What should I do if Bangkok Bank requests a passport certification letter from the US Embassy to open my account with a Non-O visa?

Dec 21, 2024
20 hours ago
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m in Bangkok, went to BangkokBank with US Passport in hand, to set up account using Non-O stamp, TM30 + lease. The lady then asked me to get a Letter from US Embassy Certifying the that my Passport was really mine. No clue why. I guess I could have also brought my California drivers license and my Canadian passport as proof of my ID. What’s my move? Bother with a bureaucratic embassy OR learn my lesson and bring the supplemental IDs to the next branch I attempt to setup an account (do Thais understand the principle of dual citizenship or will using the Canadian passport as ID confirmation confuse them?)
8,649
views
12
likes
245
all likes
107
replies
1
images
49
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is facing difficulty opening a bank account at Bangkok Bank using their US passport with a Non-O visa, as they were asked for a certification letter from the US Embassy. The community offers varied advice, including trying a different bank or branch, bringing additional identification like a driver's license or Canadian passport, or ultimately hiring an agent to handle the process efficiently.
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.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Brian ********
Use an agent. The few bucks are worth not having the headaches.
Vitico ********
The passport certification is probably just a photocopy of your passport with a stamp from the US embassy. I had to get one before and it required an appointment that had to be made like 2 or 3 months in advance and then pay $50 dollars for it. You are probably better off paying an agent to open an account for you
Anthony ******************
i needed to get a residency letter from Thai Immigration when I opened my bank account, It was relatively simple.
Robert *********
Bangkok Bank asked the same thing. Just get a certificate copy of your passport at the Embassy. They put it in your file when you open your account. It's not a big deal.
Neil *********
Just use an agent.
Bill *********
@Neil ********
Right! Easy and done, no stress.
Imran *********
U have make an Appointment with US consulate Bangkok . They will Charge 50$ for certified copy of your passport than u need to translate in Thai language certified copy with your passport size picture on it good luck
John *******
Don't confuse an already confusing situation 555
Priya **********
get an agent
Bill *********
@Priya *********
Exactly! It'll all get done in a couple hours.
Jim *****
Go to Bangkok Bank in Central Festival mall on Beach rd in central Pattaya, then hop next door to K bank {green one) and open another acct. I got both in 2hrs. The mall banks deal with a lot of foreigners and will usually help you out, imho. And no insurance purchase required. I opened my accounts 4 months ago.good luck.

N
Sean **********
Go to a different branch or a different bank.I have Bangkok Bank account but prefer K-bank and Krungsri
Did *****
At least you could open an account by providing more paperwork. The branch I've been too was totally retarded and refused opening a bank account on my non-o visa with certificate of residence from immigration, reason : can only open one when on retirement visa or study visa 🤣🤡
Wayne ********
I had to get a certified copy of my passport from the US Embassy as well couldn’t get a reasonable timeframe appointment in Bangkok so made appointment with the US consulate in Chiang Mai. It turned out to be a very nice trip. My wife and I took the train up And I got the appointment within 10 days of me applying. A couple of years ago I actually went to three branches of Bangkok bank in Bangkok, and they all were requesting a certified copy of my passport.
Glenn *****
@Wayne *******
when was that? The US Embassy and Consulates have been refusing to do that for a while now.
Sandeep *********
And who would need to certify that the letter from the embassy was authentic? 😳🤪
Derek ***********
Did *****
@Sandeep ********
make it translated and legalized by MOA 😁🤣
Ronnie *********
Go to a different Bangkok Bank. I use Bangkok Bank and have never been asked to do this. Sometimes it is the person and not the establishment making the rules. Good luck!
Dennis **********
She's out of order. A passport is used for proof of identity Hope the airlines dont ask the same when checking in. There would be anarchy at passport control
Jeffrey *********
@Dennis *********
Exactly - the passport speaks for itself. And countries spend millions developing security features to prevent counterfeiting of passports...and zero on developing secure letters. And yet that seems to be too complex of a concept for certain banks to understand 🤷
Terary **********
"OR learn my lesson and bring the supplemental IDs to the next branch I attempt "

Is one of two of your best options

Either

- Go to several branches, with all the imaginable paperwork

- Hire an agent

My bank required I buy a one time insurance policy, for that year I have 3 million baht coverage for something, I am not sure.

I don't know about the Canadian banking system but the Thai banking system is much different than the US.
Robert **********
Bangkok Bank will generally want 2 forms of ID to open an account. Try and open a bank account in your own country with only 1 ID.
Jim ********
I went to KBank in EmQuartier and had zero problems getting a bank account. I am pretty sure they also asked to see another form of ID beside my stamped passport.

***************************************************************************
Scott *******
You need to notrized copy of the front page of your passport
Andy **********
Stop giving yourself an headache, and just pay an agent in Pattaya, it's like ฿4000 -฿5000 and you have the account for life.
Ruel *******
Each branch set their own rules. I was able to open a bank account with 90-day Non-O Visa at the Bangkok Bank located inside Emporium Suites. I brought with me Canadian passport, Canadian Driver's License, copy of Non-O Visa. Get off at Phrom Phong BTS and go to Emporium, not at Emquartier or EmSphere. Dress a bit nicely. You need a local SIM so get one before going there. You will need it to setup your banking app. They will help you there. You know you are at the right branch if you pass by Tiffany and Cartier stores. The branch is just around the corner.
Ian **********
That's a good tip but what did you use for proof of address? I can assure you that each branch does not set its own rules but staff training is almost non-existent so each branch will behave differently.
Ruel *******
@Ian *********
Yes, i forgot to mention bring copy of TM30
Mark ******
My advice would be to try another branch. Each branch has its own rules. I set up my account about 3 years ago in my local branch with just my passport (Australian with Non-O Retirement) and took my Thai wife along. No problems.
Roy ********
******************************


They will get bank account Bangkok bank easy in 1 day very easy. Speak to Mark
Eric ******
@Roy *******
Yep. Mark knows his stuff. People vilify us on here when we suggest using an agent, but this gentleman’s ordeal is the exact reason I use Mark. You can do everything correct, by the book, and it seems like it’s never enough. They always want something else. It is worth it to me to let Mark do all this trivial grunt work. Look at the time wasted and aggravation that the OP is dealing with, and he STILL has no guarantee of definitively getting an account. it’s just not worth the hassle.
Randy ******
By 2027, Canada would become the 51st State … LAND GRAB, BABY!
Us *****
@Randy *****
meh we'll pass on it. They have too many Indians now. Too much headache.
Randy ******
@Us ****
you kidding? Vance’s ole lady. Vivek. Katchab Patel (dude with crooked eyes). Nikki Haley… All Hindus. Can’t trust these people!
Us *****
@Randy *****
we already are maxed out of Indians. It is one in one out policy from now on. Please tell Canada we politely decline their offer to join.
Randy ******
@John ******
why not? Alberta is the Texas of Canada… You don’t mess with Texas, boy!
John *******
@Randy *****
Alberta is no Texas
Randy ******
@John ******
No thanks. We only would keep the useful part of Canada: South Ontario to all of Alberta. Population is
*****
politically. Our Leader is good in math!
John *******
@Randy *****
- we can also give P. Rico statehood. Maybe Guam, US Virgin Islands and Washington DC. Really want to annex Canada for Alberta?
John *******
@Randy *****
that would be great. Most likely two more democratic senators, 40ish congressmen, with more being democrats than republicans, and more electoral college votes going to democratic candidate. Canada is roughly the same size population as California, so 50+ electoral college votes.
Mark *********
I think you are looking for a rational answer to an irrational request when I opened my Bangkok bank account in August I paid ฿6000 for an insurance policy. When I asked if I could open the account without the insurance policy, there was no response except for a steady stare. My thought would be that you need to have someone greasing the wheels. Good luck!
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ********
happy to pay. just want my home branch in Sukhumvit
Marc ********
@Mark ********
I don't understand why some people rather running up and down in Bangkok going to embassy, immigration, different branches than just paying 6000b.
Ruud ******************
TIT
Robert ******
They don’t like foreigners & try making life as difficult as possible as they can they feel superior
Dana *******
@Robert *****
Especially when they have to deal with people who are kind of arrogant... All over Asia. This is cultural. Respect and humility is the key in Asia. Then, everything is easy. 😉
Lynnette *******
@Dana ******
he doesn't like "foreigners" in his country. . yet HE lives in a foreign country. 🤔
Lynnette *******
@Robert *****
you mean like in UK? Where being foreign still isn't popular.
Robert ******
@Lynnette ******
yes exactly especially when they want to take the country over your right they love you so much you pay doublec& triple for a lot of things
Lynnette *******
@Robert *****
No foreigner I've ever met in UK was trying to take over my country. But then I'm not a racist and don't spew misinformation about people because I perceived them to be foreign.
Robert ******
@Lynnette ******
you obviously don’t get out very much open your eyes what’s happening in the uk
Jeremy *********
@Robert *****
again karma same thing that the British did to half the world.

Enjoy it 😘
Robert ******
@Jeremy ********
you must be a Starmer supporter
Jeremy *********
@Robert *****
I'd bet you're one of those butt ugly dudes who moved here so he could pay a woman to sleep with him as you couldn't get laid in England 🤣
Jeremy *********
@Robert *****
ps I don't know what a starmer is 🤷‍♂️🤣

Try and assume some more though I enjoy it 😘🤣

America 2 Brit 0 😂
Jeremy *********
@Robert *****
no I'm American and love seeing you brits talk like you. When your nation literally colonized how many nations and enslaved their people 🤔

Now you're getting a taste of your own medicine and wanna cry 🤣

Ironic isn't it 🤪
Kate *******
@Jeremy ********
you’re European American, most of your ancestors did exactly the same and then you went and did it to North America. How on earth do you think that’s any different?
Jeremy *********
@Kate ******
you assume as well I see 🤔 I'm half native American half German so yes some European.

As to same think about that statement.

Did America control and govern and still to this day do that to other countries. The list is huge after all.

Infact that's how America got started was colonized.

My family from Europe only came here during wwii to escape nazis 🤷‍♂️
Kate *******
@Jeremy ********
you’re as much a Nazi as any Englishman today is a coloniser. Which is absolutaly not at all, obviously! And have you no clue how many countries American invades? Now, in modern times, not distant history. Your high horse is lame.
Jeremy *********
@Kate ******
us invades ? You mean has liberated 🤘😂
Jeremy *********
@Kate ******
yessssss my Jewish family were nazis 🤦‍♂️😂😂 genius
Kate *******
@Jeremy ********
you mean being from a country doesn’t automatically make you the same as the ruling class of that country? Careful, you’re almost getting the point!
Jeremy *********
@Kate ******
you're still confused huh

Can't explain to someone who dosnt listen

What countries in modern times does America rule over other than America we don't unlike Britain 😜

Nor do we bow down to a queen or king though 😏
Jeremy *********
@Robert *****
you mean like England did to half the world and enslaved them🤔 Seems to me that England is getting it's karma finally 😏
Kate *******
@Jeremy ********
The other nations in the UK, occupied lands are being just as over run.
Lynnette *******
@Jeremy ********
he's living as a foreigner in a foreign country, complaining about "foreigners". Lol. I'm sorry to say, he might even be British. . the worst type.
Ian **********
Just keep trying different branches. They have changed so many rules the staff don't understand them. The UK embassy will not legalise documents but I don't know about the US Embassy
Ne ***********
@Ian *********
i have been suffering with Bangkok bank for last many years. They love papers, just transfer the money at counter, they need your passport, passbook, and keep copying every pages then they will ask u to sign.

Not only the bangkok banks, all banks in Thailand love to waste papers..
Henry *********
@Ian *********
The UK Embassy in Thailand do not legalise documents - it is done by the Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes - but they do certify passports. Appointments are made online.
Roberto ***********
Bangkok Bank asked me too. I had two solutions. The first write a post in Facebook. The second going to my Embassy asks them the certificate. I preferred to take my certificate in the embassy.
Braulio *********
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto **********
-So i wish were that simple. Walk in. Get letter. walk out.
Nongnuch ********
@Mark *******
don't overcomplicate things. Visit an agent and they will open a bank account for you in no time. Saves you the trip to Bangkok
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Roberto **********
- post was to seek edification. Does not preclude embassy. But US embassy doesn’t generally provide appointments for certification letters of US passports. After all, isn’t that the definition of redundant?
Wayne ********
@Mark *******
you can definitely make an appointment to get a certified copy of your passport from the embassy. They do that on a regular basis. When you apply for the appointment you apply under requesting a notary..
Nongnuch ********
@Mark *******
the U.S. embassy will not issue a certificate of residence. Only immigration will do it
Mike *********
@Mark *******
certified passport copy is an actual appointment the US Embassy does provide. Take a color copy printed of your passport bio page and payment $50 USD or 1800 baht as of last week. Make the appointment on their appointment page and show up about 15 minutes before your appointment and be finished with your certified in about 10 minutes.
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wylie ******
- thx Wylie. so helpful. So this is The Matrix I’ve entered. Very mysterious. Guess I hv to bring a translator for my next account setup attempt.
Wylie *******
@Mark *******
when I opened one a few years back at Bangkok bank they asked for the same thing. Went to the US embassy and the only thing they provided was a certified copy of my passport. I assumed that this would suffice to prove my passport was real, but when I went back they said that wasn't what they wanted yet couldn't clarify why it wasn't adequate or what exactly it was that they did want. They finally accepted it after some back and forth with the help of my Thai wife though.
Mark ********
@Wylie ******
It seems that what they want is a verification that the passport is genuine, which isn't the same thing as providing a certified copy (although arguably, the Embassy won't provide a certified copy of a fake passport) 🤔
Wylie *******
@Mark *******
exactly, and I actually asked the embassy for a verification letter like the bank asked and they had no clue and nothing they could give me except the certified copy.
Bernd ***********
@Mark *******
A couple of years ago BB at Rama IV asked me the same. I went to German embassy, no appointment needed. They made a copy, stamped and signed it and BB was happy....
Bob **********
Use the passport that has your stamp in it and go to another branch
George *********
@Bob *********
I have an account with K Bank and it is active. However I have dual citizenship and my passports first name differ slightly. If I enter Thailand with the slightly different first name spelt passport, would that mean that I wouldn’t be able to access my account since my originally spelt name passport does not have the entry stamp in it??
Guy *********
@Bob *********
agreed, the team in BK Bank in EmQuartier used to be excellent, but I went back recently to renew my debit card, and they wanted all sorts of extra ID. I have a European passport and a drivers license and residents id in singapore, but they refused to renew my card saying they had to be from same country as my passport. Totally rediculous. Sorry for them, I opened a K Bank account with the very helpful staff in Central Embassy, and moved my money across. By by Bangkok bank… Even better, I found wise transfers to KBank are instantaneous. It takes two days to arrive at BK Bank…
Tom ********
And only give them the docs as they ask for them, their attention span is very short !
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
- thanks Bob. It’s so weird. I have to adapt to the randomness.
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
thinking my dr. license as a backup. It’s not like my name is John Smith.
Bob **********
@Mark *******
what usually works is a resident certificate from immigration
Graham ******
@Bob *********
yes because normally they also want to see the visa you entered with
Gordon ************
When you provide too much documentation, it confuses people, stick to the basics ✌️✌️✌️
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gordon ***********
- that was my sense. But bkk bank rep in phrom phong said she wants me to come back with 3 valid picture IDs w/full names, incl middle name. 2 are my passports and 1 is dr license. hoping next branch has less comprehensive requirements. The entire exchange with somebody wearing a covid mask - it weirded me out.
Kevin ******
@Mark *******
nothing weird about masks 😷. It’s not a Covid mask per se. I have been in Asia since 1993 and they were wearing them then. Masks are worn when someone has a cold, flu, etc.
Par ******
@Mark *******
I was also told to come back with Dr licence, so I did. Had passport, TM30 and Dr licence and got bank acct
Pat *******
@Mark *******
You have a choice of going somewhere else, like Canada...
Gordon ************
@Mark *******
I gave them a copy of a Pension Statement I had, just as extra proof, the manager said that it was out of date, and I said that he didn’t require it. This caused a long debate, I’ve learned with anything here, only provide what is asked for. good luck 🙏🙏🙏
Ellen *************
@Mark *******
why would you be weirded out? Masks have been common in that region for a couple decades now - masking isn’t just for Covid, but there is a major wave at the moment and multiple variants are active, meaning you can get it and recover and get another one before your immunity can repair itself. Someone being polite and trying to respect and protect others is nice, not to mention they are face to face with countless people daily in some jobs and they deserve to wear one if they feel it protects themselves?

Where I live, when I notice all the delivery guys are suddenly wearing them I figure it is for a reason.
Gordon ************
@Ellen ************
Well said ✌️✌️✌️
Ellen *************
@Gordon ***********
it’s so confusing to me- he says doing business with someone weirded him out because they wore a mask -

It weirds me out that such a simple thing would even need to be said? 🤷🏻‍♀️

China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Vietnam have been wearing masks since the first SARS outbreak in 2000, I think it was…

I mean, even the US govt is mailing out free tests to citizens again since September, AUS recently had such a strain it came close to reimplementing 10 day quarantines. Singapore considered closing in late June but just mandated masks for a month instead - Canada is taking a beating, as is the US. I’m in India at the moment and don’t get me started 🤣 It’s a thing and it’s really long term debilitating - thousands have ended up with long Covid. It is what it is but pretending it isn’t doesn’t make sense to me. It’s a virus that operates in the vascular system- which obviously affects every organ, millions of folks saw friends and relatives of all ages die of it- but those that are wary are weird?Make it make sense. Just because capitalism wants us to keep working doesn’t mean there’s no Covid. The prime directive of a virus is to survive, find a host, mutate- whatever is necessary to survive. The Spanish flu still exists - I mean- it’s not drama it’s simple science 🤷🏻‍♀️Ridiculing people for wanting to feel a bit of control over their own health and safety is what’s weird.
Brian **********
@Ellen ************
Contagion is a myth, that people have been brainwashed about for generations. Doctors and scientists have been trying to prove contagion, for over a hundred years, without success. Some of the trials were absolutely disgusting. At the time of the Spanish Flu, these included ill patients actually spitting in healthy people’s mouths. No healthy people ever “caught” any illness from any of these attempts to prove contagioun.🤷🏻‍♂️
Ellen *************
@Brian *********
oh wow I’ll probably delete that. Should have looked at your profile first, wouldn’t have presumed you were interested in an exchange. You have invested in more than just this theory without figuring in any of the multiple variables that exist in each equation so rock on 🤘🏼
Ellen *************
@Brian *********
😂 😂 sorry- I can’t help myself 🤣

I suggest that you consider parsing the difference between contagion, contamination and levels of vulnerability. That last one can vary literally from day to day, depending on your physiology, day to day.

If you’re comfortable, then please have your next surgery with no sanitation or masks. I realize a smattering of ‘health professionals’ have professed this idea, but all medicine is not corrupt- nor is all science/research.

I’m not going to debate whether contagion exists, that’s a straw man argument seeing as how there’s no way to track the status of each human and their level of vulnerability in a given day, let alone measure and record who is an asymptomatic for each and every health condition that exists. Your statement overlooks so many factors and variables. I mean spit? 🤦🏻‍♀️ each contagion is transmitted in it’s way, you can kiss someone with TB and not get it in your lungs same as you may lick a spoon and not get Covid - these things don’t exist in a vacuum there are multiple variables. It’s not a paint by number template. Aye carumba
Brian **********
@Ellen ************
a brief summary

************************************************************


What I talked about is researchable
Ellen *************
@Brian *********
respectfully, sir, you are a kook, and that woman that posted it, tho she is a ‘starseed’, a ‘Pleiadian’, and a Twin Flame devoted to Kundalini, is the regional manager of your tribe.
Vicky *****************
@Ellen ************
well said and also based on science. Due to that, your wise words will not help those that continue to deny the virulence of Covid.
Ellen *************
@Vicky ****************
and thereby the prediction models for this last year and the coming year bear out the science 🤷🏻‍♀️ denial keeps it going- oh well.

I’ve only got a few years left and if it gets too much there is an ejector seat I’ve been eyeing 😂
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else