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What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand for expats without a long-term lease?

Oct 14, 2025
a day ago
Dennis *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I went to Kasokornthai bank branch in Central Island Mall today to get information on opening an account and they are starting they need a lease for one year and currently I am in a Airbnb for 5 1/2 months.

Does anyone have a branch they used more flexible and or other bank recommendations?

Last option would be a recommendation for an agent to assist in opening an account.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience trying to open a bank account at Kasikorn Bank, which requires a one-year lease, but they are currently in an Airbnb. The community provided feedback suggesting alternatives like presenting a residence certificate from immigration or a letter from the Airbnb owner. It was noted that a long-stay visa is typically needed to open an account, and some users discussed their experiences with other banks and the evolving requirements for foreigners.
Mick *****
I opened an account at Kasikorn bank, central festival four days ago. Just needed passport and Thai driving licence
Jim *******
@Mick ****
And, to obtain Thai driving licence was just like that? There are steps before that.
Yo***
i feel more K bank branches realized that many foreigners move to K bank from bangkok bank. So they slowly try this chance to make profits. insurance selling is the one. and they enhanced requirements. yes this is Thailand šŸ˜‚
Bob **********
You need a long stay visa to open an account and a residence certificate
Ron ********
@Bob *********
Krungthai and kasikorn

Banks
Dennis *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
I have a Non-O Retirement Visa. Tomorrow will go to Immigration and see if they will issue a Residency Certificate.
Bob **********
@Dennis ********
you’ll need a TM30
Ron ********
@Dennis ********
they will supply one COR ā˜ļø as I got one last week and opened my bank account with it easily
Dennis *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron *******
who did you open your bank account with? What branch?
Derek *****
I bet they want the lease to prove your residence—so the immigration certificate of residence would be fine. Just head to your nearest mall that has several banks. This will help in the future as sometimes you can only do certain things at your home branch. The banks in malls are open all the time versus the big banks in standalone buildings. In Bangkok you would need to go to immigration in Chaeng wathanna—u could just pay the agent (like Thai visa center) to get the certificate, which is what I did. You will need a tm30 from the owner of your Airbnb. The cost is just 4,000 approx. doing it yourself of course saves money but u also waste half a day and then another few hours later to pick up the cert. for me, paying is worth it since I’d rather be doing work online versus sitting in traffic or waiting at immigration. Good luck!
Paul *********
@Bob *********
but you cant get a visa with an account. Catch 22
Dennis *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ********
I have the visa which is 90 days issued by the Thai Embassy in the United States. I need the bank account to get the 12 month extension after the appropriate amount of money is deposited and seasoned.
Bob **********
@Dennis ********
yes that’s the way get the non-o before you come
Paul *******
Try and offer a Residency Certificate from Immgration or a letter from your Airbnb Owner stating that you live at thyat address.
Dennis *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
Which immigration office do I need to go to. I tried providing proof from Airbnb, but they wanted an actual lease so I want to visit immigration tomorrow to see about the Residency Certificate and/or letter to open a bank account (I've read from others on the boards they have obtained this, but maybe it was included in the residency certificate)
Paul *******
@Dennis ********
The Immigration office that supports where you live.
Frank *********
How can you commit to a one year lease on a 3 months visa? Another catch 22 situation. With the way this is going an agent will very soon be the only option
Jesper *******
@Frank ********
committing to a 1yr lease and how long your visa last is 2 different things......I was on a 30days visa and I signed a 1yr lease as I need to apply for 90days nonO.....I'm paying 1mth deposit and 1mth advance.....already prepared to lose my deposit if my application of nonO fails
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