Hi everyone, which Thai bank is the best or easiest for a UK citizen to open an account in?
Thanks.
Answer summary
The community suggests that Bangkok Bank is often considered the easiest option for UK citizens to open an account, particularly in tourist areas. However, experiences vary by branch, with some branches requiring a visa while others may accept alternative documentation like a certificate of residence. Kasikorn Bank and Siam Commercial Bank also have positive reviews. It is recommended to visit multiple branches to find one that suits your needs, as individual branch policies can differ significantly.
26 repliesnewest first
22
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
As others have said, it really depends on the individual branch.
I opened an account with SCB in Hua Hin about 10yrs ago when on Tourist Visa. Very straight forward, just needed to show certificate of residence from immigration. I opened a 2nd account with SCB earlier this year in Sisaket on OA Visa. Again very straightforward with certificate of residence from immigration.
Everyone will probably have a different answer, because of their experience, for me I found Bangkok bank easy to deal with and quite helpful. Good luck.
I would second Rob's answer. Three of my friends have recently set up accounts In Hua Hin for friends. All that was required was a certificate of residence from Immigration. All very efficient and no hard sell on insurance.
Unfortunately there is no set answer to this. Each branch of each bank has their own set ways. Some will let you open an account with a visa exempt entry, some insist on a long term visa or even a work permit. There’s no rhyme or reason as to which branch will let you do what. Just takes a bit of leg work trolling through various branches to see which one will let you open an account. Nothing in Thai law stops anyone opening an account on any visa type but the branch manager has sway on what happens in their branch. In tourist type areas you’ll probably have more luck as they’re used to foreigners. In Nakhon si nowhere you are probably going to be out of luck.