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Why can't I open a bank account in Thailand with my DTV visa?
Thai bankingDTV visaVisa regulationsExpat banking difficultiesAgent recommendationsBank account requirements
Nov 13, 2024
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI went to kasikorn bank today with my DTV visa to open an account the clerk said cannot open because its a short term/ tourist visa how am i suppose to live in thailand for 5 years without a bank account lol always carrying 500k baht in the backpack?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user reported difficulties opening a bank account at Kasikorn Bank with a DTV visa, as the clerk categorized it as a tourist visa. Many comments suggested that DTV holders face challenges due to strict bank regulations regarding short-term visas. Recommendations included utilizing agents, ensuring sufficient documentation like proof of residence, and exploring alternative banking options like global accounts from neo-banks. The overall consensus emphasizes the complications in banking for foreigners with specific visa types in Thailand, highlighting the need for persistent efforts and potentially considering other banking solutions.
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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Rob *********
That's wrong, you won't live here for 5 years, you can stay a maximum of 6 months as a tourist, after that you need to extend or leave the country and go back to Thailand (if you wish and rules did not change), that's why for them it is a tourist visa.
Alex ******
PM me
Damien *********
My friend opened an account in bkk bank with an agent today. It took him less than an hour 🤣
Henrik *****
Reconsider if a Thai bankaccount is need-to-have or nice-to-have.
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.
Don’t expect to get a residence certificat, until you have stayed at a permanent adress in at least 3 month, since that is what the residence certificat should confirm.
Even without a residence certificat, it may be easier to get a bankaccount, if you wait at least 3 month, so the bank can see you stay permant 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.
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.
Don’t expect to get a residence certificat, until you have stayed at a permanent adress in at least 3 month, since that is what the residence certificat should confirm.
Even without a residence certificat, it may be easier to get a bankaccount, if you wait at least 3 month, so the bank can see you stay permant 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.
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9-thailand-to-implement-stringent-compliance-regulations-for-new-bank-accounts?David ********
@Henrik ****
just need a TM 30 if you can't get a certificate from immagration. That's what l used they just want an address and your passportReply to
David ********
Reply
Felix ***********
@Praewpan ******
in Hua Hin she can do it for you , highly recommended :)Dan *********
Yes it’s stupid. Many things in Thailand make no sense and immigration seems to not be logical. But there’s ways.
People recommend Siam legal but they are overpriced
You can get it done in pattaya for less then half their price. Just one day. Look up MOTS
People recommend Siam legal but they are overpriced
You can get it done in pattaya for less then half their price. Just one day. Look up MOTS
Andy **********
@Dan ********
on a post someone stated Mots can't open a bank account for people under 50 years old, I'm assuming it means for people on short term visas, even tho the DTV is a 5 year visa, they seem to be classing it as a tourist visa.Andy **********
@Dan ********
people were commenting on a post saying 15k, I don't know if that is correct 😲😳🙄Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Tommy ********
DTV is a glorified tourist visa
Jeff ********
@Tommy *******
and the problem with that? Exactly what I was looking for.Reply to
Jeff ********
Reply
Curtis ******
Just open a Charles Schwab account and enjoy free ATM withdrawals. They refund all fees, including foreign ones. Money in a Thai bank is money they will track and tax. Seems like many want an account to flex being a white guy with QR payments. I'd rather keep my money in my American account and not fuss with ever changing Thai bureaucracy that may cause you headache later. Your landlord will accept cash. You can use your foreign cards for Grab, Bolt, food panda, 7-11 app, etc. I see no benefit in paying an agent for the privilege of giving Thai authorities an inside look to my finances.
Jeff ********
@Curtis *****
THIS IS THE CORRECT ANSWER.Reply to
Jeff ********
Reply
Dom ********
Go to a visa agent they can make the process very easy 🙏👍
John ******
Just get a local gal to open one for you. She will love you more long time
Marko ************
Don’t open a Thai bank account. Open a global account from “neo” banks like wise, Revolut, Payoneer, etc….
Or use the bank account from your home cointry
Or use the bank account from your home cointry
Peter **************
Yep ...they want atm fees on overseas account/cards
Jeffrey ****************
Maybe get a thai d/license or I/D card or some other documents as proof of address here??? That might help???.
Ron *******
Probably need a "Residence Certificate" from immigration, need proof of staying at least 1 month AirBNB, then TM30 from building Juristic or landlord, can still be difficult, try other branches, some Bangok Banks are often more amenable to foreigners?
Daniel **********
@Jeffrey ***************
doesnt help in most cases. i guess we need to wait for the banks to catch up to the new visa regulations.Henrik *****
Banks are being stricter regulated, so don’t expect they will adjust to visa regulations.
Much has changed in 3 years.
The rules for banks has been tightend significantly in 2024.
Much has changed in 3 years.
The rules for banks has been tightend significantly in 2024.
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*****
9-thailand-to-implement-stringent-compliance-regulations-for-new-bank-accounts?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0zr9Dg_a9djNBh_VzQ7x_2oHVqyoebIHB-0zaHs8Zn0hwHdt19gg1H_yg_aem_M5jAIfDNsOdD4ngIeyHXIgReply to
Henrik *****
Reply
Andy **********
Try an agent, but even some very well known agents in Pattaya, are saying they cannot open a bank account, for someone under 50 years old, on any short term visa, even tho the DTV visa is a 5 year visa, they seem to be classing it as a tourist visa.
Adrian ***********
@Andy *********
but on a tourist visa you can easily open a Bangkok bank accountAndy **********
@Adrian **********
about two years ago yes, but a lot has changed since then.Steve *********
@Adrian **********
correctCorentin *********
Steve *********
@Corentin ********
yes you can, I did!!!Andy **********
@Steve ********
did you do it yourself?? how long ago?? and were you forced into buying an accident insurance policy??Steve *********
@Andy *********
I did it myself, didn’t have to buy anything, just walked in and asked to open an account. May 2023Andy **********
@Steve ********
sounds like you got lucky, they must have been happy with the documents you provided, I believe banks in Thailand are independent businesses, so can have different requirements from bank to bank, in the last two years people have been getting refused a lot, on short term visas trying to do it themselves.David ********
@Andy *********
yeh probably because of the lack of paperwork. They are not opening accounts if you can't prove who you are. Even in the west you need several forms of identification to open an account.Reply to
David ********
Reply
Sonny ******
@Andy *********
....so over 50 with a DTV is ok Andy ??Andy **********
@Sonny *****
about two years ago, banks either stopped allowing or made it very difficult to open a bank account yourself, some managed it buying insurance, or with a letter from immigration stating it was to get a long term visa, but agents continued to be able to assist people regardless of visa status, but well known agents are now saying this in Pattaya, send them a message through Facebook, if Pattaya is convenient for you, it seems if you're over 50 years old, you might be okay.Sonny ******
@Andy *********
. That means over 50 is ok. Thanks ✌️Henrik *****
You can’t count on that generally, but ye older you are, the more permanent you will stay in one place.
Andy **********
@Sonny *****
hopefully 🤞🤞👍😅Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Daniel **********
Yes its very hard to open a bank account especially when you dont want to use the sketchy agent-route.
The 500k dont have to be in a thai bank or in cash. just use your home countries bank.
The 500k dont have to be in a thai bank or in cash. just use your home countries bank.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Daniel *********
i dont trust my country bank lol they stealingReply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Biff *******
Don’t give up after visiting one branch of one bank.
Mac *******
Go to Bangkok bank sukhumvit (pattaya) next to Num Chai electrical, they do it on a tourist visa, just need confirmation of your Hotel/condo owner, I got mine there on one 3 years ago, they still do it....7000 baht
Henrik *****
Much has changed in 3 years.
The rules for banks has been tightend significantly in 2024.
The rules for banks has been tightend significantly in 2024.
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*****
9-thailand-to-implement-stringent-compliance-regulations-for-new-bank-accounts?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0zr9Dg_a9djNBh_VzQ7x_2oHVqyoebIHB-0zaHs8Zn0hwHdt19gg1H_yg_aem_M5jAIfDNsOdD4ngIeyHXIgSum *****
@Mac ******
do they pay intetest rate to foreigners?Paul *******
@Sum ****
Yes, but it's very low. I can't see why they would make a distinction between Thais and foreigners for interest rate payments though.Mac *******
@Sum ****
I'm not sure mate tbh, I just use it for access to ATMs etc, I don't use it for a savings account, the interest rates are very low here anywayReply to
Mac *******
Reply
Sefton ********
Did you have a residence proof ??
Everyone is aware that bank accounts are difficult, go prepared.
Everyone is aware that bank accounts are difficult, go prepared.
Henrik *****
More important than proof, is that you do not apply for a bankaccount at day 1 but wait at least 3-4 month, so you can show you actually are staying permanent in Thailand.
The Residence certificat has lost its value, since some Immigration offices are giving them away, to short time tourists.
Instead the banks wants to se proof that you actually are residing in Thailand for several / all months.
Accompanied with at longtime lease for an apartment or having a house, will also pull in the right direction.
Moving the 500.000 baht to the Thai bankaccount you want to open, will increase your chances for getting a Thai bankaccount
The Residence certificat has lost its value, since some Immigration offices are giving them away, to short time tourists.
Instead the banks wants to se proof that you actually are residing in Thailand for several / all months.
Accompanied with at longtime lease for an apartment or having a house, will also pull in the right direction.
Moving the 500.000 baht to the Thai bankaccount you want to open, will increase your chances for getting a Thai bankaccount
David ********
@Sefton *******
exactly have a copy of your passport your DTV and your TM30. Explain that you are working remotely and you need to transfer your country's salary to Thailand to pay bills and live here. Explain also that you want the staff to download the banks app so you can pay bills and live normal.if staff don't understand ask for the manager. Speak slowly and be polite. You attract more bees with honey than vineger ,🤣🤣Sefton ********
@David *******
residence proof from immigration is nearly always requested. Yellow house book a good alternative but not likely held by most of those trying to get a first time bank account.
Reply to
Sefton ********
Reply
Yasmin *********
@Manunya ************
will probably be able to help you? Can’t recommend her enough 😀Thomas **********
Which Branch ? Go to big ones in international malls like emquartier. I opened a bank account with a student visa so long term DTV qualifies for sure
Jj ****
@Thomas *********
it doesn'tDanny ***********
@Thomas *********
ED visa isn’t a tourist visa thoughTommy **********
@Danny **********
DTV is classed as a long stay tourist visa.Danny ***********
@Tommy *********
aware. It’s still a tourist visa 😅Reply to
Danny ***********
Reply
Thomas **********
@Danny **********
neither is dtv - hence I recommend to change branch as the clerk answer doesn’t seem alignedHenrik *****
DTV is a tourist visa, which is stated at many Thai Embassy websites.
It is also a short term visa ( Even if you can spend up to 5 years ), which is why many banks would not open a bankaccount for DTVvisa holders
It is also a short term visa ( Even if you can spend up to 5 years ), which is why many banks would not open a bankaccount for DTVvisa holders
Danny ***********
@Thomas *********
DTV is a tourist visa.Thomas **********
@Danny **********
oh really they consider working as digital remote as what workation then ?!Danny ***********
@Thomas *********
It states it's a workcation, yes. DTV is still a tourist visa.Reply to
Danny ***********
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Thomas *********
mega bangna branch 2Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Werner ************
You need to pay an agent - DTV is a tourist visa, you can always use your home country accounts
Jef ********
I’ve lined up to do it through Siam legal when I’m back next week. I tried a few other agents in Bangkok not many reply’s.
FYI Siam legal is 15,900 baht
FYI Siam legal is 15,900 baht
Jef ********
The funny part about this is so many people have an opinion on using an agent in bangkok to open a bank account but no one has provided details of an agent that will do it 😂😂😂😂 you are all flogs
Jeremy ********
Jef Mealey I also need one in Bangkok
Wannikea *********
Jef Mealey using an agent is fine, but it's all relative to pricing
Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Gary *******
Jef Mealey SL is always very expensive, and I wasn't impressed with the quality of advice I received.
Still, they're everywhere, the legal equivalent of Bangkok Hospital.
Most visa agents or helpers will charge about ฿5000 to get your residence certificate and introduce you to a branch that will open an account for you.
Search FB.
Still, they're everywhere, the legal equivalent of Bangkok Hospital.
Most visa agents or helpers will charge about ฿5000 to get your residence certificate and introduce you to a branch that will open an account for you.
Search FB.
Jef ********
@Gary ******
thanks mate , I did try message a few but so far SL was the only one with feed back. ( I’m not back in Thailand till the 29th ) just trying to prepareReply to
Jef ********
Reply
Jef ********
@Wannikea ********
I’m paying it for convenience for me. You don’t have to go with them.Wannikea *********
@Jef *******
your getting screwed, go to Pattaya and get an agent 5000 bahtThom ********
@Wannikea ********
do you have contact info for an agent?Wannikea *********
@Thom *******
Tik Tok Services, Mots, M visa. All in PattayaReply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Jef ********
@Wannikea ********
yeah pay to go to Pattaya, pay for a hotel , pay to come back , pay for the bank , loose 2 days. It would nearly be 15,000 any way. Plus I’m not sure if you know when your bank is in another province you have to pay fees to with draw money. Plus my bank will be in another province. I get it some people are happy to spend 10,000 baht to save 5,000.Reply to
Jef ********
Reply
Jaa ***********
@Jef *******
We pay an agent 5,000 baht to open Bangkok bank in Pattaya.Jef ********
@Jaa **********
yeah that’s the goods, but yeah to be honest I live in Bangkok so I’d prefer to have it set up there. I know 15,900 is a lot but we have all paid nearly that for a visa that lasts only 5 years. So for the convenience of getting it done in Bangkok I still think it’s worth it.It’s only my opinion any way
Wannikea *********
@Jef *******
go to a few agents in Bangkok waving 5000 in cash, honestly your getting screwed for 16,000Reply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Greg ********
@Jaa **********
That is the going rate in Pattaya - more agents so competition keeps prices downReply to
Jaa ***********
Reply
Jef ********
Alternatively you can get a prepaid debit card kasikorn bank that gives you Acess to qr payments etc
Nina ********
Jef from what I understand, you can only apply for the pay & tour card at the KBank exchange at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. If you know of somewhere else, please reply. Thanks.
Jef ********
It’s called pay&tour card
Sefton ********
@Jef *******
that gives promptpay payment access with an app ?? Great as this was asked on another group
Jef ********
@Sefton *******
yeah from the research I’ve done that is the case. The app is called tag Thai. They have a fair bit of info on there websiteJef ********
****************************************************************************
Sefton ********
Jef Mealey very useful as I had seen this asked for and all I could suggest was truemoney app (which isnt full QR Promptpay).
Jef ********
@Sefton *******
yeah I tried setting one of them true moneys up and gave up 😂but yeah from what I’ve read about the other one mentioned it works basically the same as a normal Thai card account except you just load money on it at an exchange or bank rather then having an account number etc.Reply to
Jef ********
Reply
Greg ********
Pay an agent and they will aid you opening a bank account.
Daniel **********
@Greg *******
the visa status will be saved in their system and with using an agent you will be one crackdown away from the account beeing locked… it just takes a simple database request for officials to find out. you could do it if you have small money in the bank but i wouldnt trust it really. and the last few years have proven that things get more and more strict.Greg ********
@Daniel *********
Well I suppose DTV holders will just have to take those risks for convenience then. The sky might fall in too but bedwetting about what might happen does not help anyone. PS: When your visa type changes it is not updated at the bank. It is the visa it was opened with.Daniel **********
@Greg *******
the banks told me that i will have to change my visa to a longterm visa to open the account. and they also showed me how its saved in the system. its kinda hilarious as i would not be able to work legaly under those visa options.Greg ********
@Daniel *********
Yes the banks are asking for long term visas such as an O or a B. That is why people use agents to open an account when they are not on these visas. The visa type you opened the account with is saved. If you change visa type the only way a bank would know is if you went and updated them. There is no link with the Immigration system. Just as currently the immigration system is not linked to the tax system etcReply to
Greg ********
Reply
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