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

I'm suspicious that the banks are fed up with foreigners opening bank accounts that are not really used for anything and cost the banks money, so they have a collective opinion to not let anyone open accounts unless they have long term visas. If this is the case you can't blame them.

Went to IO (Chonburi) yesterday to register TM30 that I wanted to try to open acc. Arrived on a non-imm O and need the acc to prove my monthly installments. Explained this to the IO, was properly dressed (which I am sure is important - no flip-flops, shorts or Tees!) Had not expected this but ended up with a letter from IO to bank telling them to open an acc for me. All in one day. I´d post pic of the letter but don´t know how to «white-out» personal info.

whats the deal with moving money from usa to this new thai bank account? have 5yr visa, plan to spend more than 180 days in country. all my money is old existing money sitting in usa. seems like may/may not be paying tax if putting it in thai bank account now if beyond 180days?

Entry stamp does cut it. Just walk from branch to branch.

Use an agent 👌

If you spend more than just hours reading here, and instead read every day, often every day…you will find if you just pay an agent, you will have a Thai bank account, even on an exempt stamp or any other stamp. Just pay the agent, probably about 3 to 7k THB.

Banks in Thailand are like everywhere in the world, interested in having good stable custormers, that have a permanent address, a steady easy traceable income, and use the account all year round.

That is why the banks are reluctant to give accounts to people on short time ( read: tourist ) visas, and who only spend part of the year in Thailand.

Furthermore the added attention on whitewashing of money, is an added burden on the banks, so even depositing large amounts isn’t a guaranteed way to open an account.

The value of a resident certificat, had gone down, since Immigration Officers are giving them to people that are not on a longterm visa, or have stayed severel months at 1 adress in Thailand, so even if it is a formal requirement, the bank make up their own assesment of the stability of the want-to-be customer.

Whatever bank you choose, avoid the insurance they try to sell you. It’s a scam lately with banks pushing insurance. ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️✅

Opening an account without a visa used to be possible, but i believe the rules have changed and it seems to be very difficult now and you will be lucky to find a bank to open without.

I think with any long term visa it should be possible.

If you are struggling it might be worth paying an agent to assist in opening the account.

You should be able to open a bank account yourself, even if you are on a tourist visa or visa exempt stamp. All banks have different requirements. All branches have different requirements. Even within a branch two staff members may give very different answers. Find a branch of the bank you want (I use Bangkok Bank in Doi Saket), in an area with lots of foreigners. Go to the bank with your passport and a friend who holds an account at that branch. Have 100,000 thb to deposit. Should work but many banks/branches will also require a certificate of residence from Immigration. But instead, you could offer a letter from your hotel/ hostel/ Airbnb/ friends house stating that you stay there. Doi Saket Bangkok will work with that.

In theory you can open a bank account on any visa or mo visa at all. It all comes down to the individual branch of the individual bank. Each sets their own rules

Stop the misery and realize when you've overreached your limits, pay and all shall be done quickly and efficiently

Just get an agent to do it. Search group got to be second most asked question after DTV stuff