What are the current requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand for long-term visa applicants?

Apr 22, 2024
8 months ago
Marcus ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
One requirement for any long term VISA seems to be a bank account. I understand this can be difficult, and different banks and branches, depending on location, may impose different requirements. To anyone who has recently opened one, what are some things they are requiring now? Which bank was it? Are there any banks I should avoid completely? Thanks everyone!!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand for a long-term visa can be challenging due to variable requirements among different banks and branches. Key recommendations from expats suggest using Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn, or SCB, particularly for those needing to transfer over 50,000 baht using Wise. It is generally advised to consider using an agent to help navigate the process, especially given that recent requirements include bringing personal identification, proof of address, and possibly incurring service fees. Experiences vary based on location, highlighting the importance of local knowledge when choosing a bank.
Andrew ********
I live in Nakhon province. I used an agent to open my account with Krungthai. Excellent bank. Good luck.
Russell *******
Decide where you are going to be and ask for banks that have opened accounts for others.

For example I could forward you the address of the bank that opened my account in Chiang rai , but probably not that helpful if you live in Hat Yai. ๐Ÿ™
Marcus ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Russell ******
oh definitely down in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Russell *******
@Marcus ***********
ok . Hopefully someone will be able to suggest a bank ๐Ÿ™
Jo **********
no not for the LTR.
Jan ******************
Not easy to open now unless you use an agent. These are the requirements according to an agent;

Need to bring

Your passport

Your driver licenses

2 photos

Proof of address

Fee 3500 thb. Atm card 700 thb.

I have both Bangkok Bang and Krungthai Bank and they are more or less the same. (I use my regular bank at home for transfers, not Wise)
Jay ****
@Jan *****************
can you recommend a REPUTABLE agent?
Jan ******************
@Jay ***
Only know one I personally can recommend in Pattaya if itโ€™s any interest for you.
Jay ****
@Jan *****************
worth a try plz. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™
Jan ******************
@Jay ***
Sheโ€™s nice, fair priced and reliable. Parts of what she earns goes to homeless dogs and orphans in the area. WhatsApp and Line works best.
Marcus ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
this is very helpful. Do you think it would help if my wife took me to her bank and spoke with them?
Jan ******************
@Marcus ***********
I forgot to mention, youโ€™ll need at least 15 days left on your current stamp if an agent assist you.
Jeffrey ************
@Marcus ***********
Why not try?
Jan ******************
@Marcus ***********
Yes, if youโ€™ll try to open yourself I guess your wife could be quite โ€œhandyโ€.๐Ÿ˜‰
Chris *******
Without long term visa.. hire an agent.. as Brandon said.. Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn and SCB (Commercial Thai Bank you can transfer over 50k bath using Wise)

Agent will cost few thousands baht..

But alone.. will be a big headches ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š
Brandon ************
You'll want an account with Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn or SCB. Those are the only 3 banks that you can make transfers over 50,000 baht using Wise.
Marcus ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
my wife has Kasikorn, so that would be nice. I use Remitly now for transfers.
Bob **********
@Marcus ***********
is your wife Thai??
Marcus ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bob **********
@Marcus ***********
just take her into the bank with you have her explain you might be asked to buy accident insurance which isnโ€™t a bad thing
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