Ask question

What are the requirements to open a Thai bank account as an expat?

Thai bank account bank account requirements visa type NON-O visa residency certificate expat banking in Thailand KBank Bangkok Bank Thai immigration

Nov 12, 2024

11 days ago

Reed **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I need to open a thai bank account so a local can pay me. Having trouble doing it via Wise for example so I would like to open a bangkok bank or kbank account. Open to any thai bank. I have a signed year lease for a property and can get the resident certificate if needed from either my embassy or from thai immigration

1,042

views

0

likes

40

all likes

31

replies

0

images

10

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

To open a bank account in Thailand as an expat, you typically need your passport, visa, and a residency certificate, which you can obtain from Thai immigration based on your signed lease. Requirements may vary depending on the type of visa you hold, with recent discussions indicating increased difficulty for those on short-term or educational visas. Some commenters suggest contacting an agent for assistance, especially since banking rules have tightened for foreigners. It's advisable to check with specific banks, such as KBank or Bangkok Bank, regarding their current policies.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Elaine *****

Just go to a bank with your passport, visa, a Residence Certificate from the immigration(apply with your signed lease) , they will tell you if you are missing anything.

Like

Reply

Jack *****

before obtaining the "Yellow book" Kasikorn said no... after..... yes.. opened account about two weeks ago.. this would be on a 60 day tourist stamp... married to Thai woman ...

Like

Reply

Anthony ***********

I was told by an agent the rules changes recently and you’ll struggle to open a bank account unless your over 50

Like

Reply

Keith *******

You might need to get a head man to vouch for you. Though I opened a bank account with Kbank in Pattaya with no problems. However, the government has tighten up the rules for foreigners to have a bank account.

Like

Reply

Reed **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

when did you open i was consideringgoing to pataya just to openan accontt

Like

Reply

Keith *******

@Reed *********

back about eight years ago. Be aware that the banks don't work like here in Australia. Each branch is considered a branch in its own right. If you open an account say Pattaya and withdraw say Bangkok you'll be charged a fee.

Like

Reply

Andy **********

@Reed *********

check before you go to Pattaya, some well known agents are saying they cannot open bank accounts, for people under 50 years old, I'm assuming they are talking about people on short term visas.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andy **********

Reply

Frank **********

The American Embassy will not give you a Certificate of Residency or income either in case you were wondering.

Like

Reply

Reed **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

well i can get the residence cert from an immigration where I am now

Like

Reply

Frank **********

@Reed *********

yeah the American Embassy does very little when it comes to dealing with paperwork in Thailand.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Frank **********

Reply

Us *****

Back in the good ole days, which was 1 month ago, you would be able to pay an agent 5k. Now the rules change and they won't do it anymore.

Like

Reply

Reed **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

ive been hearing that same line for 18 months almost now

Like

Reply

Craig *******

@Reed *********

I have heard that for under 50year Olds.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Craig *******

Reply

Garrett ***********

So a local can pay you? You're working?

Like

Reply

Reed **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

no I was just giving an example no one is paying me but same would go for wanting to use the qr codes or pay a electric bill if I have it correct.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Reed **********

Reply

Stuart *********

Forget it if you’re on a ED visa. Good luck trying if you’re not on a Non Immigrant visa. Probably best to contact an agent.

Like

Reply

Omar ******

@Stuart ********

please are you confirming this information, because yesterday I went to scb with the school registration so they tell me come back when you get the ed visa we can do it , same thing at Bangkok bank …? Are they fooling me ?

Like

Reply

Fred ******

So, the banks are telling you what their requirements are based on your situation. However, you prefer to go back to the randoms on a public forum?

Like

Reply

Omar ******

no. Fred but sometimes they change their mind from one day to another so I always ask others for their experiences

Like

Reply

Reply to

Omar ******

Reply

Stuart *********

Only going by current posts on FB and YouTube. If on an ED visa you can forget about trying for an account. Even the agents can’t do it. Changed a few weeks ago. I have no direct experience so perhaps it may work for you.

Like

Reply

Omar ******

@Stuart ********

thank you 🙏

Like

Reply

Reply to

Omar ******

Reply

Ryan ****

every individual branch /bank sets thier own requirements , so if you get a branch which is willing to cater to you , good for you.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ryan ****

Reply

Reed **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

on 60 day visa may try again on the DTV in early 2025 if I cant get it in bangkok in a touristy area. I have seen some say they got it on the visa waiver or tourist visa but many had to get the bank offered insurance policy which I would do if i have to or I will go through a reasonably priced agent if they can get me one before December

Like

Reply

Craig *******

@Reed *********

Takes 1 day to open an account in Phuket. Cost 5300 baht. You get some insurance thrown in.

Like

Reply

Brandon ************

@Reed *********

DTV is still a tourist visa so it's not likely to change much

Like

Reply

Ralph *******

@Reed *********

You’re on a 60 day visa with a one year lease on a property?

Like

Reply

Bobby *******

why does that even matter boy?

Like

Reply

Ralph *******

Well, boy, because it’s illogical, boy. Ok boy?

Like

Reply

Bobby *******

do you understand the basics of how things work in Thailand?

Like

Reply

Ralph *******

I certainly do.

Like

Reply

Reed **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

yeah I told them I come here when im not working in a nearby country and they were fine with that

Like

Reply

Reply to

Reed **********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What is the easiest way for expats to open a bank account in Thailand?

91 comments

2 months ago

What are the best banks for expats to open an account in Thailand?

189 comments

2 months ago

How can I open a bank account in Thailand as an expat?

47 comments

3 months ago

What visa do you need to open a bank account in Thailand as a tourist?

40 comments

4 months ago

What are the requirements and recommendations for opening a bank account in Thailand as an expat?

28 comments

5 months ago

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

21 comments

7 months ago

What documents do I need to open a Thai bank account as an expat?

8 comments

8 months ago

What documents do I need to open a bank account in Thailand?

19 comments

9 months ago

What is the easiest way for expats to open a bank account in Thailand?

261 comments

9 months ago

What are the steps to open a bank account in Thailand as an expat?

33 comments

10 months ago

What are the requirements for a foreigner with a tourist visa to open a bank account in Thailand?

16 comments

a year ago

Which Thailand bank is the easiest to open an account with as an expat?

78 comments

a year ago

Can you open a Thai bank account on a visa exemption and what documents are needed?

27 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements for a foreigner to open a bank account in Thailand with minimal paperwork?

12 comments

2 years ago

What documents are required to open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa, and which bank is recommended?

27 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand as an expat?

26 comments

2 years ago

What paperwork do I need to open a bank account in Thailand on a retirement visa?

14 comments

3 years ago

What agents or banks can help expats open a bank account in Thailand?

33 comments

4 years ago

What do I need to open a bank account in Thailand while on a Tourist Visa?

50 comments

4 years ago

How can I open a Thai bank account as a foreigner without a visa?

84 comments

4 years ago

What type of visa do I need to open a bank account in Thailand?

57 comments

4 years ago

How can I open a bank account in Thailand without a long-term visa?

24 comments

5 years ago

What do I need to do to open a bank account in Thailand for my retirement?

12 comments

6 years ago

How can I open a bank account in Thailand to meet retirement visa requirements?

37 comments

6 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.