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Why is it so difficult for LTR visa holders to open bank accounts in Thailand?
Jul 16, 2025
9 months ago
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI have a Bangkok bank account, today I wanted to try opening a Kasikorn bank account with my LTR-WP visa in Nonthaburi. Omg š±š± What an incompetent branch or person. She called their headquarters, she had no idea about LTR, she spoke simultaneously with two individuals on two phones in both hands. She passed the phone to me at times so I could answer their questions, well finally no account with LTR after wasting about 40 min ! They asked work permit or country ID .. US has no country ID, we have passport and driver's licence. I run to the next door which is SCB bank. This time she was much faster to let me know their bank don't open a bank account for LTR visa holders. I said LTR visa holders were selected through a stringent process and it is given to top earners, why would SCB refuse to do business with us. She run inside, then came out with a better idea, she copied all my docs and told me that they will notify me in 1 week about their decision. Really pissed I barged into next door which was Kurungsri Bank. They also called their headquarters then copied my docs and told me to wait a week to hear their response. All in all, today I failed opening a bank account three times with my LTR-WP visa. Thai banks are going through a huge confusion, trying to implement new rules but doing it in a total chaos.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the author's frustrating experiences trying to open a bank account in Thailand with an LTR-WP visa. They visited multiple banks, including Kasikorn, SCB, and Krungsri, only to face incompetent staff who were unfamiliar with the LTR visa and various bureaucratic hurdles. Many commenters shared similar experiences, noting confusion and inconsistency among Thai banks regarding document requirements for foreign accounts, especially following recent stricter regulations. The situation reflects a broader trend of increasing difficulty for expats in navigating Thai banking services.
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Martyn *******
Try opening a bank account back home , UK in my case. Then try to take out Ā£5k in cash, you will be asked all sorts of questions so B4 you criticise look at it carefully they are trying to combat fraud.
Peter *********
If you from America šŗšø that's why lol š
Nick ************
I tried the same branch 3 times and git no for an answer. 4th time I asked for the manager who knew what he was doing. It was a while ago before all the disruption but the same approach might work now. Quite often junior staff haven't got a clue and are worried about doing wrong or loosing face. My advice is always ask to see the manager.
Jeremy ***********
i dont know what you expected from nonthaburi and from bankers who deal with predominantly thai citizens. but hope it works out and you can chill out a bit king.š«°
Jonnie *******
Each branch is as good as the staff employed there, Iāve had both a kbank and Scb account for 14-15 years, never an issue with kbank, but hardly use my Scb account,
Iād have thought your country id would be your passport ?
Iād have thought your country id would be your passport ?
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jonnie ******
no, they expect something like a Thai ID. The closest would be a passport ID which is not that common yet.Jonnie *******
@James ******
my passport was the only identity evidence they ever asked me for, that was for both bank applications, ID page of passport and evidence of long stay (eg, visa stamped with entry and validity of duration), they took scans of that, however that was years ago when I got those, I had already my Thai driving licence which would have sufficed as Thai photo id but was never asked for that.James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jonnie ******
I also have Thai licence. But you know every branch wants something else. I read some got lucky after 6 attempts.Reply to
James *******
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Marty *********
There are a lot of recent stories about problems opening bank accounts even for expats with long term visas.
I opened a Bangkok Bank account last October in Sisaket province. The bank person had never seen an LTR visa and called a supervisor over. They werenāt difficult about it. In fact they were quite friendly and I had my new account in about 45 minutes.
There are only about 4,000 LTR visa holders and they arenāt often opening bank accounts. I think the current heightened scrutiny about foreigners opening bank accounts is causing confusion among bank employees fearful of being connected to allowing an account to be opened that ends up being used for illegal purposes.
I opened a Bangkok Bank account last October in Sisaket province. The bank person had never seen an LTR visa and called a supervisor over. They werenāt difficult about it. In fact they were quite friendly and I had my new account in about 45 minutes.
There are only about 4,000 LTR visa holders and they arenāt often opening bank accounts. I think the current heightened scrutiny about foreigners opening bank accounts is causing confusion among bank employees fearful of being connected to allowing an account to be opened that ends up being used for illegal purposes.
Bora ********
With my Yellow Book, Pink Card, and visa, itās easy for me to get a bank account, credit card, or even a loan in Thailand.
Todd *********
@Bora *******
he doesnāt need it. He has LTR visa. Better than yellow book and pink card. Itās just that the branch didnāt understandReply to
Todd *********
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Richard ******
I think your mate Donny boy might be calling you seeing as you are so much superior to the rest of us Thai Falange. I also think that Thailand would be much better off without you as the Banks are indicating.
Trav **********
@Richard *****
ha,ha, I think you're right šJames *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Richard *****
Thailand wants increased Tourism revenue as it makes up about 30% of their GDP. That is why they charged 50,000 THB for my LTR visa, a bit more than what you spend for your and your ladyboy's meth and alcohol (assuming that is you and your ladyboy in the profile photo) sabai sabaiTrav **********
@James ******
Oh, such a judgmental prick.James *******
ORIGINAL POSTERTrav El Mann almost everyone in this thread is here because we are all having some sort of issues about Thai banks regarding opening new accounts or locked apps or depositing money for visa etc. Apparently you and a few other lowlifes are here for a totally different reason..one need to be real sick to add an insult to the injury.
Reply to
James *******
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Marty ******
Unfortunately no ones on the same wave length when it comes to interpreting rules regulations , unless you go to main big branch you'll get 99/ 100 different answers
Billy ********
Krungsri bank will not allow me to transfer funds from a third party app to there bank now. They said that I can only transfer bank to bank now. So cash only now
Alan *****
Does anyone know if someone has a Bangkok bank account but doesnāt live in Thailand, would the bank close the account even though thereās money added to the account regularly
Frank **********
@Alan ****
Did you get that Account more than 2 years agoAlan *****
@Frank *********
just about yes.Frank **********
@Alan ****
No they won't close it but u need to go to the bank.With Passport.Frank **********
@Alan ****
did you get the Bank appReply to
Frank **********
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Paul ***********
I was told today that I canāt open a bank account with a Non-O visa and that I need a work permit
Paul ***************
@Paul **********
go to a different bank and they tell you a different requirement . Took me quite a few go's until I finally found a branch where the staff were helpful and was sorted in an hour bank card included .Reply to
Paul ***************
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Chris *****
They must be terrified of foreigners now after the Bangkok Bank saga in Pattaya š¤¦š»āāļø
Trav **********
I love how some people think they own Thailand and everybody should do everything they can to accommodate them. Now you know how newcomers must feel in your country.
Per-Arne ***********
@Trav *********
yeah youāre absolutely right š¤£They stayed 3 years on permanent residency, no reporting, after that citizenship with full rights!
Yeah you really know what u talking about about š¤”
Reply to
Per-Arne ***********
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John *****
Why not visit the LTR webpage for advice?
****************************************************************
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI did not see that info before. I have a Bangkok bank account already, I will try another Kasikorn branch per the guidance at BOI site
Jim ********
@John ****
this!! Exactly!Reply to
Jim ********
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Per-Arne ***********
Amazingly low standard of knowledge and regulations. š¤£
Garry ******
Doing anything legal in Thailand is increasingly harder each day. They really want you to do everything under the table way. š
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Garry *****
exactly, creating ways for new revenuesGarry ******
@James ******
new revenues for the crooks, not even the country.Reply to
Garry ******
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Mark *********
The banks and the banking staff here are so frustrating. You can sit there waiting while they have a conversation between each other. No such thing as quick service.
Jim ********
I opened my KBank account using my LTR-P Visa on the 2nd day in country in BKK. It took 30 mins.
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
I think you got your LTR pretty early though, banking issue intensified this year around March-AprilJim ********
@James ******
the BOI even offers a service for you to go through them to open an account at Bangkok Bank. I recommend you reach out to them if you are having problems. Or show KBank the BOI website ****************************************************************
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
thanks Jim, I have a Bangkok bank account. I will try Kasikorn once again following the steps outlined at BOI siteReply to
James *******
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Christopher ******
Right now Thailand is cutting down on opening accounts. I have a valid work permit and non b visa and still they wouldnt let me get the app without verifying my number at true move. The process has changed alot
Matthew *********
@Christopher *****
it took them a week to verify my number and locked me out of my app. Local branches can't seem to don't his easy task bit has to be sent offReply to
Matthew *********
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Daniel *****
Not sure if this will still work under the new rules but if you were to go into the bank when they are not too busy seeking life / health insurance and just happen to have all necessary ID and visa documents with you, you may very well walk out of there with a bank account because the payments need to come out of your bank account every month, get it? The insurance can easily be cancelled afterwards. Another route is to use an agent. Both methods will cost you. Don't expect a call back, they just humored you by copying your docs just to get you out of there peacefully because they have no backbone and are afraid of confrontation or being challenged.
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Daniel ****
it is a good idea, in my case I have a functional Bangkok bank account, I was kind of checking if I can switch to Kasikorn. I guess I will try next year, I use banks only for QR payment convenienceDaniel *****
@James ******
Just play it like you are dumber than them and you'll outsmart them almost every time.Reply to
Daniel *****
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Tolga ********
M
Chris *********
Banks are being our right annoying currently, however to Barge from bank to bank probably wont get you anywhere. Ways and means to talk to people.
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ********
I did not kick a door or yell at anyone. ' barge into something' has multiple uses.. someone like me who spent his life getting bachelor, master, doctorate degrees know a bit about how to act in public, I was very cool actuallyNongnuch ********
@James ******
I am missing two essential parts which are required in your attempt to get a bank account opened - that's the proof of an adress in Thailand. Usually done on Immigration and adressed to the specific bank, it is called "certificate of residence" and comes with your passport picture. And you need a Thai phone number. I hope you just had all these with you and just didn't find it necessary to mention. It's not the correct visa alone that allows you to open a Thai bank account - it's also the adress proof, your passport and the phone number, plus your US tax numberJames *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nongnuch *******
yes sure I went with the AIS doc showing my phone number. I read that some opened the account without Residency certificate, today none of the banks asked me that but I have a house book and address to show if they needReply to
James *******
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Chris *********
@James ******
good, where im from, barging in sounds a bit aggressive hence my comment. No harm no foul though.Damo ***********
@James ******
you are a ābargerā you š§š§š§š§Reply to
Damo ***********
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Danny *******
Hardest bank of the lot . Really hard to get
John ********
āReally pissed I barged into next doorā
No doubt the Thais are Thrilled to death to have you in their Country!
Good Luck ātop earnerā
No doubt the Thais are Thrilled to death to have you in their Country!
Good Luck ātop earnerā
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *******
Good luck as well easily irritable dudeDamo ***********
@James ******
great reply you f00l hahaJames *******
ORIGINAL POSTERwow, what a coincidence, you look exactly alike that bald and obese dude anime..good luck with your low budget life
Reply to
James *******
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Damo ***********
@James ******
the problem is 100% with you!Reply to
Damo ***********
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Damo ***********
Maybe you do not belong in Thailand.. feel free to go back home... (I started reading your little whinge but did not finish it)... see ya loser!
Patrick **********
@Damo **********
What you write is ridiculous. You are just pretending you know Thailand. But obviously this is not the case. Your post is absolutely useless. But you seem to be quite proud of yourself.James *******
ORIGINAL POSTERDamo Fernandez š¤£š¤£š¤£ see ya ? where ... do we know each other grouchy old man ?
Reply to
James *******
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Paul ********
I have a retirement visa I have tried all the banks aswell and all say the same thing need the yellow book to open an account thank fully I already have an account just wanted a second one for my pension to go in ?? When to ampour office to enquire about yellow book can only have if married ? Crazy
Gabriel ********
@Paul *******
of the house is in your name just use the chanoteNick **********
@Paul *******
Actually, there is no retirement visa. It is an extension of stay for 365 days, for the purpose of retirement. Also, recently, as I am on 365 day extension of stay, I got another account. Like most places, it isn't what you know, it's who you knowPaul ********
@Nick *********
your right extension of stay but you knew what I meantMatthew *********
@Paul *******
they get off on correcting people when they know exactly what you meant. If was in a bar and corrected somebody and saying its not a retirement visa he would get all his teeth knock outReply to
Matthew *********
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Jeroen *************
TIT, a lot of incompetence in this country, some quite unimaginable š
Jeremy ********
Itās just Thailand
Be sabai sabai and realize this is Thailand not the USA, once you understand that life gets easy
Next youāll post a rant on here when you find out about Thai Time
Be sabai sabai and realize this is Thailand not the USA, once you understand that life gets easy
Next youāll post a rant on here when you find out about Thai Time
Ellis ******************************
@Jeremy *******
how does realising that this is Thailand, help us navigate Thailandās backward and inadequate banking system and the incompetent and ignorant representatives of such banks respectively?Jeremy ********
@Ellis *****************************
once you figure it out it will all make sense Sabai Sabai lifestyle is the only way to make it here
If you donāt acclimate and adapt to it you will be just another statistic that failed
Ellis ******************************
@Jeremy *******
Weāre trying very hard to enjoy a sabai sabai lifestyle but thatās the problem. Thai immigration arenāt so sabai sabai about it, in fact they take it quite seriously and they expect us to take it equally as serious. Thanks very much for your insight however, unless you have any more useless nonsense or unhelpful drivel to spout?Jeremy ********
@Ellis *****************************
You will learn the more you live here to understand the Thai way of doing things. Right now youāre fighting and trying to reject it as everyone does at first
Then one day you will get it and everything will make sense
Just Sabai Sabai
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
I travel in Thailand for 12 years now, I know their culture very well, being critical about certain things we encounter does not make us less acclimated. I criticize a lot of political developments around the world, I think I belong to Mars thenJeremy ********
@James ******
traveling is completely different than living full time Just sabai sabai and learn the Thai way of doing things
Ellis ******************************
@Jeremy *******
lived in 1 province in the south for 2 years straight and 1 city in the north east for the 10 years straight? Will I be graced with the enlightenment that you have soon or is it one of those āyou have to pull out a red ball from a hat to winā prizes?Jeremy ********
@Ellis *****************************
then why are you complaining about anything Why havenāt you found the Thai Sabai Sabai way of doing things in all those years
Itās crazy to me
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
only Buddha can attain that true sabai sabai ..aka nirvana .. we are just a bunch of farangsJeremy ********
James *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
SatooEllis ******************************
@James ******
I think Iām following, Iāve also lived here for 12 years and have 2 Thai children and also speak the language proficiently. I love Thailand. Thatās exactly why I endeavour for the improvement of Thailand. So I can have a better and safer world for my children to grow up in- a world where my children can fill in a short form online for a VO5 and not be stuck in the Land transport office for 3 days straight.Reply to
Ellis ******************************
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Jay *******
Total chaos seems to be the norm
Jan ******************
Quite odd, LTR is a ten year visa, and they often require minimum one year visa.
Glenn *****
@Jan *****************
but if their rule book says a one year visa which is not ten. 5555Reply to
Glenn *****
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Travis *******
There was recently a crackdown around this, so yeah there is definitely confusion at the moment.
We do technically have US ID's(passport card), but they are only for N. American travel purposes. This may be causing some issues when combined with the crackdown and recent law changes.
We do technically have US ID's(passport card), but they are only for N. American travel purposes. This may be causing some issues when combined with the crackdown and recent law changes.
Lynnette *******
When I opened my bank account they asked for UK ID card and passport. We don't have ID cards ( not since just after the war ). I gave them my seniors bus pass, which had my county's govt address on it and my photo. Convinced them it was equivalent of an ID card. š
Christopher ***********
@Lynnette ******
Before I retired I tried to open a bank account in a different country. Whilst they were mega impressed that my driving licence was valid for over 50 years, it wasnāt acceptable due to not having a photo!Reply to
Christopher ***********
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Olivier *********
Hi, sorry for your bad experience.
Bank employees are not too much supposed to know about visas, just saying.
They tried to find out how to help you.
You have not failed 3 times, 2 of these banks said they will notify back in 1 week.
The branches do not have the power to decide whether open a bank account for you.
They will send all your copied documents to their head office where the decision will be made.
I know it can be frustrating but Thai bank system are different than what 'we' are used to.
Keep your fingers crossed and good luck to you.
Bank employees are not too much supposed to know about visas, just saying.
They tried to find out how to help you.
You have not failed 3 times, 2 of these banks said they will notify back in 1 week.
The branches do not have the power to decide whether open a bank account for you.
They will send all your copied documents to their head office where the decision will be made.
I know it can be frustrating but Thai bank system are different than what 'we' are used to.
Keep your fingers crossed and good luck to you.
Matthew *********
@Olivier ********
different doesn't even give it justice. Just total ass backwards. Shouldn't even be allowed into any international systemDamo ***********
@Olivier ********
James Green is just being a bit of a sook... Thailand doesn't need more of his type here.Matthew *********
@Damo **********
wow , he doesn't have a right to be upset because h followed the rules and provided everything that is normally provided. The banks know exactly what immigration require. My first time I went to bangkok bank they refused. The next day with agent and exactly dam documents and with in minutes I had Mt acct. Your a duckweed with opinionsJames *******
ORIGINAL POSTERDamo Fernandez what a con artist you are, writing comments under 3 different profiles. It is clear you live a very low budget, bottom feeder life, my 'top earner' line badly hurt your feelings.. get over
Reply to
James *******
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Hans-Georg ******
It is really a complete chaos and complete incompetence in the banking sector.
Ning ******
Just walk around, diff banks and diff branches.
Peter ********
A lot of the smaller branches have not felt with it. I tried to open account in phitsanulok and they had no idea. They pull out the book of rules. I ended up just walking out after about 20 mins
Tony *****
Peter Fuller just left Phitsanulok. The Kasikorn branch in central mall to open an account but the application was denied by the system. Could t give an answer why. They tried to say something was wrong with my passport!! My missus said the message just said āapplication deniedā no reason
Reply to
Tony *****
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Tony *****
Iāve spent two days trying on a Non O for retirement. SCB said no. After three other branches finally got a Kasikorn branch to make an application. It got turned down on the system. Seems itās getting g near impossible to open an account even if you go the legal route
Giraffe *********
@Tony ****
Just opened 2 bank accounts Kasikorn and Krungsri and closed Bangkok Bank account on my Non O retirement visa go figureTony *****
@Giraffe ********
where was this? Are you married to Thai as that seemed to matterReply to
Tony *****
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