Please suggest simple and easy way to get a bank account in Thailand
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a bank account in Thailand can vary depending on your visa status and the bank you choose. Many suggest using an agent, particularly for those on a tourist visa, as the process can be complicated without one. Several users reported success by visiting banks like Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank with the necessary documents, including a passport and a residence certificate. It's worth noting that regulations can change, making it important to check with the bank in advance to ensure compliance with their requirements. Some users mentioned having experiences where they were able to open accounts on a tourist visa, while others reported difficulties, highlighting the inconsistency in bank policies and branch practices.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
When I was there you had to have a permanent resident visa first.
Paul ********
Hua Hin visa agents on soi94. I got mine with a tourist visa.
Judy **********
A resident certificate and an agent.
Albert *******
The REAL question is WHY do you want a bank account in Thailand? With the world today and all its transfer services it may be easier to do things another way …
it’s a bit of a catch 22. You can’t get a visa without a bank account . And you can’t get a bank account without a visa . Take 50k baht and go over to TMT visa .
Not really. You can get a non-O visa in your own country and even when you are already in Thailand. If based on retirement then banks can open an account and you have time to transfer money well before you ask a one year extension. If for purpose of ‘marriage visa’ you can even extend for two months before requesting the one year extension. In both cases banks open accounts for holders of non-O visa.
If you are on a tourist visa and not going to be in country then perhaps think again. You may find, like I did, that your account is suddenly restricted in some way for no reason at all. In my case, I can deposit but not send money. 5 calls and back and forth between customer service and they told me I needed a new OTP. . Not sure why as i had a OTP to set up my phone banking. Then, the OTP wouldnt send to my thai number. Again, not sure why as I can receive alerts that I have logged into my account. Anyway, I havent got my 5k worth as it stands and I have an account that is basicaly locked.
Stephen **********
🤣🤣🤣🤣
John ********
It depends on the branch and the town. 60 day visa local address not hotel thai phone smile big stack of cash re v omend scb in hua hin
Bangkok Bank is so outdated k bank rude
Ania *********
Wise card
Chinpoh ******
Ask a kind Thai person to go to Bangkok bank with their ID card to help you open your bank account . Invite that person for lunch out of gratitude.
Ham ********
So how would you get a marriage or retirement visa if you can't show funds because you can't open bank account?
It's quite a few years ago but we came on a AO visa 90 day and our Thai friend accompanied us to various banks and the K bank gave us a joint account, since then we have moved permanently here and to get the retirement visa had to get a Bangkok Bank account each, a joint account is nor recognised by immigration.
Open Bkk bank account in your country. You can open an account with same bank in Thailand. It worked with Asean members.
Pierre *******
This is actually a relevant and smart question to post.
The guys who😃 are just imbeciles.
JJ *********
Go to the bank
Gaëtan *******
Comply to the regulation … visa / WP…
Peter **********
Every information you get here from people ‘who did it recently’ last year or earlier is worth zero. Banking rules have changed and things have been tightened up heavily.
Do not let yourself be misguided by those saying ‘easy peasy, I did it in December’, because their experience is no longer valid. Full stop.
than I get lucky, because I was doing it in January😉
Gordon *******
Absolutely correct Peter
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Gordon *******
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Nikki *********
We tried almost every way possible.Yesterday again at Bangkok Bank.Tried to buy a one year insurance in order to open an account.Insurance no problem but account was denied cause cause of a tourist visa
Try Kasikorn Bank Market Village I live here permanently now but I got a Bank account there on a 90 day tourist visa I 2014, but maybe they stop that now, but its worth trying.
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Michael ********
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Daniel *******
Pls chk at Bangkok Bank. 🥰🙏🏼
Richard ********
LAWYERS ALLIANCE THAILAND can help you with any type of visa. Great assistance, professional services.
Albert ********
This is true I opened with a passport.16 years ago now laws changed. Even drug laws.
John ********
I opened a bank account with SCB on a tourist visa 20+ years ago. One of the Thai family came to the bank with me and when she told them I wanted to open a bank account because I worked offshore, no problem, but that bank account closed in around 2005. Now I tried recently to open again on TR Visa. No can do. 😂
Matt *******
Pay an Agent
You must have a Valid Passport and ID (Drivers License)
thanks 👍 onlly thing I have is passport and birth certificate.thsnks matt
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Jason *********
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James **************
Agent
Boyle *****
Wise
Kris ********
Go to a store. Buy a piggy bank. Put loose change in it.
Biitzy **********************
go to bank
Fra *****
Take your wp and your pp and it's easy to do , check the bank requirements first with the brunch as this varies from brunch to brunch
Robert ******
Walking to the bank
Vivian *********
Siam Bank Buriram yellow book passport sign my name 30 plus times 30 minutes Back in my local For A beer.
Steve ***********
An agent or attorney is the only way. Bkk bank
Peter **********
Can anyone suggest / recommend an agency in Bangkok (with contact details, please) to provide assistance with opening a bank account?
Viola ********
You need a residence certificate ( get in the immigration) and 2 different ID from your country ( passport and driving license).
I got mine in November in Krungsri bank.
Good luck ! 🍀
Samuel ********
Three simple requirements for those who live here legitimately, process was a hell of a lot faster than opening a account in my home country!
Lawrence *********
Talk to immigration and get it done right.
Tony ********
Go to the bank.
Brian ********
John **********
Have $50,000 falling out of your pockets as you walk in to a branch
Christopher ********
As simple as following the banks procedures
Richard *******
mine cost 100bt
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Richard *******
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Alexandr *************
Just got mine today 500 bath on a tourist visa, took 30 minutes. But, It depends on the city too. And they might want to hassle you with the insurance for 7 k, but don't give up. Say you know many people who didn't pay anything. It worked for me in Hua Hin.
If you are on a tourist visa your only real hope is an agent. If you have any other visa 90 days or longer you should be able to get a Bangkok Bank account providing you have your passport with visa and residence form from immigration.
LAWYERS ALLIANCE THAILAND reliable and professional assistance for expatriation... easier and faster whatever your visa
เด่ ******
1. You always can get bank account except tourist visa or no visa
2. Go to immigratiom and get your residence certificate (only valid for 1 month and it's written there to open bank account )
3. The easy banks are , go to Kassikorn or Bangkok Bank with your passport and residence certificate. If you have thai car driving licence , even better. Not a must.
4. Fill the form application there and you need your income tax number of your country or from Thailand to be filled.
It should be with the right visa. Tourist visa is a dead stop but otherwise any other visa and residence certificate and passport should work. I have been to over 20 branches of banks in Bangkok and Phuket. Most told me I would be OK with any other visa other that tourist visa.
I had all that and have been continually refused due to having a METV. I am trying to avoid having to get insurance and a police background report to file for my retirement visa in the US. It's going to be cheaper and easier to use an agent.
Immigration in Phuket and I am sure others will give you a letter if you have a TM30 copy from a hotel if you are staying one day. That solves that issue fast.
Reply to
Robert ***********
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Mike **********
Bank of Bangkok. Best for expats takes you a couple of hours. Best to get an ID Or drivers license first step
Have a look on you tube …. There are guys on there explaining the pros and cons of different banks approached and what info or documents you need to show etc and what you can achieve or not ?
Rok ********
Agent - the only simple and easy answer … takes minutes (and 5000 baht) … oops
Just did it last week needed my Thai visa first and my papers to prove I have apartment and forms form Thai immigration health insurance first that cost $30.000 baht it took 2 days and big headache hurry up it’s all about to get harder soon
Guido **********
simple ..walk in and tell them what you want . i opened 3 accounts within 10 minutes
Harisonjohn ******
If I have 2 month tourist visa and hotel room can get open bank account
Dave *******
Use an agent, well worth the extra, think I paid 4000 for a Bangkok bank account
Long term visa first ( you can use proof of assets
From your own bank) then agreements for permanent / rented premises and then go to the bank. This way no agent fees or the bank con if selling insurance
Simon **********
Bangkok bank, tourist visa, real estate agreement signed and proof of deposit, obligation to buy their insurance
One year ago was straightforward with an embassy letter declaring your address and supply your passport. Now very difficult. Here are the current requirements at Bangkok Bank. Some branches/staff have been known to bend the rules when buying some accident insurance through them. Good luck
Tim *********
Agent is the only way to do it without suffering mental breakdown from the stress
Fabao ********
Without a work permit it might be difficult.
Paul ********
I have a Bangkok bank account but just walked in and opened a Kbank account with passport and Condo blue book. Easy
Fursey *********
How do we get an agent?
Marty *********
I got my Kasikorn account at the first branch I tried but that was 7 years ago. Times have changed, I guess. If you ever need a 1 year bank statement then Bangkok Bank will make you wait. Kasikorn can produce one on the spot. The Kbank app is very good. The customer service has been great.
Everyone says don’t buy the accident insurance. I did buy it and a couple of months later I had an accident, made a claim and was paid promptly. I bought more coverage the next year and would still be with them if they hadn’t cut me off at 65.
I opened a Kbank account and it took less than an hour. They are very approachable. App is brilliant and you can transfer world wide. I am on an O/A visa.
I think you must reside here, but K bank did for a friend of mine who visited us here, he had a 90 day tourist visa and it was many years ago now, its probably unlikely now.
You must keep no less than 2000bt at all times. yo will get interest every 6mths. but of course unless you draw out the 2000 if your never going back. you draw it out in your own country and use your dc world wide . Don't pay agents just a money making scheme like most countries.
Richard *******
just take your passport and address to bangkok bank. open a savings account with debitcard they love your money. Nice to have a thai companion wth you but I did it onmy own.
My experience is only an agent can get ya a bank account on a tourist visa, NO MATTER what other documents you have. That is the case at about 15 bank branches and counting for me. Your mileage may vary. Just about all of them threw the same basic excuse at me........"home office say no".
Welcome to Catch 22 Land.
No 'non-o' retirement visa without a fully funded and cured bank account, then no bank account without a non-o visa.
You need a permanent residence yours or your wife(if married) and visa.Kasikorn Bank should accommodate you.No insurance needed decline if Bank suggests.
Wayne **********
Karakoram bank will let you open one straight away takes about an hour
If you’re in Pattaya try Bangkok Bank in Soi Buakhau. I’ve heard someone managed there recently. Not easy anymore unless you have a long stay visa, but an agent might help you.
Please note that you can send 50,000 THB or above per transfer only to the following banks from 7 January 2022 due to regulatory changes:
Bangkok Bank Public Company
Kasikorn Bank
Siam Commercial Bank
You can still send money to recipient accounts that use other banks, but you'll only be allowed to send them up to 49,999 THB per transfer. There's no limit on how many transfers you can create."
I had the worst experience with Bangkok bank. Krungsri with their travel card is wonderful. Kasikorn has the best app though.
Also, keep in mind, that if you have Bangkok bank and change your phone(device itself) you need to go to the branch to restore access. The same goes for Krungthai.
you mean a resident permit. You can get that even with a tourist visa and it’s quite simple. If you don’t want to do it yourself an agent can also help with that
and you don't have to make any insurance or anything else. I've read so many things about this and was really worried, but like I say Tm30 touristvisa, no agency and after 30 minutes it was done👍
totally agree ….. I tried several times on my own and was refused ….. pay an agent and get an account right away ….. no hassle just a little thinner wallet but worth it
shop around …… some are mid 20,000 THB and some mid 30,000THB …… it really isn’t too difficult (once you have a bank account and have the funds in the thai account) to go to your home embassy in your home country and apply (costs 1,900 THB) to get your retirement visa so better off researching and do it your self ……
ok yes that's what i was thinking 🤔 just a little nervous doing it myself. I don't have an embassy or an active consulate here in Florida so was hoping to sit down with someone. 20-30k baht not terribly expensive but the satisfaction of handling it myself would be rewarding as that money goes far in thailand
Reply to
Pete **********
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