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What are the challenges and tips for opening a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa?
Thailand bankingbank account openingtourist visaexpat adviceKasikorn BankBangkok BankKrungsri BankSiam Commercial Bankbank requirements for tourists
May 3, 2022
4 years ago
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTERGuys any advice on account opening with TV?
Kasikorn being difficult
Kasikorn being difficult
TLDR : Answer Summary
This conversation discusses the difficulties expats face when opening bank accounts in Thailand on a tourist visa, particularly with Kasikorn Bank, which many find challenging. Alternatives suggested include Bangkok Bank and Krungsri Bank, which have reportedly been easier for some individuals. Factors such as varying policies between branches and the necessity of requesting features like online banking are highlighted. Additionally, recent changes indicating stricter requirements for tourists regarding minimum stay and immigration letters are mentioned as a concern for future account opening.
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Rob **********
Try Bangkok bank, but honestly any bank will be a hit and miss on a tourist visa, just depends on the bank officer that day, good luck.
Allan *********
Been advised at the end of May 2022 banks will not open accounts for tourist anymore, minimum stay is 30 days and you need a letter from immigration and they may open an account for up to each bank.
Chut ******
TV abbreviate from?
Jose ******
@Yoyo *******
I'm guessing tourist visa?Reply to
Jose ******
Reply
John *****
TiT. Do everything by interlacing them...does this welcome more tourist?
Markus **********
Thailand being difficult
Mark ******
As others have said, in my opinion Bangkok Bank is the most helpful and cooperative. I opened mine in the Sri Racha branch with no hassles.
Оливер *********
The problem with most banks is, they want to sell you an insurance before they'll open an account for you! It took me two days and around six branches! It takes at least 45-60 minutes for each bank to aske this one question, because you have to get a ticket and wait in the queue! After 4 banks I had enough and left it to the next day! In the end, Siam commercial opened one for me without any problems!
Оливер *********
Late march, big c on payatai and sukhomvit, Pattaya!
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Оливер ********
thank you. When and where did you open ?Reply to
James *****
Reply
John **********
I'd recommend Bangkok Bank and if you have a Thai friend who can vouch for you bring them along
Deanna *******
Each branch is different. You can go to one Kasikorn and they say no, while a Kasikorn down the street will say yes. All the banks here do this.
Pro tip: Be sure to request online banking, or otherwise you probably won't get it.
Pro tip: Be sure to request online banking, or otherwise you probably won't get it.
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Deanna ******
I didn’t get past the first question which was where is your WPDeanna *******
@James ****
Yep. We've heard that before. What visa are you on? We had a catch 22. You need a bank account to get a retirement visa, but some of the banks said we need a retirement visa or work permit to get a bank account.
Very frustrating. We finally went to a branch of Kasikorn that would do it for us.
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Deanna ******
TV for now… which branch did you go to?Deanna *******
@James ****
We went to Kasikorn at the big Tesco on Koh Samui in Lamai. We were on TV as well, trying to get the retirement visa.If you're in a high tourist location your chances are better.
My Mom had success with the yellow bank. Krungsri on Samui.
Reply to
Deanna *******
Reply
Mark ********
Krungsri were easy for me.
Garrett ***********
Kasikorn generally is difficult to deal with. Most bangkok banks will open one, some Krungsri will.
Jonas *************
Bangkok bank works. Follow the rules and get the rules they need.
Other banks more difficult, unless possibly you have thai friend w account.
Other banks more difficult, unless possibly you have thai friend w account.
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
my friend open before with TV but today they won’tGarrett ***********
@James ****
I went to a Kasikorn last month to open an account on a covid extension, "it's against the law." Walked next door to bkk bank and they opened one in 5 minutes. I opened my Krungsri a few years ago on a TV no problem in Bangkok. I went last month to open another account with them in CM, wouldn't do it (even though I already have an account with them).It's absurd but it's hit or miss with banks.
James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
which branch did you go for BK bank?Garrett ***********
@James ****
I'm in Chiang Mai right now, opened an account there. Are you in CM?James *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garrett **********
BK nowReply to
James *****
Reply
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