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Why are banks in Chiang Mai rejecting account openings for DTV visa holders?
Thai bank accountDTV visaChiang Maibanking regulationsforeigners in Thailandvisa typesfinancial services
Mar 11, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTEROpening Bank account experience
I have visited multiple banks here in Chiang Mai in the last two months for opening a bank account on DTV. Tried Kasikorn, Siam Commercial, Bangkok Bank and Krungsri.
Somebody recommended TTB and I tried that also but all of them rejected saying it’s a tourist visa or it’s not a work permit. Even when I said its a long term visa, five year visa and I will be spending money: it did not work. Some said they have now strict regulation from the central bank.
Truemoney wallet option: tried this also but it’s not very helpful. If you have to withdraw cash using your foreign card anyway to top up on this app via cash only, then it’s not of any use. Its the same hassle.
Curious how others have navigated this situation? I am aware of agents charging exorbitant amounts.
I have visited multiple banks here in Chiang Mai in the last two months for opening a bank account on DTV. Tried Kasikorn, Siam Commercial, Bangkok Bank and Krungsri.
Somebody recommended TTB and I tried that also but all of them rejected saying it’s a tourist visa or it’s not a work permit. Even when I said its a long term visa, five year visa and I will be spending money: it did not work. Some said they have now strict regulation from the central bank.
Truemoney wallet option: tried this also but it’s not very helpful. If you have to withdraw cash using your foreign card anyway to top up on this app via cash only, then it’s not of any use. Its the same hassle.
Curious how others have navigated this situation? I am aware of agents charging exorbitant amounts.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their experiences of trying to open a bank account in Chiang Mai with a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), facing rejections from multiple banks including Kasikorn, Siam Commercial, Bangkok Bank, and Krungsri due to strict regulations. Even with a long-term visa, the banks insisted on needing a 12-month visa. The user also explored alternatives like Truemoney wallet but found them unhelpful. Comments reveal that some suggest trying different branches or hiring agents, albeit at a high cost.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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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Olaf **********
So maybe its worth paying the exorbitant amount of 5000 baht to not having to pay atm fees along with all conviniencies of having a thai bank account?
Greg ********
@Olaf *********
Not many doing it at that price now.Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Olaf *********
who is offering for 5000thb? Can you pass me their details pls? The ones I have found are charging 15-20K.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Darcy ************
Agent
Kim *******
How much do agents want ?
Marcus *******
Some agents in BKk and one that I know of in Pattaya can still open bank accounts for DTV holders. But expect to pay from 18k THB onwards.
Greg ********
@Marcus ******
18k in Pattaya. Wow. It used to be 4 or 5k there.Peter *******
@Marcus ******
That's daylight robbery!Reply to
Peter *******
Reply
Danza *******
Try the Bangkok bank on the main road that heads north through Santitham.
Bobo ************
DTV is scam lol 😂
Zin *****
If you really need to have a bank account, try with an agent.
Anonymous ******************
Can no longer open Thai bank on DTV you need 12 months visa stamp
Angelo ***********
Anonymous participant 889 You can open an account on any visa, or no visa.
Anonymous ******************
@Angelo **********
Yes, you can in 1% of the cases but you can't. Would definitely suggest you to scroll down the posts here and get updated on new banking rules.Angelo ***********
Anonymous participant 577 There are no new banking rules. It was always open to the bank to make their own rules. Most simply do not want to have a foreigner as a customer.
Anonymous ******************
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Angelo **********
really must be good then since all agencies now can't open them either!Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
John **********
The DTV is a tourist visa, no getting away from that. But every branch of every bank is it's own little fiefdom so try different branches or pay an agent to help you
Angelo ***********
@John *********
It is not a tourist visa, it is a DTV. And there is no legal reason for not opening an bank account on a Tourist Visa, a DTV or visa exempt.
Some branches just do not want to do it. That is all.
Anonymous ******************
@Angelo **********
That's not some branches... That's 99% of branches. They are even refusing agents.John **********
@Angelo **********
a DTV is officially classed as a tourist visa. And I agree there's no legal reason bank accounts can't be opened assuming the bank is able to satisfy itself of the authenticity of the person applying to open the accountAngelo ***********
@John *********
It is officially classed as a DTV.It is its own visa class.
The tourist visa are "Single Entry Tourist Visa" and "Multiple Entry Tourist Visa" - the only two tourist visa Thailand has.
A DTV is its own visa category.
John **********
@Angelo **********
it is officially classed as a "special tourist visa", yes it's often shown on its own but that doesn't change its official status as shown in the government order that created the DTVAngelo ***********
@John *********
If you think so, up to you.Dca *****
@Angelo **********
Why are we insisting on trying to make an emphasis about the type/class/category of visa a DTV is classified as? The most succinct translation from Thai to English would be "special tourist visa" as published in Thailand's Royal Gazette
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.pdfJohn **********
@Angelo **********
it's not a case of thinking anything. It's a case of having read the official order as published in the Royal GazetteReply to
John **********
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