Answered3 years ago
Why was my bank account application denied at Bangkok Bank with a METV, and what are the limits for transferring funds?
A couple of updates. Tried opening a bank account at Bangkok Bank in Tha Muang on METV yesterday and clerk got a white binder of rules out and denied me. She was polite and just told me what kind of visa’s would be accepted. Swapped my USA sim card with my Thai sim card in phone and was able to do two factor authentication and transferred $Baht to friends account using wise. Limit of 49999 baht on transfer in wise.
Answer summary
A user reported being denied the opening of a bank account at Bangkok Bank due to their METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa). The clerk referenced specific visa types that are acceptable for opening accounts. Discussions in the comments highlight varying experiences with different banks, suggesting that transferring limits differ between banks and reaffirming strategies like using agents to bypass restrictions. Several commenters share their own experiences and suggest persistence when dealing with bank applications.
26 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Chris ******
What is the best Thai bank in people's opinion
Mac ****
All you need to do is visit more branches until you get approval. Insisting on speaking to a manager and arguing your case does actually make a difference. I got rejected by around 5 banks before finally getting approved, and all this was on a 30-day tourist visa. Do not accept "no" for an answer. Keep pushing, and you will eventually get approved. They might tell you a work permit is necessary, but it's complete nonsense, as they frequently approve tourists without work permits.
Colin *********
@Mac ***
how long ago did you open a Thai bank account? From the comments of many in this group and another that I'm in, there's been a crackdown in the past year, on foreigners being able to open bank accounts in Thailand when on short term visas.Mac ****
Don’t buy into that. There’s always a “crackdown” on foreigners in one way or another. Thailand does everything pretty much by the book, except when it doesn’t, which is often. Volume is key. Ask 10 random Thai immigration officers about some intricate detail regarding visas and you’ll get 10 different answers.
Cliff *********
Each office is an independent business.
Go visit more offices and bring a Thai friend.
Go visit more offices and bring a Thai friend.
Bob *******
I regularly send far more than 50k of Thai baht, from the UK, using Wise to my account with the Bangkok Bank.
Marty ********
That LIMIT is established by certain banks, NOT WISE.
I do not have that limitation with KASIKORN bank.
I do not have that limitation with KASIKORN bank.
Ronny **********
Mai mee tang, mai mee tilak. Mai mee tilak, mee tang khap mai mee pan ha. Chuk dee!
Sonny **********
Rules change like the weather. Try another branch and you will get another story. Stay calm and keep trying. As others have said, an agent can make rules go away with cash.
Steve **********
@Sonny *********
be patient, polite, and will persevere.
Christopher ***********
Thanks for the update Rick. Sounds like you got a bank clerk who goes ‘by the book’. My Bangkok Bank account was opened by my visa agent as part of the conversion from visa exempt entry to Non ‘O’ Retirement plus 12 month extension. Your choice as to what suits you of course.
Us *****
You can just pay around 5k to open up a bank account with an agent. This way, you don't have to worry about your friend not giving you the money.
Rick ******
OP@Us ****
Not worried. Thx though!Us *****
@Rick *****
you should just get a bank account.out of convience. I hate carrying cash around so I just pay everything with my phone. Their banking app is really good. Save you so much money by not having to deal with change.
Marc ********
Michael *******
@Us ****
feed corruption - why not😲
Bob **********
Yes only 3 banks will accept 2,000,000 baht
Glen ********
@Bob *********
hi. Could you please share which banks? Would be really useful, thanks.
Todd *********
@Glen *******
Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn and SCBGlen ********
@Todd ********
thanks very much.Todd *********
That limit only applies to some banks
Brandon ************
You can only transfer 50k+ to SCB, Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn accounts.
Rick ******
OP@Brandon ***********
Are there tax ramifications for my friend by transferring money into her account?Brandon ************
@Rick *****
I'm not a Thai tax expert. I'm not able to answer that.Rick ******
OP@Brandon ***********
ok thxRick ******
OPActivity
18 joined18
people
Related
25Why can't I renew my Bangkok Bank ATM card if I'm on a DTV visa?
21.1k1792522mo
Why was my bank account closed by Bangkok Bank while on a DTV visa?
8k76706mo
Will my Bangkok Bank account be frozen if I switch to a DTV visa?
1.6k13128mo
Why is my funds trapped in my Bangkok Bank account for 6 months after transferring money?
3.2k20421y
Why don't banks allow tourists to open limited bank accounts in Thailand?
11.3k111811y
Why has my Bangkok Bank account remained active while others have been frozen despite having a DTV visa?
2.7k19311y
What does the error message AB09 from Bangkok Bank indicate about my account status?
6k49371y
What steps can I take if Bangkok Bank is refusing to return my money after three months?
9.9k96651y
What should I do if my Bangkok Bank account is locked and I'm not near my branch?
15.1k129951y
What are the new banking restrictions for foreigners in Thailand?
5.2k54141y
What are the current limits and new rules for transferring money from abroad to Thai banks?
10.9k63601y
What are the options for opening a bank account in Thailand on a DTV visa?
879332y
How can I find an agent to help me open a bank account in Koh Phangan with a DTV visa?
1.9k1662y
What are the requirements to open a Thai bank account as an expat?
3.2k3192y
What should I do if Wise no longer shows 'Funds for long term stay' for international transfers to Thailand?
2k13122y
What could a 750 baht charge from Bangkok Bank be for?
13.9k126962y
What is the easiest way for expats to open a bank account in Thailand?
33.2k2614063y
What are the requirements for showing bank account funds for a METV visa application in Thailand for US citizens?
628233y
How can I successfully open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa?
14.6k1281443y
What are the best Thai banks for expats using Wise to transfer money?
16.2k1281753y
Can a foreigner open a Thai bank account with just a tourist visa?
9.7k93724y
What document do I need to provide immigration for my Non O visa application after transferring funds to my bank account?
1.1k6104y
Which Thai bank is the easiest for foreigners to open an account?
8.4k81566y
How long will a Thai bank account remain operational without transactions?
9.6k65736y
What are the challenges of using TransferWise for international transfers to Thailand regarding immigration requirements?
2.5k20167y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served