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What are the requirements and challenges for opening a Thai bank account as a foreigner on a tourist visa?

Thai bank account Foreigner requirements Tourist visa Banking in Thailand Visa agents Residential proof Citizen ID card Pattaya banking Buri Ram banking Savings account Financial services for expats

Apr 12, 2024

7 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all. Looking for some updated advice as it seems things have changed a bit from what I have read online.

I am currently 5 days into my 60 day Tourist Visa and I would like to open a Thai Baht Savings Account as a Foreigner.

Yesterday in Pattaya Central I tried Krungsri and Kasikorn and received a hard no. Bangkok bank however will open an account for me if I provide the info in the attached image.

I intend to live in Thailand legitimately so I will be able to meet all these requirements, however I have some questions:

'Citizen ID Card' what exactly do they mean by this?

'Residential Rental Contract for 1 Year'

Can anyone on here provide some information regarding a potential branch and/or manager of any main Bank in either the Pattaya or Buri Ram surrounding regions?

That is a little relaxed on this or these requirements?

OR

I have seen online you can pay an agent to assist in the opening of a bank account. Can anyone on here comment / recommend any particular agent / services that can assist in either completely bypassing these requirements or at least 'skip' the proof of residency requirements?

(I intend to get a condo but would like to take my time in doing so and was considering a shorter commitment than 12 months)

Any and all accurate advice / information is appreciated 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the difficulties faced by a foreigner currently on a 60-day Tourist Visa trying to open a bank account in Thailand. The user has encountered varying requirements at different banks, such as needing a 'Citizen ID Card' and a 'Residential Rental Contract for 1 Year.' They seek advice on banks that might be more lenient with these requirements or recommendations for agents who can help expedite the process. Several comments clarify the meaning of 'Citizen ID Card,' suggest options like using an agent, and share personal experiences regarding account openings in Pattaya and other regions.

John ********

This must be an American that has typed these requirements. In the English language license is incorrect English, licence is correct. American version of the English language has quite a few anomalies.

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John ********

Citizen ID Card should be irrelevant if you've got a photo driving licence I would assume. Also if your a Brit, we don't have ID Cards in the UK.

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Nongnuch ********

@Stefan *******

of F.S. Consulting Co. will open a Bangkok Bank account for 5000.- THB for you,, no need to buy useless insurance

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Andy **********

Mots visa services in Pattaya, can assist you with opening a bank account, I think it was ฿4000 agent fee +฿700 payable to the bank for the ATM MasterCard, and they recommend you put a ฿2000 cash deposit into your account, no need to buy the banks accident insurance.

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Cimi ******

Can you use a TM30 from your landlord or do you need an official lease?

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Wayne ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I guess it depends on the branch & manager but in this case Bangkok Bank in Pattaya Central Mall want a copy of a 12 month rental contract/lease.

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Wayne ********

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Ruth *******

“Citizen id” card is most likely your driver’s license. If you don’t drive, you’d have an id card from your home country instead. The bank asks for a driver’s license in addition to one’s passport.

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Terary **********

I opened an account at Bangkok Bank on Soi Bakhao. I had to buy insurance for 8000. I have heard agents cost less.

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Greg *********

I tried opening a bank account at Bangkok Bank and got a hard no too. Visa agents can get around this, I guess bribes. They can also get you a drivers license

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Wayne ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you all for the comments and helpful information, much appreciated 🙏

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Galen *******

It's very helpful to have a Thai Driving License. Most banks want 2 documents.

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Jorge ****

Translation is often not accurate. "Citizen ID" should mean "an officially issued ID that indicates you are a citizen of..." for locals, it is their common ID, for foreigners, usually their passport.

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John ********

incorrect it’s not the passport which is mentioned on the first line. It’s an ID from your home country

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Jorge ****

ID from one's own country is hardly ever recognized abroad, since it varies wildly from country to country and it is in a foreign language the locals cannot read, the notable exception being a driver's lic for driving. In some instances an expat's national ID validity expires and it cannot be renewed from abroad. The op showed a requirement list, most likely produced by people whose knowledge of English (or other countries legal doc usage such as ID) is poor at best.

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John ********

wrong again. It’s a common requirement now for a bank account

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Jorge ****

I once had an ID from Saudi Arabia in Arabic I myself could not read. My pic and name were in it, was laminated and looked very official. It was worthless everywhere but in an Arab country.

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Jorge ****

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กะลาสี *****

The easiest way on a tourist visa is to use an agent. I hear good things about TikTok Services but I've never used them. You can search for them on FB and they will pop up but really any of the Visa Agents should be able to help you. Be aware that since Songkran begins tomorrow, visa agents will probably be closed until at least the 17th or maybe even the 22nd. Good luck and Happy Songkran!!

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John ******

@กะลาสี ****

just want to confirm that tiktok in jomtien ver reliable is. Have used them for tm 30 and others. They can handle opening a bankaccount. Doing it yourself is quite challenging!.

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Mike *********

@กะลาสี ****

I’ve used

@Tik ************************

and they are very good and full white glove service. They are closed until after Songkran is finished. I think until 19th.

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Mike *********

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Charlie ******

You need visa for open the bank account unless you apply for the retirement visa already ?

I try many bank in chiengmai I couldn't open one at all so apply the visa first then you can open the bank account

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David ******

Citizen ID Card: your Identification Card (ID) from your home country

Residential Rental Contract: A copy of your lease of your house or condo you rent in Thailand.

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David ******

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