Answered2 years ago
What are the recent experiences of expats trying to open bank accounts in Bangkok?
Has anyone had any luck opening ANY kind of bank account in the last two weeks, specifically in Bangkok? If so list bank and branch or your reply isn't worth much. I've been to about 25 branches in two days.
Answer summary
The post discusses the difficulties faced by expats trying to open bank accounts in Bangkok, highlighting that numerous branches have been visited without success. Key comments mention the need for a residence certificate, the challenges of opening an account while on a tourist visa, and suggestions to bring a significant deposit or travel to other locations like Hua Hin or Pattaya where there may be more success.
27 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Anonymous ******************
Try to travel to Hua Hin or Pattaya. Bring cash ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 baht to open a bank account. My friend did that and was able to open a bank account.
Chris *********
Ready 1mil baht, put on counter and you'll get your account.
Anonymous *************
OP@Chris ********
honestly I’m about to that point or a lawyer
Erik *******
When will DTV holders understand that they are not meant to stay and live in the Kingdom full time ?? They are just temporary here .
Shaughn ***********
When at the Bangkok Bank HQ in Silom you go down the long passage to enter the area where you open accounts. In this room where they have counters to fill out the forms they should have a list of requirements taped to the counter listing the requirements for foreigner opening an account. If you can meet the requirements then you can then proceed
Anonymous ******************
If you can open a Bangkok Bank account with a debit card, you cannot use Internet Banking because they require a work permit.
Anonymous *************
OP@Shaughn **********
yeah I was handed that list by the br mgr when there. Currently I can not meet them.
Travis ********
Anonymous participant post the list here please
John *********
Do you have a Thai partner, that can help at least with the logic.
Anonymous *************
OP@John ********
a Thai partner? She’s a CORPIRATE BANKER and told me to give it up until we’re married. When im not on my phone ill list everything she told me and why the crackdown is so severe it’s actually very eye-opening
Jack ********
@John ********
logic? What in the world are you talking aboutJohn *********
What type of account have you tried to open? Also do you have a Thai mob registered to your home address? How much were you planning to deposit?
Hit and miss really, can work if at least you have the above in place
Hit and miss really, can work if at least you have the above in place
Jack ********
@John ********
you don’t register Thai phone numbers to an address. It doesn’t work like that boy
Anonymous ******************
@John ********
Do you have any pets? What's the name of your cat?John **********
Have you been to immigration and got a residence certificate? That can help but it's not easy on what's basically a tourist visa.
David ********
@John *********
from what I’ve seen, you need your work permit plus a while heap of other stuffAnonymous *************
OP@David *******
the banker at the last branch just admitted to me in the last three days the government has significantly changed the requirements for bank accounts under DT but he wouldn’t elaborate
Brandon ************
Anonymous participant That's just what they always say. They've been saying "just changed" for over a year now. They just don't want to do the paperwork, that's why they won't do it. It has nothing to do with the government regulations.
John **********
@David *******
it's not so much tourists, the problem is the crack down on mule accounts, so they are very strict on verifying identity these days and some can't be bothered going through the process for what is by definition a temporary accountDavid ********
Anonymous participant I’ve heard that. They don’t want any tourists with bank accounts
Anonymous *************
OP@John *********
I thought about it, but I don’t see how a resident certificate would really help that much and no one has brought up a resident certificate. They all want to work permit work permit work permit that’s all they say over and over and over.
Pascal ***********
Anonieme deelnemer without an official address in Thailand, you can’t open a bank account. So that residence certificate shows you have an official address here.
Together with a 1-year rental contract, it will improve your chances.
Together with a 1-year rental contract, it will improve your chances.
John **********
Anonymous participant plenty of people open bank accounts without a work permit. But the bank does need to be able to verify you are who you say you are, the residence certificate can help with that. As can having a Thai SIM registered in your name (actually pretty essential to get the app).
Anonymous *************
OPI went to the Bangkok bank world headquarters with the email that said they’d open the account for me and got nowhere
Anonymous *************
OPI’ve been to 28 branches in two days. I don’t think I can take another no. Everyone keeps telling me to go to this bank or that bank and I do and it’s always no.
Werner ************
Anonymous participant you’ve gone to 28 banks all have said no - are you not going to take the hint?
Wannikea *********
Anonymous participant contact Siam legal
Activity
15 joined15
people
Related
25Why is it difficult for expats, especially US passport holders, to open bank accounts in Thailand?
1.1k10104d
Can I open a Thai bank account with a 3-month Non-Immigrant M Visa and Work Permit?
5.1k44562mo
What is the procedure and cost for obtaining a work permit and registering a company in Thailand?
5.2k41663mo
Why am I being denied bank accounts in Thailand despite having a 5-year visa?
7.7k192065mo
What are reliable options for obtaining an 'in Thailand' DTV application service?
483125mo
What are the recent experiences and timelines for obtaining a DTV in Laos?
930639mo
What should I do if my online 90 Day reporting was rejected and I need to resolve this in Chonburi?
1.4k101210mo
What is the easiest way to open a bank account in Bangkok with a Non-O retirement visa?
3.2k272610mo
Can expats with a DTV visa open a bank account in Thailand?
2.9k174010mo
What does the error message AB09 from Bangkok Bank indicate about my account status?
6k49371y
Will I face immigration issues at Bangkok airport without a return ticket on my non-O visa?
2.8k25161y
What experiences have others had with frozen bank accounts in Thailand?
15.7k403441y
Is it safe to leave Thailand on a student visa and return without being denied entry?
2.4k20151y
Will a six-day overstay in Thailand affect my DTV visa application in India?
1.5k11122y
Why were Thai banks refusing to open accounts for DTV visa holders in Chiang Mai?
6.3k51622y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-O visa?
3.5k22292y
How can I open a bank account in Thailand with a tourist visa?
20k1831773y
What are the recent experiences of obtaining a single entry tourist visa in Malaysia?
38613y
Is it necessary to purchase a life insurance policy to open a bank account in Thailand?
9.3k77894y
What should expats do when stopped by Thai police?
98434y
What is the process and importance of submitting a TM30 in Thailand for foreign residents?
693255y
Can an extended stay Airbnb confirmation be used to open a bank account in Thailand?
4k31395y
What agents or banks can help expats open a bank account in Thailand?
3.8k33246y
What do I need to open a bank account in Thailand while on a Tourist Visa?
6k50546y
How Can I Successfully Complete My 90 Days Report Online in Thailand?
1.3k996y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served