Answered8 months ago
Which bank is the easiest to open a visa bank account for expats in Thailand?
Which is the best, most hassle-free bank to open the required visa bank accounr?
Answer summary
The consensus among expats is that Kasikorn Bank (K Bank) is the best and most hassle-free option for opening a visa bank account in Thailand. Many users reported positive experiences with K Bank, citing straightforward procedures, helpful staff, and fewer complications compared to other banks, particularly Bangkok Bank. A variety of documents are typically required for account setup, including a Thai phone number, TM30 form, passport, visa, and possibly a rental agreement. Other banks like SCB and Krungsri also received some favorable mentions, but many expats recommend avoiding Bangkok Bank due to reported issues with account freezes and unhelpful service.
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Joseph ******
Kasikorn bank. Stay away from from Bangkok bank. They think they can make immigration law.
Yaoyu ***********
K Bank, the branch at EmQuarter shopping mall is superb ! 😃
Michael *******
I use Krungthai, no issues so far….
Venkat ************
ICICI
Sven ******
Krungthai Bank
Rudy ********
K Bank
John ********
I have both Kasikorn and Bangkok bank accounts. Kasikorn bank much easier to deal with. Bangkok bank does a 2 or 3 month hold time once deposit was done and visa process paperwork can be difficult.
Stuart ********
Kasikorn 100%
Simon *******
You will need a long term visa non O minimum
Brenton ******
Not Bangkok Bank, they freeze your 800,000 baht when you apply for your extension and staff were unhelpful.
I opened up a Kasikorn bank account and found the staff to be very helpful and easy to open. I needed a Thai phone number, a TM30, passport and copy of my visa. I think I showed them my rental contract as well but not sure. I'm in Chiang Mai and used the one at Airport Plaza.
I opened up a Kasikorn bank account and found the staff to be very helpful and easy to open. I needed a Thai phone number, a TM30, passport and copy of my visa. I think I showed them my rental contract as well but not sure. I'm in Chiang Mai and used the one at Airport Plaza.
David *******************
I am also with Kasikorn, and can recommend them. I closed my account with Bangkok bank, as they froze my account for no reason and messed me about.
Dava ********
All down to right visa then it's easy
Steve ********
I use KBank primarily, but I also have an account with Krungsri and SCP.
However, when paying my water and electric bill by scan, I have to use KBank. Cannot use Krungsri or SCB for whatever reason.
However, when paying my water and electric bill by scan, I have to use KBank. Cannot use Krungsri or SCB for whatever reason.
Leonard ***********************
Kasikorn
Archie ********
K Bank
Michael **********
They're all hassle-free until your first hassle. Any of the major Thai banks will work.
Nick *******
Pot luck depends where you are.
Main two would be Kasikorn & Krungsri Bank
Main two would be Kasikorn & Krungsri Bank
Lee *****************
I use k bank and have no problem with them
Paul *******
K Bank not Bangkok Bank :-) I also had problems with Bangkok bank (not my doing) they froze my account so I closed it and Iam happier with K Bank no problems very helpful :-)
David *********
SCB don’t issue passbooks
I’ve got two accounts
One with K bank that I have my visa money + 50,000 baht to cover any fees etc to ensure my balance won’t drop below requirement
The other is with SCB which is my spending bank
ps love the qr system
I’ve got two accounts
One with K bank that I have my visa money + 50,000 baht to cover any fees etc to ensure my balance won’t drop below requirement
The other is with SCB which is my spending bank
ps love the qr system
Andrew ********
David Shearer I got a SCB passbook last week.
David *********
Andrew Petley ok at Lak Si they wouldn’t give me one
Rob ***********
OPThanks everyone. Looks like Kasikorn is the winner.
Jo **********
SCB
Haroon ***************
K bank
Pongpanit *******
Depend to ur visa .
Ingvar *******
It depends where you are living. It's also convenient to have access to an office near you, sometimes even an office which is open on red days as them in big shopping malls.
Tom ********
NOT BANGKOK BANK
Gregory ********
Talk to your agent—they only work with some🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
Rob *******
Best visit the ones local to you to find out. The service and requirements may vary by branch.
Mike *********
Kasikorn Bank or Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya) are good.
Danong **********
Mike Forsyth how long you have the Krungsri sir
is it needed mindtening balance
Am new to this bank 3 months now requirements on newly retirement visa thank you
is it needed mindtening balance
Am new to this bank 3 months now requirements on newly retirement visa thank you
Mike *********
Danong Cristina Yes you can use this bank both with your own money or an agent to obtain an O visa based on retirement.
Tom *******
K bank
Need passport and proof of residency
If have partner take them too with ID and residency book
Mobile phone number linked to your passport
Need passport and proof of residency
If have partner take them too with ID and residency book
Mobile phone number linked to your passport
Andrew ********
Kasikorn
Mick *********
Can’t compare other banks but I used Kasikorn bank (K-Bank) I needed a Thai phone number for the app, a TM30, Passport and copy of my evisa and a rental contract. Once I had all of the documents it was straight forward. Staff were very helpful and it took about an hour to set up. Will help if you have someone who speaks Thai with you.
Ben *******
Mick Aynsley .... When I arrived I couldn't get Kasikorn Bank. I am with them now and am very happy with them.
Alan *******
Mick Aynsley Hi Mick 'i'll be trying kasikorn as my girl has an account there making it very helpfull for later ,would it be best to get her to make an appointment for me before i arrive or are they flexible with a walk in ?
Alan *******
Thanks Mick .
Mick *********
Alan Moore I just walked in but I guess you could make an appointment. I went at about 2pm so it was fairly quiet.
Phil *******
Mick Aynsley k bank is kasikorn
Mick *********
Phil Heron ha yes. Predictive spelling. I’ll amend it.
Sean **********
Have only dealt with Bankok Bank. No problems whatsoever
Sara ********
Kasikorn
Vikki ******
Go to a bank familiar with foreigners. Every bank is different.
After 4 goes K Bank got my money!
After 4 goes K Bank got my money!
Steve *******
Anyone but Bangkok Bank
Stav ******
So you can open bank account with DTV Visa?
Graham ******
Stav Katz with great difficulty
Stav ******
Graham Seal So how can I open an account?
Stewart *********
Kasikorn
Juergen ********
I made good experience with Kasikorn Bank.
Adrian *******
Hi a question not related to bank i have affirmation to marry a Thai lady with notary stamp and 2 witness signed in uk question . how long dose affimation last i was married before to a Thai lady who sadly passed away [cancer] i cannot get back to thailand due to work until June .
Paul ******
Back in December 2025 we tried three banks and refused, even with a letter from immigration. Then we went to Kasikorn Bank and they opened the account there and then. Now applied for my one year visa extension and the bank updated book and gave me a letter without any issue. 🙏🏼
Jesper *******
Kasikorn or SCB avoid bkk bank
Alasdair ******
Jesper gives good advice
Max ***********
I am with SCB but going to change to Kasikorn after renewing my visa. SCB closed in my village.
Eric **********
Kasikorn
Inem *******
Thais are generally polite and helpful, any bank will be OK and look for the one most visit by foreigners.
P/s bring yr Thai gf along as the translater
P/s bring yr Thai gf along as the translater
Vladimir **********
Krungthai
John **************
Kasikorn Bank (aka K Bank).
Russell ***********
i'm with Bangkok Bank, 8 years, never ever had a problem, just keep them up to date with address & phone no.
Mark *******
@Russell **********
BB had huge problems with Russian money laundering last year, as a result inbound transfers are usually delayed for additional security checks.Russell ***********
Mark Evans that includes 'all' banks, not just one ... if you have your ducks in a row there seems to be no delay, & i've transferred millions
Graeme *******
Many will differ but never had a problem at BKK Bank.
Herco **********
We do have a problem with Bangkok Bank: my Thai wife cannot open her account from Europe anymore. We have physically go to the Bangkok branch where the account was opened. It locked her out in 2025.
Graeme *******
Herco de Boer that could be correct most account holders where asked to the bank with proof of ID to maintain account me and my wife both separate account holders had to front, we both opened accounts in 2020
Larry ***************
Graeme Drake I've never had a single issue either I've had an account with them for over 22 years
James ******
Graeme Drake if you do it properly no problem it’s the people that don’t do it properly that have the problem
Russell ***********
James Sing exactly
Miyamoto *********
James Sing Exactly, then whine about it.
Sebastian ********
Graeme Drake nor me in 10 years!
Miyamoto *********
Graeme Drake Same.
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