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What are the current requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner?
Thai banking rulesNon-O visabank account requirementsforeigners in ThailandID requirementsKasikorn BankBangkok BankCertificate of Residencefinancial regulationsexpat living in Thailandvisa types
Apr 26, 2026
4 days ago
Roger *********
ORIGINAL POSTEROpen Thai Bank account
Back in the good old pre-digital everything days I've had bank accounts with Thai Farmer and Bangkok bank, both not a bother. Ì returned couple times last year after 6 years absence due to covid and subsequent price increases, met a sweetheart in March last year and we rented an apartment and spent 5 months together in total, returned Feb this year, got married in March, now I'm busted flat back in Blighty but no wukas I got some bikes to sell but it may be quite a while before I have the dinero to get back but never mind.
What I want to determine is when I come on the 90 Non 'O' and go to open a bank account which as yet ì haven't decided which one but Bangkok's out because they screwed me before, but what's all this shit about showing a Brit driver's license? I didn't renew back in February because of failing eyesight so don't ride/drive anymore, in Thailand I ride pillion on back of the Missus and fight a losing battle trying to educate her how to ride to live lol 😆
I do still keep my expired license just for ID but no way will be applying for a Thai one. Appreciate any info 👍
Back in the good old pre-digital everything days I've had bank accounts with Thai Farmer and Bangkok bank, both not a bother. Ì returned couple times last year after 6 years absence due to covid and subsequent price increases, met a sweetheart in March last year and we rented an apartment and spent 5 months together in total, returned Feb this year, got married in March, now I'm busted flat back in Blighty but no wukas I got some bikes to sell but it may be quite a while before I have the dinero to get back but never mind.
What I want to determine is when I come on the 90 Non 'O' and go to open a bank account which as yet ì haven't decided which one but Bangkok's out because they screwed me before, but what's all this shit about showing a Brit driver's license? I didn't renew back in February because of failing eyesight so don't ride/drive anymore, in Thailand I ride pillion on back of the Missus and fight a losing battle trying to educate her how to ride to live lol 😆
I do still keep my expired license just for ID but no way will be applying for a Thai one. Appreciate any info 👍
TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand has become increasingly complicated for foreigners. Generally, banks now require at least two forms of ID, typically including a passport and an additional form of identification from your home country, often a driver's license. However, issues arise as many expats, like the original poster (OP), may not hold a valid driving license due to changes in their personal circumstances. There are reports that banks like Kasikorn have implemented stricter policies, sometimes asking for additional documents such as a Certificate of Residence, which can necessitate proving your living address in Thailand. While some users suggest that certain banks do not require a driver's license, experiences vary widely by branch and bank, leading to confusion and frustration among expats.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Robert ********
I have lived in thailand on a O retirement visa since 2012, own my house on my wifes land , have a bangkok bank account with heaps . yesterday I tried to open a new joint account with my wife at the acriculture farmers bank and also the government bank , she has accounts at both near our house, will cut the story short, had all papers they wanted and more , but then they wanted more , I was treated like a leper ,my birth certificate , my address in australia, have not lived in australia since 2010 and a yellow book, told them to shove there account, then tried to get a yellow book, that is even harder, the ampher was not helping at all .Thailand does not want ferangs in thailand , it is so hard to do any thing now and they are making it as hard as possible , thailand for some reason has made everything harder, , immigration will be next , I am sure that it is a crack down on all the corupt dealers that have been operateing for years ,ps in 2012 the bb manager opened my account personately ,could not do enough for me , now your lucky if they let you in the door , then you wait for hours what has happened !
Roger *********
ORIGINAL POSTERRobert Strutt Hey Cobber I've been saying the exact same thing to my mates this past 12 months, Thailand generally appear to be making everything as difficult as possible for the farang, just as you say, bottom line is they want to screw all the money they can from us but at the same time they'd rather we weren't here, thought years ago I'd spend my last years in the Kingdom but having second thoughts now the way things are 👎
Robert ********
Roger Scarlet ya its still good here, you just have to make sure that your life is fiancially secure , like you I beleive that they are after the scammers , it is easy but there stupid culture the way they do things is irritateing
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Robert ********
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Roger *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks dude, good advice 👍
Med *****
I just changed from Bangkok Bank to Krungthai bank. They never asked for 2 IDs and also said they don't support accounts for marriage. I explained I already have an account with you and now I want to open an fixed account. Sorry Sir cannot do we don't support marriage visa . I proceed to ask for the manager and after showing him every document I carry in my folder. Pink ID. Tabien Ban, Passport, Visa, and Krungthai passbook. The manager agreed to let me open an account as long as I fo kor la 15 25 or something from the Amphur to show I live at the address still. I you have a Thai sim card the shop takes your picture and registers you.
Ken ***********
Didn't see anybody mention a residence permit from immigration to open a bank account.
Johanthony *********
You’re lucky mate,I tried to open an account with the local Thai farmers bank and was informed,Firstly ,I was not a farmer and secondly as I was not Thai I couldn’t open an account
Charlie ********
I set up with kasikorn on business visa and work permit last Thursday with kasicorn. Very easy show passport with visa, wp if applicable and another id or whatever kind. The only weird thing is they used the address on my uk driving licence
Roger *********
ORIGINAL POSTERCharlie Dorney TIT LOL 😆
Ken ***********
Charlie Dorney they only asked for passport and residence permit at kasikorn bank.
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Ken ***********
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Andy ********
It's not specifically a driving licence it just requires a secondary photo identification on top of your passport.
Dennis *********
Expired license is worthless. One thing to do is go turn that in for a government valid ID card.
If you're good with following instructions can do everything in Thailand yourself, otherwise maybe consider using an agent.
If you're good with following instructions can do everything in Thailand yourself, otherwise maybe consider using an agent.
Daniel *****************
Kasikorn wanted my UK licence on Saturday just passed
*****
. Then they realised I was using an Irish passport. So they took my Thai Drivers. I needed: Irish Passport, Irish Citizen Document (like birth cert with picture) Marriage Cert, Wife's ID, Blue book for the house and aforementioned Thai Drivers. They want proof of address in your home country. I left 20+ years ago but my Irish Citizen document has my old Hong Kong Address so it was fine. The driver license is probably for that address purpose. Took about 25 minutes start to finish at the Phuket Central Festival Branch.Claire *******
Daniel Thomas Herlihy
Daniel *****************
Claire Healy ? Irish name not very Irish, speak some Afrikaans though.
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Daniel *****************
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Roger *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDaniel Thomas Herlihy We know most of it is bollocks but it is what it is 🤪🤑
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Roger *********
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JiPé **********
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8?fbclid=IwZnRzaARbrNdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeThAPyigdMq43RDvGwUNXJM4tOTUIOKTFuFwPdBCVJGSm_qrMqzhpBh0om-c_aem_VgpYie5odrEpYc3n6zSIVQMalcolm **********
In my experience I would recommend Kasikorn bank as I've had 4 accounts with them over the last 14 years and apart from 1 less than helpful branch they have been excellent The last time I opened an account was 3 years ago and I don't think there have been major changes so here's what I needed. First you need a residency certificate from immigration and for that you may need a 'fixed' address so either a lease or letter from a hotel stating you are staing for several months. You will also need your passport for ID and finally your phone if you want to use the app but the SIM/contract must be in your name. I have no idea what the UK driver's license is all about.
Philip ***********
Malcolm Whitlock kasikorn changed their rules in February. Passport and one other id from home country
Malcolm **********
Philip Lipscombe Thanks for the update, would be a problem for me as I've been here 14 years and have no ID from UK except passport
Philip ***********
Malcolm Whitlock my licence in NZ has expired but they accept a birth certificate
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Philip ***********
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Joanna *******
Malcolm Whitlock The official line from Kasikorn is that you need a government issued id from your home country as well as your passport. The UK does not have ID cards so driving license is pretty much all that is left. There is no mention of whether they will accept an expired license, and of course if you are in Thailand permanently you can't renew your UK license. Finally, if you don't drive you don't get to open an account, end of.
Malcolm **********
Why is a passport not a government issued ID, it's what I and all of my friends have used so is this a new thing that's come out in about the last year or are some people trying to open accounts without passports. Maybe if you want to open an account then take the documents that we know are needed (residency certificate & Passport) and if they ask for a UK driver's license say that you don't drive so what else will they accept.
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Malcolm **********
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Jonathan *************
"wukas"???
Michelle *********
What I hear is you have not been here in a long time. Everything has updated in Thailand and you are struggling to adjust to the updated ways of doing things.
Philip ********
Been at Kasikorn for 8 years and never wanted my driving license, just passport, they're not interested in yellow book so dont bother its a shitty process and really waste of time.
Kerry ******
I call BS.
I've NEVER had to show a driver's license from "back home" to open a bank account.
You NEED a Certificate of Residence and your passport and THAT is it.
And you do NOT need a "home country" driver's license to apply for a Certificate of Residence either.
But you DO need a PROPER address. And PROOF you actually live there (lease/rental agreement, utility bills in your name, your name in the "house book", etc, etc).
The ONLY reason you MIGHT need to show your (home country) driver's license would be if you were trying to rent a vehicle or hoping that the DLT would ignore their own rules and just "give" you a Thai license (which used to happen in the days before Thaksin was ousted as PM - if you had a VALID driver's license from "back home" - some DLT offices would issue you an equivalent Thai license without having to do any tests).
And I've been dealing with Bangkok Bank since 2004 and NEVER had a problem with them. Then again, I've never tried scamming them either.
I've NEVER had to show a driver's license from "back home" to open a bank account.
You NEED a Certificate of Residence and your passport and THAT is it.
And you do NOT need a "home country" driver's license to apply for a Certificate of Residence either.
But you DO need a PROPER address. And PROOF you actually live there (lease/rental agreement, utility bills in your name, your name in the "house book", etc, etc).
The ONLY reason you MIGHT need to show your (home country) driver's license would be if you were trying to rent a vehicle or hoping that the DLT would ignore their own rules and just "give" you a Thai license (which used to happen in the days before Thaksin was ousted as PM - if you had a VALID driver's license from "back home" - some DLT offices would issue you an equivalent Thai license without having to do any tests).
And I've been dealing with Bangkok Bank since 2004 and NEVER had a problem with them. Then again, I've never tried scamming them either.
Mike *******
Kerry Dunn I'm on an OA Visa about 8 months ago Bangkok Bank froze my account and I had to show my Colorado USA ID to open it back up again
Brandon ************
Kerry Dunn it's a new requirement for Kasikorn. A second photo ID (in addition to your passport) from your home country. No other bank is requiring it at the moment.
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Brandon ************
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Jimmy *********
You need a Thai Address, so Yellow Book or work permit.
Joe *********
Jimmy Tuffrey nah you can get proof of address from immigration.
Johanthony *********
Joe Kallman correct
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Johanthony *********
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Graeme *******
So I'm guessing you are back in the UK how are you going to open.a bank account if broke.
Reiner ************
Well then good Luck ALL has changed …. You will not able to open a new bank account.. the Bank rules have changed dramatically! Go to Kasik and ask what to do … then you will see how it works now
Steve ***************
I also have failing eyesight (macula degeneration), and had no problem opening two Thai bank accounts recently with my expired drivers license. It's only the photo that goes out of date after ten years, just show them the date of expiry on the license showing the date of your 70th birthday. I also needed to show 12-month lease, passport with Non O visa, cellphone number with proof from provider that it's registered against my passport details, and a certificate of residence from local immigration office. Good luck.
Ian ********
am interested in what bikes you are selling. 😁
Roger *********
ORIGINAL POSTERIan Ramsay Sold a Cafe Racer now just a 750cc Suzuki powered hardtail cruiser i built myself but currently in S.W England
Nick ********
Ian Ramsay penny farthing and old butchers bike
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Nick ********
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Angelo ***********
The general rule is "two IDs with photo", hence a driving license is the likely second option. However not every bank/branch has that rule.
Ajarn *********
My opinion is two-fold… First- gone are the days of “easy” banking in thailand .. It USED to be most people could just walk in, visa or not, tourist or not, and walk out with an account and debit card.. true.. it’s not IMpossible .. but it’s becoming far far harder for those who don’t have a legitimate long stay visa/extension to open accounts…
Second - banks are (in)famous for having policies and rules that can vary WIDELY from branch A to branch B .. of the SAME bank.. So it can pay to take the “No.. can not” reply … and just stroll on down to the next branch and try again.
In the OPs case - i might suggest taking his Thai partner with him - sometimes having a Thai person there - even IF they aren’t going to co-sign or any legal/financial interest in the account - can tip the scales in your favor.
Second - banks are (in)famous for having policies and rules that can vary WIDELY from branch A to branch B .. of the SAME bank.. So it can pay to take the “No.. can not” reply … and just stroll on down to the next branch and try again.
In the OPs case - i might suggest taking his Thai partner with him - sometimes having a Thai person there - even IF they aren’t going to co-sign or any legal/financial interest in the account - can tip the scales in your favor.
Helena *******
TO ACCESS online, I was told I would need a Thai cell phone, is that right?
Steve *********
Helena Ramos yes you now need your own personal Thai sim. I have a contract with True that I keep open all year even though only spend max 6 month in Thailand.
Helena *******
@Steve ********
would esim work?Steve *********
Helena Ramos I think you will find that it has to be a Thai registered sim. Mine is an e sim with True. But to be honest I could not give you an honest answer on this.
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Steve *********
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Alistair **********
Helena Ramos Yes, Bank account, passport and phone are all necessary. Then go to bank and take selfie.
You can run but you can't hide. 555
You can run but you can't hide. 555
Rocky **********
Helena Ramos could be ur wifes done its just for opening and activation,
Graham ******
Rocky Khonkaen no the sim has to nbe registered against the account holder's passport
Helena *******
Rocky Khonkaen do you mean i could use a family member’s phone just to activate?
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Helena *******
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Angelo ***********
Helena Ramos Yes. At least for the initial activation of the app and web based online bangking.
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Angelo ***********
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Ralph *******
If you’re broke, how will you show the ฿800,000 to get the non O?
Richard ***********
Income instead ?
Jimmy *********
He is talking about 90 day, no need for the 400,00
Ralph *******
Jimmy Tuffrey You need to have it to get the non O.
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Ralph *******
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James *********
Ralph Tyson He wrote he's not coming until he gets his money together, has bikes to sell. If he's married to a Thai gal, his nut is only 400k.
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James *********
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Van ********
An expired driving license isn't valid ID anywhere.
Roger *********
ORIGINAL POSTERVan Edward No wukas, when buying liquor back home they only want to check my birthday as I'm so young looking lol 😆
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Roger *********
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Clare **********
Passport is fine, try Khrungthai they are the best for foreigners to apply for bank accounts they shit our Bangkok bank account down & we moved everything across with no hassle.
Lynnette *******
I don't drive and bank just said they wanted 2 IDs.
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Lynnette *******
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