Answered2 months ago
Why is it easier to open a bank account in Pattaya than in Bangkok?
Opening a bank account in Thailand - I cannot believe that its easier to open an account in Pattaya than Bangkok - according to the Thai Consulate in Canberra Australia - quote "
* Limited locations: Opening a bank account in a metropolis like Bangkok is not impossible, but your chances of successfully doing so are significantly lower than if you were to open a bank account in a city like Pattaya. The reason for this is that there is more scrutiny in the capital, and typically regulations in Bangkok are stricter than in other cities."
Shouldn't it be the other way around? Or the scrutiny be the same? Genuinely curious
* Limited locations: Opening a bank account in a metropolis like Bangkok is not impossible, but your chances of successfully doing so are significantly lower than if you were to open a bank account in a city like Pattaya. The reason for this is that there is more scrutiny in the capital, and typically regulations in Bangkok are stricter than in other cities."
Shouldn't it be the other way around? Or the scrutiny be the same? Genuinely curious
Answer summary
The discussion highlights varying experiences and perceptions regarding the ease of opening bank accounts in Thailand, specifically comparing Pattaya and Bangkok. While some believe Pattaya offers a simpler process due to familiarity with foreign clients at local banks, others argue that Bangkok should inherently be easier due to the presence of numerous banks and resources. The conversation also touches on necessary documentation for account opening, such as visa types (including Non-O), work permits, and registered SIM cards, emphasizing that proper documents can facilitate the process in both cities.
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David ******
Pretty easy to open, with Non O. Had no issues once I found right bank in shopping mall.
NongTong *****
with the right documents, why would you expect hardship. i opened account for my husband, he didn't even have non-o, but i provided all docs they requested, and he got his account with no issues.
Ant ***********
Very easy with the correct Visa
For over 50 y/o
Which is a
Non-O
For over 50 y/o
Which is a
Non-O
Tomas *******
Just be aware that you have to return to the place where you opened the account whenever you need a bank card or something is wrong. Ask me how I know
Ling *****
I opened all mine in Pattaya, the last being 3 weeks ago. Just have all the requirements and opened for free in 45 minutes. Location: SCB 2nd road near the corner of Pattaya Klang.
Michael *******
Opened my account with Krungthai in Bangkok with non O Visa 2 years ago…no issues so far…
Angelo ***********
Thailand has "77 provinces", more precisely: 75.
Bangkok and Pattaya are "special governed regions".
They do not have the same laws as the rest of Thailand, and most provinces have their own interpretation of laws anyway, and simply do not allow stuff that should be allowed.
For example I could not get a Yellow house book in Nakhon Phanom.
Bangkok and Pattaya are "special governed regions".
They do not have the same laws as the rest of Thailand, and most provinces have their own interpretation of laws anyway, and simply do not allow stuff that should be allowed.
For example I could not get a Yellow house book in Nakhon Phanom.
Don *******
You should open the account near the place you will be living. Otherwise you may find yourself being redirected to the original opening branch to do some things like updating ID etc.
If you have a Thai SIM card (which must be registered to your passport) and a non-O Visa and a residence certificate from Immigration then most branches of banks like K-Bank, SCB and Krungsri will do it for you without any trouble, in areas that are popular with foreigners. Opening a bank account is always free though there will be a small yearly fee for optional ATM cards.
If you have a Thai SIM card (which must be registered to your passport) and a non-O Visa and a residence certificate from Immigration then most branches of banks like K-Bank, SCB and Krungsri will do it for you without any trouble, in areas that are popular with foreigners. Opening a bank account is always free though there will be a small yearly fee for optional ATM cards.
Don *******
It may well be easier to do it in Pattaya than in Bangkok. Some bank branches in Pattaya/Jomtien often have more foreign customers than Thais, and most are very accustomed to the immigration requirements.
Tom ******
DTV = no bank account
Sorry
Sorry
Mike ************
Tom Kuki
He never said DTV.
He never said DTV.
Tom ******
Mike Veldhuizen ist in the name of the group. Just trying to be helpful smart man 😉
Craig ********
Play by the rules have the correct visa and documents and it won't be a issue
Rick ****
Well, you can’t open one Pattaya now either on a tourist visa. I asked an agent that used to open lots of bank accounts for foreigners.
Doc ********
I found Chiang Mai pretty easy too
Buffalo ******
I live in Krabi. Everything is easier than Bangkok. Immigration is fast. Bureaucracy is much less. Much fewer police and traffic.
I am not sure about Bangkok or other big cities but smaller ones are generally much easier.
I am not sure about Bangkok or other big cities but smaller ones are generally much easier.
RadiantC********
Buffalo Mike Not always but it's pretty obvious that a much smaller place has less traffic than a larger one.
Jason *******
Do you have to have a bank account to get a visa , or is it you need a visa to get a bank account? Iv read about this causing a lot of issues
John **********
@Jason ******
you get a visa before travelling so you use funds in your home bank. To get an annual extension of stay inside Thailand you usually need to show funds in a Thai bankJason *******
I’ve read you can’t get the bank account without having the visa , and you can’t get a visa without a bank account
Nongnuch ********
Jason Graff you can DEFINITELY get the Thai bank account opened if you have entered on the correct visa. This would be the 90-days Non-Imm-O Retirement or Family Visa which you obtain in your home country before you fly to Thailand
Dianne ********
OPJason Graff you need the bank acc to get the 1 year visa extension. I can get the Non O before leaving Australia
Jesper *******
Its easier to open a bank acct in branches that the bank staffs are familiar with dealing with foreigners
Naj *************
Though keep in mind to legally opening an account most banks require the correct visa type, work permits, registered SIM card etc.
Brandon ************
This is not from the Thai Consulate in Canberra. This is from an agency website that pretends to be an official government agency. They are not, and they are notorious for posting incorrect and outdated information.
If you had any chance of opening a bank account, Bangkok is going to be the best place.
If you had any chance of opening a bank account, Bangkok is going to be the best place.
Dianne ********
OP@Brandon ***********
thanks, I see that now - typical Google search trick - its a Siam Legal site. Cant believe I fell for itBrandon ************
@Dianne *******
You are far from the first person, and certainly won't be the last.Activity
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