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What are the challenges expats face when trying to open a bank account in Thailand?
Banking in ThailandExpats in ThailandVisa and ImmigrationWise AppGovernment Savings BankKasikorn BankKrungsri BankMobile Banking AccessTransfer IssuesExpat Experiences
Dec 11, 2025
5 months ago
Steven ********
ORIGINAL POSTERStill trying to obtain bank account. Was able to open account with GSB (Government Savings Bank) but found out today that there will be a problem transferring from USA bank with Wise app. They also told me when I opened the account that I couldn’t access their mobile banking app to check deposits, balances, etc because I wasn’t a Thai citizen but I could check at ATM. I asked about mobile banking website and they said yes. Today they said website was no longer supported. Went to Krungsri bank and they couldn’t get their scanner to read chip in my 2 month old passport. They also said I couldn’t use their mobile app or their banking website because they aren’t available to anyone over 70 (seriously??). They didn’t even answer my questions about Wise transfers and annual reporting. Going to try different branch of Kasikorn with my immigration residence certificate in hand and my wife not after being rejected because she wasn’t able to exactly sign documents the same due to dementia. Does any of this crap get easier??
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges faced by an expat in Thailand while trying to open a bank account. The individual initially opened an account with the Government Savings Bank (GSB), only to encounter issues with transferring funds from a U.S. bank using the Wise app and difficulties accessing mobile banking features due to non-citizenship status. They also visited Krungsri Bank, where they faced issues with their passport and the bank's restrictions for those over 70. The post highlights frustrations with the banking process for expats and the need for better support.
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Steven ********
ORIGINAL POSTERLive in Lum Lam Chi.
Steven ********
ORIGINAL POSTERChaiyaphum area. Will try Chatturat tomorrow.
John **********
That bank is supposed by wise, up to 500k per transaction. You could also just do a swift transfer from one bank to the other
Paul ********
Sorry your still having problems, still don't understand why your wife has to sign anything mine didn't, good luck with k,bank,
Paul ********
@Steven *******
where abouts are you trying, I love in the country side and I did think it would be harder but it was very easy in the end,Steven ********
ORIGINAL POSTEROne commenter on previous post said he tried 11 different banks before he secured an account. Hopefully I won’t have that experience.
Reply to
Steven ********
Reply
Sylvia ********
The account must be in your name only I for immigration so no need for wife to sign
Sylvia ********
It is correct if over 70 many apps we cannot use, too many people getting scammed
Vladislav *************
@Sylvia *******
wow, its so dumb."we cant protect you, so we will restrict service for you. its for your security and convenience ka!"
Sylvia ********
@Vladislav ************
it applies to all nationalities including the locals. Unfortunately scams are a big issue here and manpower plus police time involved has created this inconvenience for usVladislav *************
@Sylvia *******
the ones who introduce inconveniences are not scammers, but authorities/managers that are unable to handle it better that "restrict everything we cant control directly", e.g. "restrict 100% customers to prevent 2% scams".Reply to
Vladislav *************
Reply
Giraffe *********
Deposit from wise to Kasikorn 5 seconds
Wayne *********
I didnt take the wife and it was very easy at Bangkok Bank Seacon Square.
Osian ********
Get over to kasikorn mate, they are brilliant
Steven ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAfter returning to immigration for new residency certificate that’s where I’m going. And why in the hell do they enter specific bank names on that document? Leave it open so you can use the same document until you find a bank that provides what you need.
Derek *****
agreed - I’ve never understood this. And why the hell do they have different letters for drivers license, buying a car or bike, etc. can’t they just say I live somewhere and here is the address. It should be valid for any purpose. Ridiculous
Reply to
Derek *****
Reply
Wannikea *********
GSB is supported by Wise, maximum transfer is 500K per transaction.
Peter ****************
Well, there in an app. I would just dowload it and fill in y'r credentials to try. A "no" you have already.
Steven ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI’m only relaying what the customer service agent who spoke English told me.
Wannikea *********
@Steven *******
What organizations customer service agent?Steven ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGSB. I was in the Ban Khwao branch and the bank employee called their customer service number and handed me the phone with a lady who spoke English told
Wannikea *********
@Steven *******
makes absolutely no sense. How can any Bank tell you that they can't accept fund transfers into the bank? This is something done billions of times per day around the world.Ivan ************
@Wannikea ********
the issue could be that they don't come in as international and so wouldn't be accepted by immigration. AFAIK GSB isn't a direct Wise partner so they will *never* come in as international there. You can get documentation from the bank they come through in this case but that might have been what they were trying to explain.Wannikea *********
@Ivan ***********
that's only for monthly income method non O retirement, which wasn't mentioned.Jo **********
@Wannikea ********
it’s the government savings bank.Steven ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI don’t know what you want me to say. The lady said she couldn’t tell me if Wise was connected to their system. I’m sure there must be other options but she pretty much cut it off there.
Vladislav *************
@Steven *******
if i were you i'd ask for swift details for your account, and thats itReply to
Vladislav *************
Reply
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