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

Feb 5, 2024
2 years ago
Makro *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is there a simple way to open a bank account? Any agency can help?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand can be tricky for expats, but it's often possible even with a tourist visa. There are varying requirements depending on the bank and branch. Common advice includes bringing a passport, proof of residence (like a letter from your hotel or rental), and a minimum deposit (usually around 100,000 THB). Many users suggest taking a Thai friend for assistance. If you face difficulties, several agencies like Mots Services and Noi's Visa Services can facilitate the process for a fee, typically between 1500 to 5000 THB, depending on the service. Some banks, such as Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank, have been noted as more accommodating, though requirements can change.
Patricia *******
I was not able to open a bank account with my retirement visa on koh Phangan . I must pay

a years rent ahead I was told. I tried every bank on the island.
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Phillip ***********
maneerat
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Save*****
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Wolfgang *******
@Stefan *******
and his FS Consulting LTD can help you to get one easily.
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Andy *****
It all depends on your visa, I got MOTS to open my first Bank account a few years back, but I opened my KBank account on my own.
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Robin ********
@Mots ********
4000 to do for you
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Mike *********
This agent can also help you
@M ***********
in Pattaya
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Gordon *********
Yes
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Dennis ***********
Kasikorn Bank we’re very helpful
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Makro *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the info.
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Shaughn ***********
These are the latest requirements for Bangkok Bank. This was taped where they have all their forms at head office Silom. Usually has been the easiest locations to open an account before these updated requirements came into effect last year
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Colin ***************
SCB
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Mark ********
You will need a residency certificate from immigration. You can obtain this yourself or pay an agent (cost me 1500 baht). Bangkok Bank is probably the easiest option. Always good to take a Thai friend with you if possible. You can do this on a tourist visa as well.
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Bart **************
Very easy. Show them a work permit.
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Paul *************
@Bart *************
literally this
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Paul *************
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Paul *****
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Sean ********
Agent 5000 thb easy done ✔️
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Matthew ********
Tried with tourist visa last month both banks. Said no
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Peter *******
You'll need an agent if you only have tourist visa / visa exempt
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Noel *********
I second
@Mots *********
....excellent service.
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Martin *****
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Kim ********
Follow
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Paul *******
You should be able to open a bank account yourself, even if you are on a tourist visa or visa exempt stamp. All banks have different requirements. All branches have different requirements. Even within a branch two staff members may give very different answers. Find a branch of the bank you want (I use Bangkok Bank in Doi Saket), in an area with lots of foreigners. Go to the bank with your passport and a friend who holds an account at that branch. Have 100,000 thb to deposit. Should work but many banks/branches will also require a certificate of residence from Immigration. But instead, you could offer a letter from your hotel/ hostel/ Airbnb/ friends house stating that you stay there.
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Jan ******************
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Braulio *********
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Christopher *************
It's becoming rare and will stop all together soon unless the person is getting a proper visa or buying a property
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Christopher *************
@Paul ******
you most likely qont open one with a tourist visa any more
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Michl *******
@Christopher ************
i did it 3 weeks ago in Panthum Thani
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Nipa ****************
@Michl ******
What's bank ? Thank you.
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Michl *******
@Nipa ***************
i need 30 minutes and all was done🙏
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Michl *******
@Nipa ***************
Bangkok Bank in Panthum Thani
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Michl *******
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Paul *******
@Christopher ************
I did, last week for an Australiam man on a 30 day visa exempt stamp.
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Paul *******
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Jean-Francois ***********
+1
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Jean-Francois ***********
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