What documents do I need to open a bank account in Thailand?

Mar 5, 2024
8 months ago
Steven ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Good morning all

Can anyone inform me of what documents are required to open a Thai bank account thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To open a bank account in Thailand, the required documents can vary by bank and location. Generally, you'll need a passport, a visa (preferably long-term, like a NON-O or a residential permit), and proof of residence. Some banks may also require an initial deposit. Using an agent can be helpful, especially for those facing difficulties, but it's important to be cautious of additional fees. In some cases, even short-term visitors have been able to open accounts, but this is increasingly rare.
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Bob ***********
I opened an account yesterday at Kasikorn. Required passport, tm30 receipt, Thai phone number, 5000 initial deposit, 300 for debit card. I am on a non o 90 day visa. Very easy. Did first wise transfer went through in seconds.
Lucy *****
Over ten years ago, I could open bank account with the 30 day visa exemption. Now, the banks refuse to open account unless you have work visa, education visa or retirement visa.
Alan ******
@Lucy ****
Yep. I remember you could walk in the bank for a drink of water and come out with a bank book. 😂😂😂Things went downhill after 2007.
Russell *******
Residency certificate and passport
Keil ******
* long term visa

* Residence permit

* Passport.

* Proof of residence

* Minimum earnings 500.000 baht
Pertti *************
Use agent service and take passport with you.
Steven ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pertti ************
thanks for all your replies.the question is for a friend of mine who is here in Thailand at present he wants to go forward with his girlfriend of quite a a while but seems to hit many obstacles. As previously I have been married to my Thai wife for 18 years and opened a bank account easily back then after the first couple of visits. I also completed the paperwork for the visa to take her to England only with a little of the Thai red tape at the time, I cannot understand how all these rip-off agents are allowed to operate which they make a morcerry
Peter **********
I was here on a 90 day single entry

We just went to a big Mall and asked in every Bank until one said yes

Passport was all they needed
John *********
@Peter *********
ok, sure you did it. But, why? How could that have possibly benefited you?
Peter **********
@John ********
I now have a Bank account in Thailand and can transfer money in and out

of Thailand using Wise plus I have a debit ATM card to use when I’m here

Which is what the original poster wanted to know
Robin ********
You don't need a long term visa. Use a agent .
@Mots ********
do it for 4000 baht .
Ken ***********
@Robin *******
normally, I avoid using agents, but in the current situation, I agree with you that you need to hire an agent to open a Thai bank account.
Jim ********
A few of these documents will pull it up! 😆
Neil ********
Long term visa. Rental document or ownership document. Passport or Thai ID

Open the account with say 1000 baht.

Don’t get conned into opening insurance
Robert ********
@Neil *******
if you do buy the insurance do you have to renew it ?
Andy **********
@Robert *******
the advice I was given, if you're persuaded into buying the insurance to open the account, there is a cooling off period, usually 14 days, just cancel it, when I opened an account, I just declined their offer, but I did use an agent, and that does make it a lot easier.
Andi ***********
@Robert *******
No, you don't.
Henrik *****
First of all, if you’re a tourist, forget it.

Secondly, read the earlier posts about that, in the group.

It is one of the most recurring questions.
Aake **********
It differs a lot between different banks and between local branches. It is best to go into an office or several and ask
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