remitly is even worse. They stick to the 49.999 limit even for BKKStuart **********
Kim *********
@Stuart *********
yes and Thai rules as I understand - not wise remitly and others rulesReply to
Kim *********
Reply
Jim ********
@Graham *****
Iāve used ļæ¼Wise to transfer $5000 USD to Kasikorn several times.Graham ******
@Jim *******
That's because you can, it is one of the three without the limitFra *****
@Graham *****
I knowReply to
Fra *****
Reply
Fra *****
@Jim *******
I just transferred *****
0 baht with wise to Bkk bankGraham ******
@Fra ****
That's because you can, it is one of the three without the limitJim ********
@Fra ****
yeah Iām not sure if this 50K Baht limit is a restriction for all accounts/banks. Seems low!Reply to
Jim ********
Reply
Christopher ********
Use an agent. They will do everything for you because it's not easy for you to do yourself. Most foreigners use Bank of Bangkok.
George *********
@Christopher *******
easy to do. Use Bangkok bank soi 43 SukDon *****
@George ********
I went to this bank and they did not allowGeorge *********
Don *****
@George ********
I did. Wife, child or investment is the only way on a tourist visaReply to
Don *****
Reply
Don *****
@George ********
thank you sirDon *****
@George ********
can you post a Google maps linkGeorge *********
@Don ****
Here you are Don. Nearest BTS is prom pong but still a 10 minute walkReply to
George *********
Reply
Anthony ******************
@Christopher *******
it is not that hard main thing is letter from immigration.Bruce ****
Fra *****
@Bruce ***
usually as tourist you have no Visa , you need one of the many Visas but you not can open if you only a tourist stamped for 60 daysAnthony ******************
@Bruce ***
you need a letter of Resudency issued by immigration. Ask at the bank. They will tell you. What the requirements are.Reply to
Anthony ******************
Reply
Alexandre *********
@Christopher *******
you mean Bangkok Bank. There are other banks that are as popular as BBL: Kasikorn, SCB, TMB are good examples (especially outside of the Bangkok area). UOB is also very popular as it is singaporian with branches in the region.Not sure what an agent will do for you.
Just go to the bank with your passport.
If you donāt speak thai, choose a large branch as they probably have someone speaking english + experience in dealing with foreigners.
You might be able to open an account without a resident visa in a few branches in tourist areas and/or largest branches.
Fra *****
@Alexandre ********
ne careful there are only 3 Banks witch allow you to Transfer a higher amount from Europe or UK , one is Bangkok Bank , the other 2 you have to googleFra *****
@Alexandre ********
first of all you need a visa, than the address confirmation, after go to immigration, tell them your plans , also maybe driverlisense! Last step go to Bank šChristopher ********
@Alexandre ********
An agent gathers all the documents and prepares them for you. You literally give them your passport and they will do it all. Pretty simple.Reply to
Christopher ********
Reply
Fra *****
@Christopher *******
Bank of Bangkok, do it by yourself itās very easyFra *****
First you need a permanent address confirmation, with this you and your Visa you go to immigration, they make some pictures and give you the form ( they help to fill out) after I got this document I went to bank , takes some signatures! In total it took me around 2 hours
Gilles ******
@Fra ****
what wisa, on a 60 days free entry Can you open a bank account...Reply to
Gilles ******
Reply
Fra *****
2 hours in total, but feel free if you want spent money for an agent up to you, in my eyes lost of money
Christopher ********
@Fra ****
depends on if you know how to get the right forms etc and want to do all that running around.Samuel ********
@Christopher *******
"What do you mean by 'all that running around'? I just opened a second account recently. I hopped in the car, drove to the bank, waited 20 minutes for a walk-in appointment, and had the account set up within 25 minutes after showing two documents.Fra *****
@Christopher *******
itās one Form , and Immigration will help you on thatDon *****
@Fra ****
how? I went to bank yesterday and they had the rules written on a sign. I want to open an account on a DTV visaReply to
Don *****
Reply
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