What are the best options for opening a bank account in Chiang Rai as a Non-B visa holder?

@Dennis ********

No, no issues so far. Immigration know us well. No problems. Just a major problem getting an individual account. 🙈 I've got lots of good advice now so have a way forward.

@Ivano ********************

thank you.

@Terary *********

Ok thanks for sharing your experience. I do think it's just the branch. I will try another one this week and see if I can get better service. It really shouldn't take months.

@Wayne *****

I am doing it directly with the bank. I know there are restrictions on some things. Foreigner accounts can't access certain bank priviledges. We just tried to take cash out of the money machine without a card, the scan wouldn't work. Things like that can be a pain, but to buy using Scan To Pay works just fine.

@Frank-Steven **********

I suspect you did not open it at Central Chiang Rai branch then. Because if you did, you'd be waiting a long time ...

@Sashy *******

Lucky you. We had to sign all the account forms - there's at least 8 signatures required. It's ridiculous.

Is your bank Bangkok Bank? I already have an account with them. I'm not a stranger. I have all the necessary paperwork, long term Non B, accommodation lease agreement, other forms of ID, proof of address, utility bills ... I have it all. They just seem to have trouble opening a separate account for myself and my partner. I know it sounds ridiculous, because it is.

@Bart *************

Thanks. In Chiang Rai? I filled in the paperwork three weeks ago. Still waiting ... I know if I go back to follow up they'll be going down the long winded path of "oh we can't find it in the system, let's do it again!" 25 signatures later.... I really don't want to do that again.

@Ally ***********

Thank you - yes I agree, that's why I am asking which branch people have gone to. Honestly, it's such a ridiculous waste of time. There is nothing complicated about this request. They know us, they've seen our transactions for over a year. We're very active customers. I just want my own account. I have all the paperwork. It just seems near impossible .... and utterly ridiculous. I am dealing with Bangkok Bank in Central Chiang Rai. Maybe I just go to one in the city instead and try my luck there.

In answer to your other question, I went with my partner to open his separate account. We had all the appropriate paperwork. He filled in everything as requested. They said it was fine and would confirm in a week. But the following week went by and nothing ... so he went back in to follow up. Had to apply again ... waited another week, and nothing ... went back in ... then he finally got the blue bank account book but had to press on for internet banking ... this process of following them up repeatedly went on near three months ... Clearly we're working with the wrong branch.

@Jim *****

thank you. Banks seem to be different in the various cities. You're not in Chiang Rai are you by chance?

@Phil *****

I don't believe we've met. I have banked with Bangkok Bank since Jan 2023. It's a joint account with my partner. I simply want one of my own. I've already said I have a Non B visa and have a work permit. There is no secret story. Which branch do you go to in order open these 4 accounts?

@Joe ******

I have several off shore accounts. I want a separate account in Thailand.