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What types of visas are accepted for opening bank accounts in Thailand?
Kasikorn BankThai Bank AccountVisa RequirementsNon-O VisaNon-B VisaEducation VisaRetirement VisaElite VisaLoyalty VisaBanking IssuesTransfer Delays
Jun 19, 2025
10 months ago
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTERDropped 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.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster inquired about opening an account with Kasikorn Bank and faced issues due to visa restrictions, learning that only Educational (ED), Work, and Retirement visas were acceptable. Various comments suggest discrepancies regarding accepted visa types, including mention of the Elite and Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas. The discussion also involves banking experiences related to transfers from Wise to Kasikorn and Bangkok Bank, with mixed feedback on the speed and reliability of these transactions.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic LTR Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Long Term Resident (LTR) 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.
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Stephen **********
I just transferred from my bank to bangkok bank via wise at 10pm and had the money the next day by lunch. It used to take a few seconds but when I moved a bit more it took until 2pm the next day. I think it had to do with the timing of bank hours or the amount.
Are you moving large quantities? Maybe that is the cause of the delay
Are you moving large quantities? Maybe that is the cause of the delay
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen *********
on the contrary the most I have ever converted and sent is the equivalent of 200,000 baht.Stephen **********
@Nelson *****
Wow, maybe it was just timing. Not sure why you are getting long delays then... Hope you find a solution.Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen *********
I don't know but I'm actively trying to find a way out of this and if it means leaving Bangkok Bank then I'm willing to do thatReply to
Nelson ******
Reply
Nickel *******
Does ED stand for erectile dysfunction visa? Is this like a medical visa or something
Лена *******
kasikorn does not accept transfers from wise, payoner, and from abroad
Anna ************
We have the same problems with transfer from Wise and Revolute to Kasikorn. Starting from June. Never had an issue before
@Nelson *****
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Anna ***********
just tried sending from Wise to Bangkok Bank and they are estimating arrival on Monday and it's not even midday Friday!Anna ************
@Nelson *****
so my point is if you have difficulties with transfer to BBL , new account in Kasikorn won’t solve it. Maybe worth to try other banks - krungsri/krungthai, and I heard krungthai (light blue one) is most loyal for DTV holders…Anna ************
@Nelson *****
Kasikorn customer service told us that many customers complain to this and they are investigating.DBS told that thai bank regulation has been changed on 11 May and banks are implementing new systems and rules that lead to technical issues. From my understanding the success and speed of the payment depends on which intermediate bank senders financial institutions use. So from Wise registered in EU it could be one route and payment are received without issue, for wise singapore - another etc etc
Anna ************
@Nelson *****
we are still getting the transfer bouncing back with the remark “technical issue from bank recipient”. Sending from singapore wise / Revolut if that make difference. Remit transfers from DBS singapore also don’t go throw. Only swift transfers from “proper” banks.Reply to
Anna ************
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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.
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.
Nathan ****
Crypto to the Bank takes me 5-10 minutes with Bangkok Bank.
Upadhyay *********
@Nathan ***
with K-Bank. Almost instant.Nathan ****
@Upadhyay ********
Well the delay I'm saying is from the P2P traders and escrow 😌Upadhyay *********
@Nathan ***
What platform do you use? I usually use Binance TH, scared of P2P, skeptical about the money being clean.Nathan ****
@Upadhyay ********
Localcoinswap, I've used the top traders for years now. they even do ATM cash withdrawal if you prefer that.Justin *****
@Nathan ***
mintt? 😅👌😄Upadhyay *********
@Nathan ***
Yup, I use it too for cash in person only. Without escrow, over tele.gram, they usually charge 3%.Reply to
Upadhyay *********
Reply
Tommy ********
Makes sense. DTV holders are long stay tourists
Anonymous ******************
I have been 3 years with krungthai and they very good!
Peter *********
Anonymous participant 184 Nearly 10 years for me with them, no problems.
Reply to
Peter *********
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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.
Jude ****************
@마리오 **
use bitcoin and it take a few seconds onlyReply to
Jude ****************
Reply
Anton ********************
Seems it problem with ur home bank. Just transferred 20k and it took 5min
Anonymous ******************
for what? as far as I know u cant transfer money with that account
Expat **********
Been transferring Wise to BB for last 4 years. Almost always takes 24 hours. Plan better.
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.
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
Biff *******
@Jordan ****
Wise was minutes too but recently the banks have changed how they process transfersBiff *******
@Jordan ****
Bangkok Bank also has SWIFTGreg ********
@Biff ******
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.Biff *******
@Greg *******
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
Reply to
Biff *******
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Bob **********
You can’t open a bank account on a tourist visa
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.
Even for a certain time.. ED was not welcome in KASIKORN Bank too.
Tarik *********************
Try opening a Thaitag account
Michael ********
@Tarik ********************
you can only add money to Thaitag with foreign cash. It’s a bit of a gimmick.Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Thai *********
Only 220 baht my local bank card , for buying motobike, paid 660 baht. For
*****
bahtChristopher ******
@Thai ********
I do the same... just take out *****
at a timeReply to
Christopher ******
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.
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.
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTERBecause 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.
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.
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.
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
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.Reply to
Nelson ******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
How about the elite visa? I thought they could get bank accounts
마리오 ***
Anonymous participant 836 elite provides a concierge service to assist with opening a bank account
Christopher *************
Anonymous participant 836 yes, I have one and accounts at Bangkok and kasikorn for the last four years
Jon **********
Anonymous participant 836 yeah, they can
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
Ling *****
Wise to Bangkok Bank took me 24 hours. Wise to Kasikorn took less than a minute. Both work for me.
Dany ********
@Ling ****
yeah and to SCB it took me maybe 1-2 hours the other dayNelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ling ****
yes if only I had a Kasikorn account 🙏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?
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
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
you're assuming I was unhappy with Wise but in fact it's Bangkok Bank hence my wanting to open a different bank account.Todd *********
@Nelson *****
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 helpReply 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.
Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tore ********
you said it yourselfTore *********
@Nelson *****
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?Bob **********
@Tore ********
it’s notNelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tore ********
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.Jon **********
@Nelson *****
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.Reply to
Jon **********
Reply
Colin *******
I think that marriage, Elite and LTR would also work.
Ben ******
@Colin ******
yeah but how to get the marriage visa without the proof of funds in a Thai bank account?Nelson ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin ******
yes that makes sense.Greg ********
@Colin ******
Definately - My bank said to me "Visa issued by Immigration" department which would cover all of those plus the B, O and Ed.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Erik *******
Thank you for sharing
Reply to
Erik *******
Reply
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