Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What types of visas are accepted for opening bank accounts in Thailand?

Bank Account Opening Visa Types Kasikorn Bank Bangkok Bank Transfer Delays Expat Banking Issues ED Visa Work Visa Retirement Visa Elite Visa LT Visa

Jun 19, 2025

a day ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Dropped into Kasikorn today to ask about opening an account because the delays with the Wise to Bangkok Bank transfers is becoming untenable. Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, I couldn't do it and was cited the only 3 visas acceptable are ED, work and retirement.

3,501

views

9

likes

89

all likes

48

replies

0

images

32

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user expressed frustration over the inability to open a bank account at Kasikorn due to visa restrictions, noting only educational (ED), work, and retirement visas are accepted. However, comments from the community suggested that other visa types, like marriage, Elite, and LTR, may also allow for account openings. Discussions also included insights about transfer times between banks and experiences with Wise, Bangkok Bank, and Kasikorn.

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.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Anna ************

We have the same problems with transfer from Wise and Revolute to Kasikorn. Starting from June. Never had an issue before

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

Bitcoin (and now USDC/USDT) solve this.

If you'd realized this years ago, you would now have enough money to buy unlimited Elite visas for your entire extended family to open Thai bank accounts and spend the rest of your days sending early retirement money around. But it still holds true today.

Banks will only become more pedantic and limiting with your own money. Look into the alternative (not 'Wise') and you'll be happy.

Like

Reply

Nathan ****

Crypto to the Bank takes me 5-10 minutes with Bangkok Bank.

Like

Reply

Tommy ********

Makes sense. DTV holders are long stay tourists

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

I have been 3 years with krungthai and they very good!

Like

Reply

Peter *********

Anonymous participant 184 Nearly 10 years for me with them, no problems.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Peter *********

Reply

마리오 ***

In the last few weeks I’ve noticed a delay in Wise to Bangkok Bank transfers also, generally for larger amounts though. I transferred 100k yesterday and it took about 12 hours. Transferred 650k a few weeks ago and it took about a week to clear.

Like

Reply

Anton ********************

Seems it problem with ur home bank. Just transferred 20k and it took 5min

Like

Reply

Anonymous ******************

for what? as far as I know u cant transfer money with that account

Like

Reply

Expat **********

Been transferring Wise to BB for last 4 years. Almost always takes 24 hours. Plan better.

Like

Reply

Biff *******

If you had been successful in opening a K Bank account, you would likely find that the same longer time frame for transfers applies there too.

Like

Reply

Jordan *****

Kbank has Swift. Been doing international transfer to them for years. From Monday to Friday transfer time is 5-15 minutes from my US and European bank accounts

Like

Reply

Biff *******

Wise was minutes too but recently the banks have changed how they process transfers

Like

Reply

Biff *******

Bangkok Bank also has SWIFT

Like

Reply

Greg ********

Did all Wise transfers not come through Bangkok Bank and were then forwarded to other banks? That is why with Bangkok Bank it showed up as international transfer.

Like

Reply

Biff *******

not usually for me

They showed as ‘other bank’

I believe their Thai partner was Dee Money ? Not 100% sure but it arrived in seconds from a Thai source.

I think the new banking clampdown has put a stop to that.

Needs to be approved by BB staff now

Does show up as international now though

Like

Reply

Reply to

Biff *******

Reply

Bob **********

You can’t open a bank account on a tourist visa

Like

Reply

AllSabaai ******

Since long time. KASIKORN is one of the hardest banks to accept openings account unless a Non B or Non O

Even for a certain time.. ED was not welcome in KASIKORN Bank too.

Like

Reply

Tarik *********************

Try opening a Thaitag account

Like

Reply

Michael ********

@Tarik ********************

you can only add money to Thaitag with foreign cash. It’s a bit of a gimmick.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Michael ********

Reply

Thai *********

Only 220 baht my local bank card , for buying motobike, paid 660 baht. For

*****

baht

Like

Reply

John *********

How busy is your life that you can’t wait “less than 24 hours” for a transfer?

PayPal always gives the ‘money in minutes’ option for a small fee but I’m not sitting on a dealer’s sofa waiting to score. (Nor am I implying you are.)

Why is seemingly everyone hooked on INSTANT? Especially in a country that demands patience?

I’m sure you’ve got your reasons.

Like

Reply

Nelson ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Because the transfers for the past 12 months have taken seconds. Another reason is that money in Bangkok Bank earns next to zero interest so I would rather it sits in my overseas account for as long as possible hence my tendency to make the transfer just before I need it. Everyone's needs are different.

Like

Reply

John *********

I get it. Things change.

At least you’re among us lucky ones who have a Thai bank account. That’s something to be grateful for.

What’s a day’s worth of interest on that amount?

Example: It’s less than 150฿ if you’re moving equivalent of 1MB and you earn 5% interest per year.

Like

Reply

Nelson ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

true it doesn't seem worth worrying over but at the same time the poor exchange rate because of the strong Baht makes me hold back until the rate improves. Inevitably it doesn't and I am forced to make the transfer at the last minute only to find that it's held up for 1 to 3 days the higher number being at weekends.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nelson ******

Reply

Anonymous ******************

How about the elite visa? I thought they could get bank accounts

Like

Reply

마리오 ***

Anonymous participant 836 elite provides a concierge service to assist with opening a bank account

Like

Reply

Christopher *************

Anonymous participant 836 yes, I have one and accounts at Bangkok and kasikorn for the last four years

Like

Reply

Jon **********

Anonymous participant 836 yeah, they can

Like

Reply

Reply to

Jon **********

Reply

Mark ********

I just did a 70k transfer from Australia to Bangkok Bank last week. Took just under 24 hours. I've never had a problem

Like

Reply

Ling *****

Wise to Bangkok Bank took me 24 hours. Wise to Kasikorn took less than a minute. Both work for me.

Like

Reply

Dany ********

yeah and to SCB it took me maybe 1-2 hours the other day

Like

Reply

Nelson ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

yes if only I had a Kasikorn account 🙏

Like

Reply

Reply to

Nelson ******

Reply

Ben ********

I had issues with wise when I was in Thailand in may aswell, transfers from my Aussie bank to my bkk bank were taking 2 days to transfer,however if I sent money to my mates kasikorn it'd take seconds?

Like

Reply

Todd *********

Untenable? They are same as always. If Wise changes, it’s likely because of national policy banking changes. Has nothing to do with with Wise platform. Mine have been precise and stable for 5 years now. And I use wise for 4 different countries and currencies

Like

Reply

Nelson ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

you're assuming I was unhappy with Wise but in fact it's Bangkok Bank hence my wanting to open a different bank account.

Like

Reply

Todd *********

I’m not assuming anything. I’m going with what you wrote. And I’m also a Bangkok bank customer. So maybe a better explanation of the problem would help

Like

Reply

Reply to

Todd *********

Reply

Tore *********

What kind of delay? I sent a bit over 100k from wise to Bangkok Bank about week ago. Took less than 24hrs. Used to take seconds though, but.

Like

Reply

Nelson ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

you said it yourself

Like

Reply

Tore *********

But how is 24hrs long for international tranfer? What am I missing? The majority of that time it was held by Wise. How is a different bank gonna help?

Like

Reply

Bob **********

it’s not

Like

Reply

Nelson ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

others have posted that transfers to Kasikorn or Krungsri are completed in seconds something Bangkok Bank used to do. Weekends are now impossible to receive funds.

Like

Reply

Jon **********

Yes the issue is with Bangkok bank. Last time it took me 5 days to get the money, so I now send to my gf scb and it always takes 15-20 minutes.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Jon **********

Reply

Colin *******

I think that marriage, Elite and LTR would also work.

Like

Reply

Ben ******

yeah but how to get the marriage visa without the proof of funds in a Thai bank account?

Like

Reply

Nelson ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

yes that makes sense.

Like

Reply

Greg ********

Definately - My bank said to me "Visa issued by Immigration" department which would cover all of those plus the B, O and Ed.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Greg ********

Reply

Erik *******

Thank you for sharing

Like

Reply

Reply to

Erik *******

Reply

Which bank should I choose to open an account for my retirement visa in Thailand?

74 comments

6 days ago

Is the ED visa considered a long-term visa for opening a bank account in Thailand?

7 comments

23 days ago

Which banks in Thailand allow account opening without a visa?

161 comments

a month ago

Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a retirement visa?

57 comments

3 months ago

Can I open a Kasikorn Bank account with an ED visa?

12 comments

4 months ago

Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa and obtain a work permit?

94 comments

5 months ago

What are the new bank account opening restrictions for certain visa holders at Krungsri Bank in Thailand?

36 comments

5 months ago

What challenges did you face in opening a bank account in Thailand with an E-Visa?

2 comments

6 months ago

Which bank in Thailand allows you to open an account for transferring money from abroad while on an O visa?

20 comments

8 months ago

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

25 comments

10 months ago

Can I open a Thai bank account with a DTV visa at Kasikorn Bank?

19 comments

a year ago

What are the current requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand for long-term visa applicants?

21 comments

a year ago

How can I open a Kasikorn Bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa?

38 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements for a foreigner with a tourist visa to open a bank account in Thailand?

16 comments

2 years ago

Which banks accept ED Visa holders for opening a bank account in Thailand?

15 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements to open a bank account in Bangkok with an ED visa?

6 comments

2 years ago

Can you open a Thai bank account on a visa exemption and what documents are needed?

27 comments

2 years ago

What are the challenges and tips for opening a bank account in Thailand on a tourist visa?

24 comments

3 years ago

Which banks in Thailand allow you to open an account without a work permit or visa?

43 comments

3 years ago

What are the requirements for opening a bank account in Thailand with a TR visa?

10 comments

3 years ago

What are the steps for opening a bank account in Thailand without a work visa?

72 comments

4 years ago

How can I open a bank account in Thailand while on a tourist visa?

32 comments

4 years ago

Which banks allow opening an account with a short-term visa in Thailand?

59 comments

4 years ago

What type of visa do I need to open a bank account in Thailand?

57 comments

5 years ago

Which banks in Bangkok allow account opening with a tourist visa?

10 comments

7 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.