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Why is opening a bank account in Thailand difficult despite having substantial funds?

Thai banking system expat experiences bank account opening visa and work permit issues money transfers in Thailand foreigners in Thailand

May 29, 2025

2 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

All I've been thinking about the last couple of days is how "money talks" in Thailand. I got dressed in my Sunday best today, waltzed into a UOB and said I was moving to Bangkok, needed an account b/c I was transferring approximately 10M TBH into the country. He never flinched. Asked if I had a work permit. I said "no" - never asked for my passport. Said to try Bangkok Bank and to have a nice day. 

What a waste.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the challenges faced by foreigners in Thailand when attempting to open a bank account, even with a significant amount of money to transfer. Despite approaching a bank ready to deposit 10 million THB, the writer encountered a lack of support or guidance, particularly regarding the need for a work permit. Commenters express varied experiences with bank policies, hinting at strict rules due to changes in tourism and banking regulations in Thailand.

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Rogerio ******

money does talk - for the bank branches that do accept, you needed to pay the "in$urance"...

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Anonymous ******************

I think a lot of the people that are hating are missing the point of the post.

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Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 522 this

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Anonymous *************

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Anonymous ******************

It’s the opposite, they will be more strict because too much of low quality of tourists keep coming to Thailand lately. It’s more about your profile not the money you have. (And 10milli is nothing for the bank tho.)

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Anonymous ******************

Buy a condo then. That's one of the exception according to the latest news.

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Jack ********

If ฿10 million is a lot of money to you then I understand why you think you have a sense of entitlement. It’s peanuts really for a western person

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Jordan *****

I am German/American, most people in these countries don’t have 2.000 €/$ to lean on in case of an emergency. Unless you have income from rents, interest, stock sales, or are a moderately succesfull business owner or white collar employee you will never have anything close to even 5 million baht in savings.

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Jack ********

poor life decisions

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Jack ********

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Jakub ********

I'd love for 10M฿ to be peanuts for me and I am western person 😅

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Jakub ********

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Christopher ***********

There seems to be a spate of ‘hard to believe’ posts (all Anonymous) recently.

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Peter *********

What is this post about ?

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Raquel ********

@Peter ********

I think the key word is you. Some people are not having the same experience as you are

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Raquel ********

@Peter ********

how hard it is so get a bank account as a Farang even if you’re a millionaire

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Peter *********

@Raquel *******

so ?? I got a Thai bank account and retirement visa in one day. Do you really think, just because you have big money your entitled to a bank account?

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Peter *********

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Anonymous ******************

You need to try with 10 billion baht!

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Anonymous ******************

You must also show the reason for the 10 M

Go drop 1-2M baht on a condominium in Thailand. At least you have a permanent base to leave your stuff.

Banks will open accounts if you've demonstrated to be worth their while.

If you show that 10 million baht in cash you will also be allowed.

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Kool *******

Were you actually all set up to immediately transfer that amount in?

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Kool *******

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