Answereda year ago
What documents are needed to open a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner?
I have just visited SCB bank and I am in the process of opening a bank account. They have sent my paperwork to head office and I will have my bank account next week. Long holiday now until Wednesday. Copy of certificate of residency , copy of my E-visa , passport non o stamp and passport details , copy of blue book and they wanted to see the blue book and copy of ownership of my house .In addition they took my Thai phone number and wanted the registration receipt from AIS , 50 baht. For me personally it was a pretty good experience with them.
Answer summary
A user shared their positive experience of opening a bank account at SCB Bank as a foreigner in Thailand. They submitted various documents including a certificate of residency, E-visa, passport with NON-O stamp, and proof of property ownership. Despite some frustrations expressed in comments regarding tightening banking regulations, other users also shared their successful experiences with different banks, highlighting the varying requirements and processes. Overall, the discussion underscores the necessity of proper documentation and the challenges faced by expatriates in Thailand's banking system.
50 repliesnewest first
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Jesper *******
I'm not sure why u need to wait for one week....I have mine in 20mins (not counting waiting for queue) I've got just my nonO stamp and thai driving licence
Jeremy *********
OPWell done by the way for licence and stamp. Got 3 years left on my international driving Licence. Thai licence when forced to. 2 accs would be handy. SCB may refuse me
Jesper *******
@Jeremy ********
just to share international licence is only good for 90days per entry....u need to go out and come back to have it valid .....thai licence is easy to get and it's better for protection interms of insuranceJeremy *********
OP@Tony ****
thanks
Tony *****
@Jeremy ********
I just want to confirm Jesper’s comment. I had to do an online training session which took about n hour. Then at the licence centre some reaction tests. Then hey presto I got my 2 year driving Licence. Honestly. It’s well worth the time spent.Jeremy *********
OP@Jesper ******
ok thanks. I will look into it soon then. For peace of mind if nothing elseJeremy *********
OP@Jesper ******
like a lot of things in Thailand. SCB bank policy maybe. It's not a problem with me personally. I am retired , all I've got left is time. A note to people maybe not as fortunate as me. Thinking of you. I opened a bank account with Kasikorn yesterday. I may end up with 2. 😂Jesper *******
@Jeremy ********
it's wise to have 2accts one for the immigration requirements and one for daily use you don't want to present a long statements to the immigration for your next extensions cheers
Norbert **********
Receipt from phonecompany is free!!!
Joe **********
They actually hate us except for tourism I really don't see how people can't see that!
Mark ********
But I'll hang around ...just to piss them off 😂🥳🙋🏼♂️
Joe **********
@Mark *******
I gave up and moved!Mark ********
@Joe *********
I like to play with 'em ...especially the "moderators"...LOL ! 😂Mark ********
@Joe *********
Agree.
Duncan *******
No biometrics for foreigners with SCB so the limit you to max 50k for transfers on the app, 100k in branch.
Ian **********
So, you own a house and have a blue book?
Jeremy *********
OPI have been advised by my lawyer that the best way to deal with my situation is to start a company to hold the land and lease to me. I would own 49% of the company and the Thai lawyer would own 51% of the company but she would be a silent partner only and I would be the only person able to sign any paperwork relating to the land. This is what I have been told. I have no reason to doubt her but this is Thailand.
Jeremy *********
OPI will have to get back to you for that. It will be good info for all.
Jeremy *********
OPNo my name is not in my blue book.
Max *************
@Jeremy ********
It came with your property.Max *************
@Jeremy ********
In what name is the land purchase if I may ask?Jeremy *********
OP@Max ************
yes it came with my property. From the lawyer I received the blue book and a sale certificate. I will also receive the land purchase agreement soon. They have just completed the combination of chenotes for the extra land I purchased from the previous owner. She will contact me when completed so I can pick up all relevent original paperworkJeremy *********
OP@Ian *********
yes , I own my house and 30 year lease on the landJeremy *********
OPAnd have a blue book
Nongnuch ********
@Jeremy ********
is your name listed in the blue housebook? As normally a foreigner cannot be named in a blue housebook. He can only get named in a yellow housebook. However, I must admit, I have already come across foreigners in my visa advice group who insisted that they are named in their blue housebook. Yet I still haven't seen any by myselfMax *************
@Jeremy ********
Your name is not in your blue book.Mark ********
Here's what I did. I went into Krungsri Bank on a tourist visa some years ago. I told them I wanted to open a bank account because I had sold my home in my home country, and I wanted to buy a Condo here in Thailand. I would also require some insurance. (all b/shit of course). Tell them just enough. End result..they couldn't move fast enough to open an account for me. ( I also did this at Bangkok Bank, worked a treat. ) You're welcome. 😉
Max *************
@Mark *******
Yes, it worked "some years ago". Now, not so much. 😎Mark ********
@Max ************
depends on the applicants dress and attitude as well.Mark ********
Nobody cares what you think, Thurkettle. 😉😂
Stuart *********
@Mark *******
Two years ago is irrelevant. Banking rules have tightened up over the last few weeks. What you could do in June is irrelevant to what they’ll allow you today.
Mark ********
@Stuart ********
My wife works for Krungsri Bank. I KNOW how all it works. 😉Stuart *********
@Mark *******
Yes. I’m a moderator of this site. That means I see posts from lots of people about current happenings now. I see what they are posting now. I see there is a huge difference to what posts were like 2 years ago to what they are 2 weeks ago. I may not know as much as I think I know but I can read.
You have experience of opening a bank account two years ago. With a wife that works in a bank. How many others have that advantage?
Can’t really see the relevance that that would have in today’s world. But obviously you think you know best so let’s just leave it at that.
Mark ********
@Stuart ********
You don't know as much as you think you know, sir. And you are a moderator? 🤔Stuart *********
@Mark *******
Then she would have been able to tell you that what you managed to do two years ago is completely irrelevant to what you can do now. I guess she KNOWS but hasn’t informed you yet.
Paul ********
Kasikorn in Central Festival Pattaya opened an account for me on the spot about a month ago. Took less than an hour. Left the bank with the book, debit card, and ap on my phone installed and tested.
Michael ********
@Paul *******
guess you still needed all the necessary documents.Paul ********
@Michael *******
Oh absolutely I did need documents. But nothing remotely complicated or difficult - I did it myself, without assistance of an agent.Basically the same list as the OP, except I have a lease, not a blue book.
Michael ********
@Paul *******
I will probably need to open another Bank Account due to the current changes with Bangkok Bank before the end of the year, so will do it myself. We own our Condo so that ticks one box, just got to get the other paperwork together.
David *********
Same yesterday at kasikorn in and out 1 hour all done
Tony *****
@David ********
was that central festival Pattaya as well?
Michael *******
Pretty much standard around the world now, banks are tightening up everywhere painful but necessary I guess.
Craig *********
Are you sure they didnt say they are sending off to head office for approval ? Ive had this with 3 banks ,SCB being one of them and all 3 can back with a no answer...I hope its not the case for you
Jeremy *********
OP@Craig ********
I will just have to wait and see then. All of my paperwork is in order so I can't see why they would refuse but who knows
Patrick ********
Next they want a DNA and blood sample. It's really getting over the top here now. On the one hand they want foreign investment and offer great Tax benefits and incentives whilst on the other hand the Visa restrictions and banking regulations are a real turn off. It's actually a shame what's happening in Thailand.
Michael *******
Try opening a bank account in many other parts of the world, especially as a foreigner - tedious and painful….its a widespread problem not exclusive to Thailand.
Peter **********
@Patrick *******
SCB has those procedures and the “one week” waiting time easily becomes two weeks. Their procedures are tedious, but once you get through it an ok bank.I opened my account exactly one year ago. Same experience, more documentation because my non-O did not state the reason for the non-O (I am married to a Thai lady).
Lynnette *******
@Patrick *******
what are the visa restrictions?
Andreas *********
@Patrick *******
normales Prozedere, ist doch keine Aufregung wert.Mark ********
@Patrick *******
unfort. it's their country and they can do as they like. Draconian I know but we have 2 choices. We can stay...or we can go. 🤷♂️Activity
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