What do I need to get a residency letter from immigration to open a Bangkok Bank account?

Mar 23, 2022
3 years ago
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bangkok bank in Dan Khon Thot told me I need a paper from immigration to open an account, can someone tell me if this a simple stop by immigration and get this paper? Do I need anything special? Cost?

Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To open a bank account with Bangkok Bank, you need a residency letter from the immigration office. The cost for this letter is generally around 300 baht, although some reports indicate prices can range from free to 1,000 baht depending on the immigration office and the speed of service you require. You will typically need to present two passport photos and proof of residence. While some people have been able to open accounts with just a passport in certain locations, having the residency certificate is often a standard requirement. For those in situations where direct immigration access is challenging, using an agent may be an alternative, though this can incur higher fees.
Mika *********
I did it today in Chiang Mai immigration office, cost 40 baht or 500 baht if you want to get the paper next day
Brian ********
Have you considered using a Agent ?
Aspi ***********
@Brian *******
too many obstacles to live in Thailand. It is getting worse each day.
Shaun *********
@Brian *******
why waste money with an agent its easy to do and only costs 300b for the residency letter from immigration.
Peter *******
Opened a bank account in Pattaya 2 weeks ago with Bangkok Bank , all they requested was my passport 🤷🤷
Denis *****
@Peter ******
at which branch? near walking street or ?
Peter *******
@Denis ****
Soi Bukow opposite Hungry Hippo
John *********
Take a thai
William ********
@John ********
Be polite, be appropriately dressed and take a respectful Thai friend to help you. That and a passport with a valid visa is all I needed. This worked a couple of times for me.
Paul *******
My certificate of residence was Free but hadto wait a week from Korat Immigration also I was on a TR60 visa.
Steve **********
I got my letter in BKK (MTT). It was going to be two weeks and it had to be mailed. I forget the price.

OR, if I wanted it in one hour it was 1,000฿.

In Pattaya I just paid and agent. 1500฿
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Steve **********
@Je**
yeah, and the worst part was the lady doing it was literally doing nothing when I walked in.

When I returned an hour later to give her the 1000 baht she was still doing nothing.

As you would expect it’s just a form letter where they fill in the details of an individual. Might take all of a minute or two to do.
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
easy cash! lol
Ivan ************
Every immigration office is different on this, ranges from free to 1,000B, immediate or need to wait two months. Bangkok won't issue before first 90 day report and not to tourists. Other offices will. Chiang Mai last time I heard, 500B to get next day from an agent. I don't know how it is in Korat (is that where you are?) it may be super easy or maybe not. Maybe someone with specific experience there can tell you. This is a standard requirement from Bangkok Bank but there are alternatives like letter from embassy or reference from person acceptable to the bank (like an agent who will do it for a fee, can be reasonable).
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Shaun *********
Yes you need a residency letter from immigration. It costs 300b. So when you apply for one you need to take 2 passport photos with you and proof where you are living. I've had BKK bank account 18 months and had to do the same.
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Paulus *********
Yes you will need the letter from immigration stating that you are a resident here , only takes a couple of minutes, costs about 300 baht
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paulus ********
it’s been quite a few years , when I opened an account at kasakorn I don’t remember getting anything from immigration. Is this normal procedure now?

Thanks
Ivan ************
@Jeff ********
it's normal for Bangkok Bank
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ali *******
@Paulus ********
which document they need ?
Paulus *********
@Sktoch **********
you ask immigration for a letter then you take that to the bank
Ali *******
They told me the same 🤔
Garrett ***********
Certificate of residency. In Bangkok you need to be on an Non-immigrant visa and have completed 1 in person 90 day report to get one. Your other option is to get one from you Embassy. The US embassy issues them for $50, but you have to make an appointment.
Jeff *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
I sure won’t be doing that, thanks though!
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