Answered2 years ago
What are the requirements to open a Thai bank account as an expat?
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
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.
31 repliesnewest first
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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.
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 ...
Anthony ***********
I was told by an agent the rules changes recently and you’ll struggle to open a bank account unless your over 50
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.
Reed **********
OP@Keith ******
when did you open i was consideringgoing to pataya just to openan acconttKeith *******
@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.
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.
Frank **********
The American Embassy will not give you a Certificate of Residency or income either in case you were wondering.
Reed **********
OPwell i can get the residence cert from an immigration where I am now
Frank **********
@Reed *********
yeah the American Embassy does very little when it comes to dealing with paperwork in Thailand.
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.
Reed **********
OPive been hearing that same line for 18 months almost now
Craig *******
@Reed *********
I have heard that for under 50year Olds.
Garrett ***********
So a local can pay you? You're working?
Reed **********
OPno 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.
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.
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 ?
Fred ******
@Omar *****
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?Omar ******
@Fred *****
no. Fred but sometimes they change their mind from one day to another so I always ask others for their experiencesStuart *********
@Omar *****
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.Omar ******
@Stuart ********
thank you 🙏
Ryan ****
@Omar *****
every individual branch /bank sets thier own requirements , so if you get a branch which is willing to cater to you , good for you.Reed **********
OPon 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
Craig *******
@Reed *********
Takes 1 day to open an account in Phuket. Cost 5300 baht. You get some insurance thrown in.
Brandon ************
@Reed *********
DTV is still a tourist visa so it's not likely to change muchRalph *******
@Reed *********
You’re on a 60 day visa with a one year lease on a property?Ralph *******
@Bobby ******
I certainly do.
Bobby *******
@Ralph ******
do you understand the basics of how things work in Thailand?Ralph *******
@Bobby ******
Well, boy, because it’s illogical, boy. Ok boy?Bobby *******
@Ralph ******
why does that even matter boy?Reed **********
OPyeah I told them I come here when im not working in a nearby country and they were fine with that
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