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What are the requirements for foreigners opening a bank account in Thailand, particularly regarding the yellow book issue?
Bangkok Bankyellow bookexpat bankingvisa requirementsresidency documentationThailand immigration issuesaccount openingbanking difficultiesKrungsri BankNON-O visa
Aug 22, 2025
8 months ago
Phil ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHow’s single people going on with the new Bangkok bank issue, they telling me I need a yellow book
TLDR : Answer Summary
Single expats in Thailand are experiencing challenges with Bangkok Bank's requirement for a yellow book, which is typically not required in other banks like Krungsri. Many users have shared their experiences, stating that having a Thai partner or being added to a blue house book can help ease the process. However, the unpredictability of banking rules and requirements across branches is causing frustration. Some expats have decided to switch banks due to these difficulties, reporting successful account openings elsewhere without the yellow book.
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Dick ********
They want a yellow book for what?
Robert *********
I’m wondering what will happen to the funds when BB cancels accounts.
I also opened a Krungsri account without any problems, I’m done with BB.
In USA there would already be a class action suit filed against a bank that pulls such bs, it’s a breach of fiduciary trust.
I also opened a Krungsri account without any problems, I’m done with BB.
In USA there would already be a class action suit filed against a bank that pulls such bs, it’s a breach of fiduciary trust.
Robert *********
Johnny Key, what makes you laugh about this?
Max *************
@Robert ********
They haven't as far as I know cancelled any accounts. They've just been frozen. Fyi, this is just about relatively new accounts.Robert *********
@Max ************
teller said accounts would be closed in 30 days from first notice to report to bank if the account holder does not come in. I’ve had an account with BB since last year when I got my non o, I just renewed it on the 20th.Edited for clarification.
Reply to
Robert *********
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Paul *********
@Robert ********
Its not the USA so..Robert *********
@Paul ********
which is why I keep the majority of my money in USA.Reply to
Robert *********
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Peter ********
why not just keep your money out of thialand if they going to make it that hard it's worth the atm charge nevermind
Keith ************
@Peter *******
some visas require you to have money in a Thai bank.Peter ********
@Keith ***********
that's the only valid reason I have heard some visa requirements.Reply to
Peter ********
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Magnus ******************
@Peter *******
Its same in Europe so its not differentCarlos *********
@Magnus *****************
really? Europe makes up new laws and lockes down accounts overnight, too? Wow!?!Reply to
Carlos *********
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Scott ********
That's a bit difficult when you have a two year rental agreement on a house, a rolling rental agreement on a car, utility bills in your own name, phone and broadband contracts and you actually live here full time,
@Peter *******
.Peter ********
@Scott *******
what's difficult? you pay everything online right? I have paid for everything with a card here had to take out not that much cash monthly for fruits 😆. and 250 baht not to worry they going to freeze my bank account is well worth it in my opinion.Reply to
Peter ********
Reply
Tyler *******
KBank better
Sean **********
Proof of residence from Immigration.
However, I opened a Krungsri account today with passport, non-o extension stamp, cell phone bill digital copy sent to bank email, TM-30 digital copy sent to bank email.
However, I opened a Krungsri account today with passport, non-o extension stamp, cell phone bill digital copy sent to bank email, TM-30 digital copy sent to bank email.
Kyle *********
@Sean *********
which branch?Sean **********
@Kyle ********
Emquartier BangkokReply to
Sean **********
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Reinhard ********
I changed the bank!If f they don't want my money I give IT to another!
Tony ********
@Reinhard *******
exactly, a bank is a money shop, nothing more. The 2008 financial crisis showed everything begins with the customer.Dave ********
@Reinhard *******
my advice to othersReply to
Dave ********
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Richard *******************
Every branch every town, city, province make up their own rules, it is beyond bonkers. I find it useful to ask them to show you the regulation in their policies and at the same time be calling their customer services and repeat whatever bizarre rule they are trying to tell you. They more often than not will back down and say ok. Today I am here in my branch, no yellow book asked for. I signed the copies of the same documents I have signed maybe 20 times before. Passport, visa, tm30,(not this time), thai driving licences and then they asked me where my income comes from, I have some rental income from the UK and my brother repaying a loan from me at £250/month. No proof, or evidence just my word. CRAZY SHIT MAN.
Phil ********
ORIGINAL POSTERWith my girlfriend
Marty *********
@Phil *******
Go to the local government office and ask what she has to do to get you a yellow book.Reply to
Marty *********
Reply
Phil ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI live in my own house
Jeremy ********
@Phil *******
fyi With the Pink ID card and 13 digit Thai ID you can use that to get a DL, SIM card and on your Bank Acct
Jim *******
@Jeremy *******
That equivaalent to Australian TFN, from Japan, was instantly recognized and accepted.Jim *******
@Jeremy *******
When my daughter got into Australian University, opening her bank account, with the ANZ bank. They insisted on her Tax File Number. She had a Japanese version of it, called "MyNumber". ANZ recognized it, a world standard and she was OK.Reply to
Jim *******
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Brett *********
@Phil *******
if you live in your own house then you will have a house book. Problem solved.Trevor ***********
@Brett ********
but the house will not be in his nameBrett *********
@Trevor **********
sarcasm dear, sarcasm.Trevor ***********
@Brett ********
why it’s the truthBrett *********
@Trevor **********
he might have a 30 year lease and yellow book. He cannot own land, he can own a house.Trevor ***********
@Brett ********
he might,and he might not, maybe you should ask him if you are that concernedBrett *********
@Trevor **********
remember that you were the one that interjected....GAFLReply to
Brett *********
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Kool *******
@Phil *******
if that is the case then you will have no problem getting a yellow book, and a pink card, as another form of id.Reply to
Kool *******
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Jeremy ********
If you own a condo no problems
If you’re living with a Thai significant other and they add you to the blue house book…no problem
If your landlord is cool and adds you to the blue house book for a nominal fee…no problem
If you’re cool with a Thai household that accepts you as family ahd adds you to a blue house book…no problem
That’s it that’s how you do it
If you’re living with a Thai significant other and they add you to the blue house book…no problem
If your landlord is cool and adds you to the blue house book for a nominal fee…no problem
If you’re cool with a Thai household that accepts you as family ahd adds you to a blue house book…no problem
That’s it that’s how you do it
Jim *******
@Jeremy *******
You would never be in the Blue Book. Only Yellow book.Marc ********
@Jeremy *******
they will not cancel the account but freeze it. You can withdraw the money from bankPeter **********
@Marc *******
Afaik they freeze mobile banking only.Anyway, I am almost completely free of Bangkok Bank now. I leave 2.5k in the bank to avoid charges and leave it as-is so I can return if they ever improve or if other banks turn even worse.
Reply to
Peter **********
Reply
Philip *******
@Jeremy *******
they will also accept or request “ residence certificate” from any immigration office … free if you go yourself and can wait 7 days … an agent can get for you next day for a fee (********
) think it’s valid for 30 days … I opened with a new bank and they asked for this plus rental contract and photo ID like driving licence as well as your passport of course.Ian *******
@Philip ******
I got a residence certificate at my local immigration in about 15 minutes and 200 baht tea money.Jeremy ********
@Philip ******
I did it all by myself DL and all paperwork with Dr note cost me ฿915
Talked my way through it at K-Bank took 30 min no money
AIS took 15 min no extra money
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Pete *******
@Jeremy *******
my understanding is that the blue book is a civil registration for Thai nationals only. Foreigners can be registered only in a yellow book.Jim *******
@Pete ******
Yes, I own the condo, my wife and our daughter are in the Blue Book. I can only be in the Yellow book.Jeremy ********
Jeremy ********
@Pete ******
if you reside in Pattaya and own a condo there have been reports of the Amphur office giving blue books to foreigners So each place is different
Yu-Li ****
@Jeremy *******
True. I got a blue book for my condo.Fred ******
@Jeremy *******
A blue book can be issued however only Thai can be added. I have both a blue book and a yellow book.Pete *******
@Jeremy *******
foreigners can get an empty blue book which is no good to them for opening a bank account.Jeremy ********
@Pete ******
I opened mine with a pink id and yellow house bookPete *******
@Jeremy *******
fantastic, so NOT with a blue book.Jj ****
@Jeremy *******
they give you one but don't put your name into it. A condo can have one blue (where Thai and PR are registered) and one yellow for foreigners (usually they want a non-_ visa, maybe a work permit etc... every amphur has it's rules as always)Reply to
Jj ****
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Jj ****
@Pete ******
and Permanent resident:) (in the blue)Stan *******
@Pete ******
✅ correct, only yellow book or Proof or Residence from Immigration, you cannot go on blue book .Reply to
Stan *******
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