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What documents are required for foreigners to open a bank account in Thailand?
Thailand bankingexpat bankingbank account requirementsforeigner bankingpink ID cardyellow bookvisa and immigration issues
Aug 29, 2025
8 months ago
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTERWell just tried to open an account with Krungthai. Was originally told, by a higher up employee. Bring passport and thats it.
Show up. They now require a pink ID card and a yellow book that you are registered under. Haha what is happening with the banking system here. MIND YOU I already have a business account with them, that was opened in the same branch.
Show up. They now require a pink ID card and a yellow book that you are registered under. Haha what is happening with the banking system here. MIND YOU I already have a business account with them, that was opened in the same branch.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user attempted to open a bank account with Krungthai Bank but faced unexpected document requirements beyond just having a passport, specifically needing a pink ID card and a yellow book. This raised concerns about the banking process for foreigners in Thailand, with other commenters sharing their experiences and frustrations regarding the documentation required to open accounts.
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Malcolm *****
Thanks so much for sharing your experience
Sorry you secretly hate your lives and feel the need to try and expel your negative energy on to other people….oh, and your in denial of this 🤣
Love, peace and acceptance ☮️
@Cris *****
I can see all the trolls and “know-it-all dirtbags” have finally come out of the woodwork here on this lovely Friday! Sorry you secretly hate your lives and feel the need to try and expel your negative energy on to other people….oh, and your in denial of this 🤣
Love, peace and acceptance ☮️
Frank *********
@Malcolm ****
it's a plague. You can not post anything or they will reply with an ignorent or even insulting comment. Do they really have nothing better to do with their lives than sit in the bar from 11am and post nasty comments?Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTEROh i agree. its crazy. I expect at least one per post at this point. Hell i had one old guy threatening to fight me. Dude was in his 70s wanting to fight me... mid 30s haha. The post was about my frustration of going through the marriage visa process. Its hilarious
Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Trav **********
@Malcolm ****
You sound like one yourself champ.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Malcolm ****
its almost every post in these groups at least one comes out.Jeremy ********
Nick ************
@Jeremy *******
it's pretty obvious he is referring to you. If you haven't got anything helpful to say just keep quiet and stop irritating everybody.Jeremy ********
@Nick ***********
it’s not my problem people reply to me and I reply back This is social media and that’s what it’s all about
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
you replied to my post.... haha.Jeremy ********
@Cris *****
people reply to my comments for unknown reasonsReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Koin ******
And for Pink ID , we need yellow book
Rok ********
@Koin *****
how does one get a yellow book? Property Ownership will provide one?Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rok *******
you can get it through a rental. But your landlord has to go through the process as well and your amphur is at the discretion to give it or not.Koin ******
@Rok *******
yesReply to
Koin ******
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Koin *****
haha. Yes just learned that. So im probably a month minimum from getting these.Rok ********
@Cris *****
what was the process of applying?Jeremy ********
@Rok *******
super simple barely an inconvenienceReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Koin ******
@Cris *****
oh it's a headache 🤣😭Reply to
Koin ******
Reply
Frangipani *******
Get with the program, dude.
Complaining won’t get you anywhere.
Complaining won’t get you anywhere.
Jonathan **********
@Frangipani ******
why are there so many people like you in this group that just like to talk shit. Nothing that he wrote warrants this type of comment. You are far too old to be acting like a childCris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frangipani ******
right... so why are you even in this group? I posted about banking regulations changing, as they seem to weekly at this point... "get with the program" haha. That's what im trying to do. Stop being a negative old troll.Frangipani *******
@Cris *****
just fix it, dude!Did *****
@Frangipani ******
why are you even commenting, useless replies 🤡🎉🤣Reply to
Did *****
Reply
Frangipani *******
@Cris *****
😱Why don’t you just understand Thai 🇹🇭 legislation?
Especially the new laws that came in in
*****
/2025.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frangipani ******
baha. You obviously dont read any other comments here huh? Banks are all different, yellow book process is all different. Everyone's experiences and requirements are all different... so "thai legislation" has nothing to do with it.Frangipani *******
@Cris *****
FFS I’ve been living here for 40 years. I have not had any problems whatsoever with banking in this time.
Good luck.
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Frangipani ******
right im very happy for you. But thousands and thousands of foreigners are having issues... but when the next foreigners bank account gets frozen. I will say "well Annie has lived here 40 years and never had problems!!!" And it should fix itReply to
Cris ******
Reply
Adam *********
Wanted to do yellow book. My landlord did not cooperative. She doesn’t want to come for interview as requested by my amphoe.
David *******
@Adam ********
To get a yellow book I needed to do 30 yr lease and get my name put in the book.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ******
IT seems like every amphur has different rulesAdam *********
@David ******
that long?David *******
David *******
@Adam ********
You can buy an apartment for a book I think.Adam *********
@David ******
my amphoe allow yellow book with condition wife living together and her name registered on that particular house. Now we are renting. But landlord reluctant to include her name in blue book.David *******
@Adam ********
My wife(ex) has my name in the book. I have the book. She stayed in Aust. Contract gives me until I die here if less than 30 yrzReply to
David *******
Reply
Chris ****
That’s wild. I have both but never been asked for either.
Peter *******
Life's too short to get a yellow book, most bank branches are sensible enough not to ask
Terry **********
@Peter ******
That was in the good old days not anymore 😔Max *************
@Peter ******
Most branches never asks for it because it has never been an official requirement.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ******
thats why this confused me... I thought they meant house contract. But my wife clarified and they wanted a yellow bookPeter *******
@Cris *****
go to a different branch or bankCris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ******
i know 😞. I just wanted this one because its literally down the street from us and we are friends with the manager lady. I just want to get out of Bangkok bank ASAP.Max *************
@Cris *****
So why didn't your friend the "manager lady" help you? 🤔Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
maybe its employee to employee on what is required? 5555Max *************
@Cris *****
I think head offices for most banks are a bit tougher now when it comes to what a branch manager can do. Years ago they could basically do anything they wanted, now not so much.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
ya. Oh ive heard some stories old farangs tell me. Hell even when I first moved here some of that stuff was still implemented.Max *************
@Cris *****
I've been staying in three provinces in three regions over the years. Many years ago you could just waltz in at any bank anywhere and open an account on a tourist visa. One of those accounts at Bangkok Bank is still active and where I keep most of my money. I have other accounts for daily expenses.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
noooo idea. When we left. She messaged back and was like. Ohhh I meant you need passport and yellow book not house contract. Then wife replied, also need pink ID card. And haven't gotten a reply.Peter *******
@Cris *****
Message back and say other branches don't ask for yellow book, more often residence certificate, just say no to that waste of timeReply to
Peter *******
Reply
Trav **********
Well they told you what to do, just do it, simple.
Jeffrey *********
@Trav *********
Depending where you live and what your living arrangement is, getting the yellow book and pink card can be easy or impossible - and neither of them actually proves anything about your status in Thailand.Pertti *************
@Jeffrey ********
it tells your status is non immigrant visa holder if you can get tabien baan and you're legit living address with owner approval or you own it yourself🙏Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pertti ************
so its a glorified house contract and ID card...Pertti *************
@Cris *****
no it's certificate that your address is registered in that spot. You can have multiple books where you live and use that banks, dlt etc and your info is behind thai ID number and not your passport number👍 ID number is your tax number, social security schemes number etc. For citizenship you need book and id👌Reply to
Pertti *************
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeffrey ********
agreed. We can't get our housework for another month, minimum. Then have to apply for pink card. And I agree. It proves literally nothing haha. Nothing that a house contract and passport or drivers license proves.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Kent ********
What is a yellow book and what is a pink ID card? I assume that a drivers license would be an ID card, but it's not pink.
Bill *******
@Kent *******
A yellow book proves your registered address for foreigners. Blue book is for the owner of the property. They want to know you are not money laundering.Timothy *******
@Kent *******
A yellow book is similar to the blue book in the yellow book you can have your name in itMichael ********
@Timothy ******
so what's the blue book🤔Timothy *******
@Michael *******
Its a house book the thais use and are registered inReply to
Timothy *******
Reply
Kent ********
Ok, so what is a blue book? If it comes from the bank, how can you get one before you can open an account?
Terry **********
@Kent *******
you need yellow House book and pink I'd card Thais have blue house book and id card . it show your permanent address.
I got mine couple weeks ago bank wouldn't accept driving licence
Jeremy ********
@Kent *******
a blue book is a tambien Bahn (house book) that all Thais are registered in for them to obtain an ID card residence etc etc etc etc A yellow book can be obtained by a foreigner 2 ways…a blue book (tambien Bahn) housemaster says yore residing within the residence…most likely scenarios are wife, cool Thai family you helped out, business associate, GF/significant other
A foreigner buys a condo ahd gets the yellow book for ownership…Pattaya is known to give blue books so everywhere is different
With the yellow book or blue book (Pattaya) you apply for a pink ID card with a 13 digit thai ID Number
With the pink id card you can use the 13 digit id number to get a DL, open a bank acct, check into hotels, get a SIM card etc etc
Plus it’s a wallet sized id card
Elías ********
@Jeremy *******
interesting, South Korea also has the equivalent of that blue book you mention (although now everything is digital, no actual books anymore) but you can get in it only trhu birth, adoption, or marriage. So, no girl/boyfriends or friends, etc.Jeremy ********
@Elías *******
same with Thais Thais still use paper but I’m guessing the digital revolution is coming rapidly
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elías *******
same here. Not the digital part. Thailand runs of physical paperwork. Mountains and mountains of it. But the blue book is only for thais. Yellow book foreigners can be on.Jeremy ********
@Cris *****
Pattaya issues blue books to foreignersCris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
find that hard to believe. Unless they are citizens....or permanent residents. Which are rare.Jeremy ********
@Cris *****
the yellow book is issued to foreigners as house books…Pattaya issues blue books Different cities different protocols
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
yep. Nope. Its a country wide thing. But kJeremy ********
Kent ********
@Jeremy *******
Oh, OK. We own a condo in Hua Hin. I paid for it, but put it in my Thai wife's name; perhaps that was a mistake regarding the yellow or blue book. We've been there several times, including a month and a half last Winter, but never bothered with any of the residence registration.Jeremy ********
@Kent *******
your wife will have the blue book and you can have the yellow book and pink id card Pink id card can also get you the Thai price at non host hospitals if you talk your way through it
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kent *******
your wife should have probably a blue book for the house.John *********
@Jeremy *******
you can also use it to fly internallyJeremy ********
@John ********
no not at all you need a passportJohn *********
@Jeremy *******
I do it all the timeNick ************
@Jeremy *******
you do not need your passport to board domestic flights. You can use your Thai driving license so I would imagine that you could also use your pink id cardJeremy ********
@Nick ***********
on thought you meant international not domestic travel Be more specific in the future…not everyone can read your way of thinking
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
see what im talking about hahaJeremy ********
@Cris *****
no ideaNick ************
@Jeremy *******
try reading the post it said internally. Quite specifically.Jeremy ********
@Nick ***********
fine you and your $50 dollar wordsCris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick ***********
yes you can.Jj ****
@Kent *******
household book. From amphorKent ********
Oh, I just discovered that she does have a blue book. I never knew that. She never mentioned it. She also has a Thai ID card even though we've been living in the US for the last 14 years, but I didn't know that I needed one also. Thanks. We won't be coming until February, but I need to learn as much as possible now.
Michael ********
@Kent *******
they dont mention anything if they can help it.Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Todd *********
Absolutely Nobody in the banking system, let alone ‘higher up’ would think a foreigner can open an account with a passport. Not. A. Chance.
Fred *********
@Todd ********
That's exactly what I used. In ThailandTodd *********
@Fred ********
oh good. And when was that? In the last decade? Let us know which bank and location, they will have a large lineup tomorrow
Fred *********
@Todd ********
Was this year actually. Dont care if anyone believes me or not. But that's all I used.Todd *********
@Fred ********
and where was it? Which branch? Many here excited to know I’m sureReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Max *************
@Todd ********
I opened my KBank account in Jomtien with my passport and nothing else. But it's not possible now.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
i dunno its just very... disheartening with all of these changes and regulations and stuff they are implementing. Im married to a thai lady and we have a business here. And all this recent stuff is going to have massive ripple effects in the future.Max *************
@Cris *****
Just go from bank to bank and bring a residence certificate from immigration. It will make it easier,thats for sure. You'll eventually have your bank account.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
oh I already have Bangkok bank. But with all their drama. I want to switchMax *************
@Cris *****
I'm not having any problems whatsoever with Bangkok Bank. I will never change my bank routines.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
I haven't either. But this freezing accounts debacle is a bit scary. I actually like Bangkok bank. I've never had issues. But if they freeze my account I have to drive to hua hin, 9 hours, and fix it. And some people are reporting weeks of their account frozen.Max *************
@Cris *****
If your account hasn't been frozen as we speak,it most likely will remain open.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
ok. Screen shotting this and if anything happens myself and Mr BangkokBank will call you!!! 😉 hahaha. I do agree though. I am curious of why they are doing that thoughReply to
Cris ******
Reply
Todd *********
@Max ************
correct. It’s not possible now. The game has changed.Max *************
@Todd ********
Well,it's imo totally ok. Why would anyone be able to open an account with just a passport or as a tourist? Try to do that back home.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
I opened my Bangkok bank account with passport and house contract.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Marcel ***
@Todd ********
I opened 2 bank accounts in Indonesia with just a passportElías ********
@Marcel **
we're talking about ThailandLynnette *******
@Marcel **
but this is about Thailand not Indonesia.Marcel ***
@Lynnette ******
he said absolutely nobody in the banking system 🤔Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marcel **
hahaha. I see your point. But I am in Thailand regarding a thai bank in a thai Facebook group haha 😄.Lynnette *******
@Marcel **
Yes, in Thailand, where banking is being discussed and his reply refers.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Steve *********
@Todd ********
I didCris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
righto. Well thats what they told us. We brought all of my stuff in case.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Jeremy ********
Just bring your yellow book and pink id card
Super simple
Super simple
Terry **********
@Jeremy *******
Had to get yellow book pink card to open account at kkbank last week 👍Frank **********
@Jeremy *******
not everyone has one. For me the hassle of getting a yellowbook from my amphoe is ridiculous with their requirements.Mark *****
@Fr***
, took me 6 months from start to finish in Pathum Thani.My frist application was denied because I wasn't married at the time !!
Frank **********
@Mark ****
Thailand you gotta love it, lolol.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark ****
Holy guacamole. 6 months?! Did you get married then? Or just kep trying?Mark *****
@Cr**
, between my frist application and second was around 18 month's in the mean time I got married.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark ****
18 months?! Good lort. That's some perseverance.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Frank *********
it took me like a week and most of that time was waiting for an appointment Not sure what you’re on about
Frank **********
@Jeremy *******
what I am on about is they wanted witnesses, my wife's parents, the village boss. My passport certified by the Embassy. Pretty easy to understand what I said. Not worth the hassle to me.John **********
@Jeremy *******
I simply can't get one, rejected right away when last I tried. I don't own a condo and I'm not married. If you fit one or the other its easyJeremy ********
@John *********
I fit neither and it was super easy barely an inconvenience Not sure what you’re on about or why you blame your situation
John **********
@Jeremy *******
I'm not blaming any situation, simply stating what I was told by my Amphur.Jeremy ********
@John *********
it was super simple for meJohn **********
@Jeremy *******
if you've spent any time in Thailand you should know that's not how it works. Every Amphur is different, every immigration office is different, every branch of every bank is different. I could go on.Jeremy ********
@John *********
I guess I hit the lotto jackpot and everyone else has excuses they live on aboutCris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
yep. Every other person in this comment thread has excuses they live on. Haha 😄Jeremy ********
@Cris *****
this all factsJohn **********
@Jeremy *******
you obviously lead a charmed existenceJeremy ********
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
we all know at this point....Jeremy ********
@Cris *****
if it was super easy for me then it should be that way for everyoneRoberto *********
@Jeremy *******
I wouldn't get either as well. I need to distance myself as far as possible from Thailand Tax Residency, as I need to retain Australian Tax Residency to get the numerous concessions from there. Because residency can be based on "economic ties" I don't want any with Thailand. I won't even have a Thai driver's licenceCris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ********
interesting i didn't know that. Doesn't Australia have a dual tax agreement with Thailand?Roberto *********
@Cris *****
It does, but there's ambiguities with some part which refer to "tax credits" - I eliminate these by registering as an Australian Tax Resident which means I don't even have to submit a tax return in ThailandMark ********
@Jeremy *******
Super Simple really Jeremy 👌Not necessarily the same procedure and requirements from the local Amphoe. Your experience is not necessarily the same for others. Super simple really me thinks 🤔😊😜Jeremy ********
@Mark *******
it was mind numbing simple You obviously don’t understand how govt’s work around the world
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
haha. I love how you insult people saying garbage like this. When in just a few minutes 3 people have said its not easy and a big pain the ass.Frank **********
@Cris *****
he thinks he knows everything.Jeremy ********
@Cris *****
it was super super simple It was Easier than going to the DMV in NYC
not sure what they’re on about
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
everything in NYC is difficult. As I do agree that the DMV is part of a circle of hell. From my experience so is most government related anything in ThailandJeremy ********
@Cris *****
this is why it was super simple barely an inconvenienceTony *****
@Jeremy *******
I got denied as well for yellow house book. Despite having long term lease local Amphoe wanted me on a marriage visa or no go.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mark *******
i think this goes for many things in Thailand hahaReply to
Cris ******
Reply
Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
except I dont have either. I dont think many farangs do?Paul ********
@Cris *****
your right the ampour near me said I needed to be married which I know you don’tCris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
ya. That's strange because I know a farang who has a farang wife. And they own their house and got a yellow book. Its allllll different hahaReply to
Cris ******
Reply
Nick ************
@Cris *****
I have not got either like you. All I have is a rental agreement. Can't do anything about it now as I am not in Thailand. It would have been nice to have known in advance what the new requirements were.Richard *******************
@Nick ***********
each bank, each branch, sometimes each member if staff can invent their own different requirements depending on which way the wind is blowing. Happened to me last week.Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nick ***********
well take it with a grain of salt. Because every bank, every branch seems different. Not to mention the rules could change next week.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
David *******
@Cris *****
super easy to get.Your name should be on your property (yellow book) and your pink Id card from your local authority costs 40 baht . Why try to beat the system? What's required is required end off.Steve *******
@David ******
There's no real benefit to the yellow book/pink ID card. Been here just over 20 years never needed either 👍David *******
@Steve ******
(yellow book) I own my property, why would you ever want to keep a property in the previous owners name ?Steve *******
@David ******
So what if you rent property and don't apply for an ID card?Richard *******************
@David ******
last time I asked my local.office about getting my yellow book they said bith that my disabled house owner must attend the office and I can nit get a yellow book without first marrying a Thai. Plus, this yellow book requirement for a bank acvount is not consistent, it is not a universal requirement. Having a yellow book and I'd card is an option, nit a requirement. Yes it makes life easier, but getting one is a different challenge depending on your local office or which staff you talk to.Jonathan **********
@David ******
some of yall just like to say shit. Not everyone is trying to do anything illegal.David *******
@Jonathan *********
if you follow the requirements and present what's required there isn't a problem. It's required for a reason .Cris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ******
The problem is the "requirements" vary location to location and depending on who you talk to. If it was an actual set requirement there would be no issue.Jonathan **********
@David ******
no one is disputing that. There’s just no need for the smart ass comments some people leave. It’s like some people love having a stick up their assCris ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ******
because at the moment the landlord won't sign off on a yellowbook. Our property won't be finished for another month. Then have to go through the process to get the yellow book, then get the pink ID. I never said I was trying to beat the system, or remotely hinted at that.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Jeremy ********
@Cris *****
it was super easy for me to getReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
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