Any suggestions for opening bank account in Thailand? Which banks are popular among foreigners?
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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.
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
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
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.
Those holding Tourist Visas are not permitted to hold bank accounts in Tāland.
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Ian **********
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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
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...
thanks, on my next visit at the end of the month I'll walk in asoke and soi 43 branchs to check
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Andy ********
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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
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 understand
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)
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?
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.
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.
I didn't someone else said they kept her money for 3 weeks then returned it but I never got mine back
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David **********
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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
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 absurd
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.
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Simon *******
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Peter *******
If you are on a tourist visa your choices are Bangkok Bank only
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 . Whatever
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 .. tbh
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.
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.
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 least
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
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).
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.
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.
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 š
Bank of Bangkok, do it by yourself itās very easy
Fra *****
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
"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.