Why won't Thai banks open accounts for DTV visa holders?

Oct 3, 2024
13 days ago
All Thai banks refused to open a bank account with a DTV visa. It’s really hard to believe how they operate. Even though you can open a bank account with a visa on arrival, they have no policy for opening accounts with a DTV, which is a long-term visa. It is very disappointing to me. They still don’t accept me, even though I explained the DTV thoroughly to their bank manager 😭
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The content discusses the challenges faced by individuals holding a DTV (Digital Nomad) visa in opening bank accounts in Thailand. Many banks reportedly do not recognize the DTV as a valid basis for account opening, though some users report success in various branches. The conversation includes various suggestions such as utilizing an agent, going to multiple bank branches, and the discrepancies in bank policies regarding the DTV and other visa types.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Maungmaung *****
yes.the bank manager and the responsability leader is very very need instruction,very mistake😚
Henrik *****
Wait 3 month and try again.

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.

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?
Stephen ********
Dude, after the latest Thai laws you DO NOT want a Thai bank account. They will tax you and make tonnes of issues. Stick with wise and revolut only.
Romain ****
@Stephen *******
has nothing to do with having a Thai account. If you’re more than 6 months in Thailand you’ll be a tax resident, period.
Stephen ********
@Romain ***
taxed on money that is remitted into the country genious
Paul *******
Here's the back story about foreigners and opening bank accounts in Thailand.

Years ago, perhaps until around 15 years ago, it was very straightforward for many foreigners on visa exemptions or generally non-working persons to open a Thai bank account with minimal documents or fuss. Perhaps you needed a certificate of residency, which was easy to obtain via your embassy or immigration, plus a secondary proof of identity document such as your national driver's license in your home country but that was about it.

Over the years, banks have gradually started tightening the criteria for opening bank accounts as a foreigner. Some banks began to scrutinize or even deny bank accounts to American nationals, mainly due to the US government reporting requirements, while leaving foreigners with other nationalities alone.

Then came concerns about money laundering and transnational crimes.

In fact, Bangkok Bank has specifically cited the practice of Burmese nationals opening "ghost" accounts for the purposes of money laundering and recipients of scams as the reason for cracking down on Burmese and by extension, foreign nationals opening bank accounts without being resident and working in Thailand.

Each bank and branch may have their own individual policy and ultimately the branch manager decides whether to open an account or not. Some bank managers might open an account for someone on visa exempt if they explain they need a bank account in order to qualify for an extension of stay, without which they won't be granted an extension.

Others may refuse to deal with any non-working foreigners. Oftentimes, dealing with foreigners who can't speak Thai proves frustrating and consequently, some bank branches prefer to say "no, cannot" in order to save face or not have to deal with the complexity and paperwork required to open an account for a foreigner.

Agents, bringing along a Thai speaker and/or going to the head office branch in Bangkok (or sometimes, a major branch in an expat heavy part of Bangkok/Pattaya/Samui/Phuket/Chiang Mai etc) can help a lot.

Avoid random shopping mall branches especially if you're living in a Thai area and don't speak Thai, meaning such branches will not be used to dealing with foreigners.
Chris ************
@Karl ********
@Valerioshi ***********
i would not comment, if I don't know it better. The thing is, you guys comment based on hearsay and not real knowledge.
Karl *********
@Chris ***********
how many times I’ve had this conversation on groups like these and there’s always people arguing that it can be done without an agent… not one of these people can name a branch… hearsay?
Karl *********
@Chris ***********
don’t “get personal” while calling me lazy. Right 😂

Like I said, I’ve tried more than 20-30 times.  so that’s my experience and it’s valid, I experienced it? You call that hearsay, I call yours bs hearsay too.
Chris ************
@Karl ********
lazy to use the search function. You find the info in here.

But you did not even try, otherwise you would not ask any more.

Your 20-30 tries are not true, and you know that.

We can see, what your statements are worth then.

You guys dont want to use an agent, get all answers for free.

Easy to understand, who you are.
Karl *********
@Chris ***********
I think you should be the one not commenting if you actually have no real facts or experience… “ circle of friends” 😂😂

That is literally hearsay.

Just because you don’t believe I have a huge folder of documents that I’ve gone into 20 to 30 banks attempting to get a bank account on an Education Visa … doesn’t make it not true… hearsay hearsay believe what you want.  I was just originally sharing my personal experience believe what you want…

Again with the agent as I said, I know I can hundred percent pay $400-500aud and get a bank account that day … it’s probably what I will have to do as I’ve tried so many banks
Chris ************
@Karl ********
nothing else to the topic any more? Yawn. Talk is over then.

You dont earn help, if you even wouldn't use the search function and talking like that with me.

I dont make it easy for you. Do your homework.

Later you will find out, that I am right with:

You can at some branches get a bank account even without visa and without agent.

So you yourself will be the proof that i am right and you will know that then 😉
Karl *********
@Chris ***********
congratulations Mr. Know it all and his hearsay blaming.
Chris ************
Chris ************
@Karl ********
Isn't that hearsay, if you only read some comments?

It is a fact, that no law makes a visa a requirement. Did you research the law situation?

It is a fact, if you would research better and inform yourself better, that people get a bank account even visa exempted, but that was not what i said.

In this thread also some mention that.

In the end, how often did you try it by yourself instead of repeating what you hear... You think, one branch at one time is valid for all?

I said, a visa is not basically a requirement.

And that is from beginning until now a correct statement.

E.g. it can be without a visa, it can be with a stay permit or can be with an extension of stay.

People nowadays are not able to read and also not to understand properly.

Btw. the recommended braches are often mentioned in all Thailand groups and here.

I would know which, because i always send my friends to them.

But i dont do your homework, if you make statements like above.
Karl *********
@Chris ***********
exactly you’re all hearsay..

I’m literally talking about my experience of going to 20+ branches at all the major banks maybe 30+ I’m not counting…. but good for you and your story of a friend of a friend of a friend
Chris ************
@Karl ********
it isn't hearsay when my circle always get it.

I know, what you are trying. Just to get your answer without work. Just use the searchfunction, lazy guy.
Karl *********
@Chris ***********
Back to your seniors group who got their bank accounts 10 years ago.

This is literally discussion group for people to ask questions and then there’s always the elderly know it all like you.

It’s all heresay if it’s just a comment, I don’t know you .
Chris ************
@Karl ********
its uptodate, whatever you claim. Dont troll or try to get personal. Thats poor. Better use the search function, lazy guy.
Karl *********
@Chris ***********
please if you know branch, I can walk in on an education Visa without an agent and open a bank account please tell me. That’s literally all I’m wanting is to open bank account and sharing my experience?

I live in Udon Thani and all the branches here are useless.. tried random branches in Bangkok and Phuket
Karl *********
@Chris ***********
sounds exactly like what you’re doing! I explained my experience trying to open a bank account on an education Visa. And trying to open a bank account for the past 12 months.. I literally stated my information is coming from K bank who explained it to me in detail. How is that hearsay?

And I also said it’s completely possible if you use an agent because they know people who can change the regulations for $

And if you actually read the other comments , the poster is asking how to do it without an agent….
Angela ******
Find a way to get a work permit from Labour Office. They will do if you have work permit.
Paul *******
@Angela *****
Sure. With a work permit, you can open an account at any bank branch. Problems only arise for foreigners who don't possess work permits. The only categories of foreigners that might be permitted to open a bank account without too much trouble without necessarily showing a work permit are: 1) permanent residents (although the vast majority of its holders, except those who are retired would have one); 2) Smart visa holders (whose visa class includes a work permit integrated into the visa); and 3) maybe LTR visa holders, but not guaranteed.
Angela ******
@Paul ******
smart visa holders hv troubles in opening bank accounts as well in many branches. BOI got to issue an additional letter to confirm their right. For LTR, it’s still required to get work permit. For DTV I don’t know yet if it’s convenient to get wp because most officers at employment offices don’t know about it yet. Anyway it’s worth a try cuz it’s a convenient way to obtain a bank account.
Paul *******
@Angela *****
I didn't know that, interesting. Regarding the DTV, they're issued with a digital work permit upon request from what I understand.
Neil ********
The amount of ignorance and rubbish dribbling out of people's mouths in here is insane.

You can work while in Thailand with a DTV! You just can't for a Thai company or Thai clients but can do remote work!

You can open a bank account on a DTV and you don't need an agent to do it.

There are many reasons to need a Thai bank account when here, for example paying bills like rent, medical bills, not everywhere takes cash and why pay fees on credit cards or exchange rate fees when you can transfer funds from your home country bank account to a Thai one.

Seriously people need to give it a rest spouting wrong advise and giving wrong information. Just because you don't have a need or wasn't able to do X Y Z it doesn't mean everyone else can't.

It's clear some people are getting more success than others, and that's all it is. Doesn't mean you can't!
Paul *******
@Neil *******
Even though the DTV is not technically called a non-immigrant visa, in effect it is and as such, holders of this visa are non-immigrant residents. Therefore, it is only logical to want to have a local bank account and do anything you are permitted to do on this visa in order to live in Thailand successfully for the duration of the visa.
Neil ********
@Paul ******
exactly and this is what people are failing to grasp.
Klee **************
If you would’ve hired a Visa agent, they could’ve taken care of all of it for you, I’ve already gotten an agent, when we get to Thailand in early November, she’s going to take care of everything for us
Kevin ******
@Klee *************
Hi Klee, I need to get an agent to do the 1 yr visa for me, but not sure if I should just trust any agent. What is your advice, and do you mind sharing your agents contact. Do you mind telling me how much was the cost? Many thanks brother...
Klee **************
@Kevin *****
very trustworthy, efficient and organized
Kevin ******
@Klee *************
Thank you, Klee. How much should I budget for?
Klee **************
Klee **************
@Kevin *****
there are tens of thousands of Visa agents all over Thailand, my agent is in Hua Hin
Jason *********
Any agent recommendations or how to find one you can trust?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jason ********
currently, I haven’t found a reliable agent in Bangkok yet
Jj ****
Anonymous participant Pattaya is easier...
Jason *********
@Jj ***
How do you find a good one you can trust, I am going to Pattaya possibly and would like to setup a bank account for the QR code and avoid ATM fees
Romain ****
I doubt they open a bank account for visa on arrival which is 15 days.
Mar *****
@Romain ***
60 days
Cissi *********
@Mar ****
no Visa on Arrival is for 15 days. Visa exemption is 60 days.
Mar *****
@Ci***
yeah I get it now, when I arrived they stamped me 60 days in my UK passport which is classed as exemption
John **********
When you say all banks are you considering for one moment that every branch of every bank has its own rules. It's perfectly possible that you can go to a branch of a bank and get refused, go along the road to another branch of the same bank and get accepted. Plus the DTV is not a long term visa, it's a glorified tourist visa
Lee ***********
I've tried to open an account on a tourist visa and was given a form to get signed by immigration. I now have a DTV and so I'm going to try again. From reading various posts a residency certificate is the solution, I believe 200tb

That's my approach, but others have reported getting a bank account opened without issue even on a tourist exemption, I guess it comes down to the bank and the manager. Yes agents can do it, but if its doable and only a bank account then it should be easy enough yourself, unless there are other reasons an agent can resolve for you.
Abas ******
Have you tried bangkok bank headquarter near saladaeng BTS?
Michael ********
I opened up an account last year on a 90 day visa. More than likely you are not going to immigration to get a paper for opening up bank accounts, that gives the bank your official address.
Michael *********
Welcome to Thailand enjoy your stay🤣
Lincoln **********
Why would you want a local bank account?
Kimberly ********
@Lincoln *********
Some places here don’t accept cards and are only cash or QR code from Thai bank account. If one wanted to rent property here, you have to have a Thai bank account. We are going through this right now.

It’s also so difficult to get one right now because apparently the Thai government did a massive investigation and found a ton of money laundering via foreign countries. So they cracked down on people opening accounts.
Lincoln **********
@Kimberly *******
the property rental aspect is the only one that surprises me here. Why is a Thai bank account strictly necessary here?
Kimberly ********
@Lincoln *********
That’s really about it honestly. At least that I’ve experienced. We’ve gotten by for the past two weeks with either a US card or cash.

I guess if one wanted to avoid transaction fees then sure but yeah. I don’t think you would need one unless you’re trying to rent 🤷🏻‍♀️
Lincoln **********
@Kimberly *******
A good debit or credit card will not have foreign transaction fees. And 3% cash back on travel and dining mitigates most of the local vendors' fees. On the subject of rent, I'm actually surprised landlord's want or even let you transfer cash into their bank account. Most countries I have lived in outside of the US, the landlords insist on only cash (wonder why ... lol).
Kevin ******
@Lincoln *********
where would you deposit the 800k?
Lincoln **********
@Kevin *****
which 800k?
Neil ********
@Lincoln *********
do you reply need this explaining?! Rent, Bills, Bank Transfers etc.

You know like all them normal day to day living expenses you normally use a bank account for 🤦‍♂️
Lincoln **********
@Neil *******
So you have explained why a bank account is necessary. Great. Now can you explain why a THAI bank account is necessary? My US bank account is perfectly sufficient for living in any of the 8 countries I have lived in - including Thailand. US debit or Visa card works just as well in thailand as any other. It's not hard to find cards with no foreign transaction fees. Likewise, my bank charges no ATM fees AND pays the other bank's fees. I can think of zero reason I'd ever need a bank in thailand. Even if you want to hold thai currency, you can do that with revolute or wise.
Neil ********
@Lincoln *********
the world is bigger than the US and all banks are different and come with pros and cons.

Some cards from some banks are accepted more than others, some banks charge different rates, revolut is not available for every person in any country etc etc

Are you going to tell me a Russian bank account is going to be accepted as much as a US bank account based on the current situation.

So for many people who might not be as fortunate as yourself and are choosing to spend a significant amount of their time in Thailand it would make sense for them to have a Thai bank account.

Like I said the world is bigger than the US, and like true form you show how ignorant you are. I would like to see you live in as many countries so easy with a Russian bank account.
Lincoln **********
@Neil *******
Are you russian? Does this apply to you? The irony is I have lived in Russia, I happen to have a Russian bank account, and speak fluent Russian. So go ahead and make your baseless assumptions. Typical for people in expat forums to be malcontents.
Neil ********
@Lincoln *********
so clearly your US bank account wasn't sufficient for when you were living in Russia then. And proves my exact point! You are a dullard. 🤦‍♂️
Lincoln **********
@Neil *******
I wanted a Russian bank account for fun. I didn't need one. Lol. Grow up.
Neil ********
@Lincoln *********
for fun?! And you're telling me to grow up? Irony certainly isn't lost on you.
Quincy *******
Cashless payments via QR code and seamless bank transfers. It makes paying for things a lot more convenient than always carrying a wad of cash or paying a fee just to use your credit card.
Lincoln **********
@Quincy ******
you have the wrong cards if those cards have fees just to use them. Including foreign transaction fees.
Quincy *******
@Lincoln *********
my cards don't have fees, that's not what I'm referencing. I'm referencing the 3% fee that the merchant/store owners in Thailand tack on for you using a card instead of cash or QR code.
Dennis ************
Thats Thailand... nothing makes any sence whatsoever. I could write a book about it
Werner ************
Go bank to bank until one has pity on your Falang soul….same same visa but different 🙏🏼
Stephane *******
Pay an agent to help you. Bangkok bank will do it.
Wannikea *********
How many times a week are we gonna see this exact same post with only the names and locations differing? Buck up and pay an agent if it's too stressful for you. While you're in Pattaya have a beer 🍺 and cry the blues over a ladies drink with your companion.
Gigi ****
@Wannikea ********
any agent for DTV? Please PM to introduce me
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I found the following options based on commenters -

1. Use agent

2. Wait until they accept the DTV

3. Try with un-normal way

4. Go to random branches

5. Buy it
Wannikea *********
With your 500K take 5000 baht and go to Pattaya where any number of agents will have an account for you by the afternoon.
James ********
Quincy *******
@Wannikea ********
we heard you the first time, you like Pattaya.
Paul *******
@Quincy ******
Even if you don't live there...assuming you can easily open an account there, it's best to take his advice.
Quincy *******
@Paul ******
I got a bank acct 2 years ago with the help of my girlfriend.

I'm not saying anything is wrong with his advice, I was just poking fun because he prominently mentioned Pattaya each time.
Paul *******
@Quincy ******
I see. I think what he means by Pattaya is that it's relatively straightforward to open an account there owing to the large residential expat population, most of whom are retirees and thus not in possession of a work permit.
Quincy *******
@Paul ******
of course. I didn't mean any harm. Was just some banter.
Wannikea *********
@Quincy ******
I freakn hate Pattaya and I live as far away as you could possibly live from there.
Adam *******
Open through an agent
Rok ********
No Thai bank will open a bank account with Visa On Arrival / Exempt Tourist Visa - without help of an agent at aprox 5000 baht. Same for DTV i assume.
Angelo ***********
@Rok *******
Opening a bank account with visa exempt is no problem. Or how do you apply for a retirement visa inside of Thailand? Ooops?
Rok ********
@Angelo **********
one gets non-O for 3 months, opens a bank account within a month, seasons 800k for 2 and extend the visa for a 1year at the end of the 3 months Non-O validity.
Angelo ***********
@Rok *******
One option. The other option is to just open a bank account.
Chris ************
@Rok *******
you assume wrong.
Rok ********
@Chris ***********
do tell us more: how, which bank and required documents. A lot of people would benefit from your reassured reply above.
Chris ************
@Rok *******
I don't do the homework for people, who think they are so smart to just give a wrong statement to get answers and don't even do the small effort to use the search function.
Neil ********
@Rok *******
assumed wrong, got one on DTV
Tim ********
@Rok *******
Did it myself without agent 🙂
Kimberly ********
@Tim *******
Do you mind if I ask which bank and city?
John *****
Buy it
Deepak *******
Bank managers are paid to listen to foreigners ramblings. And by the way, The DTV visa is not a long-term visa.
Elías ********
@Deepak ******
it is a long term visa. Might not be a residency visa, but 5 years is definitely long term.
Paul *******
@Elías *******
Technically, the only true residency visa that Thailand issues is the permanent residency or PR visa, obtainable after spending at least 3 unbroken years on a non-B or non-O (or smart visa) plus a work permit throughout this time with a minimum salary requirement of at least
*****
Baht per month (I believe this is reduced to
*****
if the applicant is married to a Thai national).
Enzo **********
@Elías *******
its a multipele entry visa with a validity of 5 years. However you can open bank accounts on exemption stamps.
James ********
@Elías *******
agreed ✅ but please forgive Deepak, as negativity is his Hallmark.
Andy ************
@Elías *******
A long term visa means one where you never have to leave the country. The DTV is not in this category
Paul *******
@Andy ***********
Well, the DTV is valid for a period that is 5 times longer than a standard extension of stay obtained in country. Sure, each stay is only for 180 days or roughly half the amount of time afforded to an extension of stay and sure, to stay another 180 days you have to seek an extension of stay then leave the country, but a 1 year extension of stay is hardly a "long term visa", when it's only valid for a year.

Semantics maybe, but it's a bit strange to me to call an extension valid for a measly 12 months as "long term" but not a visa that's valid for 5 years even if each stay is only valid for 180 days (or 180+180).
Andy ************
@Paul ******
The point I'm making is that with a non-O there is zero requirement to ever the leave the country. They're called "non-immigrant" visas, and can be extended indefinitely. The DTV has a 360 day limit before the holder is required to leave the country, and at the end of five years the visa expires, and it is necessary then to apply for a new visa outside the country. Non-O visa has none of those requirements.
Paul *******
@Andy ***********
Yes, that is true.
Adam ************
I think you should just get a broker to help you for $100
Klee **************
@Adam ***********
absolutely agree with you, use a Visa agent/broker
Jonnie *******
As i understand a long term visa is a requirement based on my experience anyway, lived 16 years here and that’s what I’ve found,,

however there are workarounds that can get you a bank account,

I have 3 different th bank accounts and was denied at a Bangkok bank in one of the provinces when opening my second account, this was despite having a 1 year multi entry, I just asked them to contact their head office for clarification on the requirements , the application was then very quickly approved.

Maybe it’s worth trying from that angle, insist they seek clarification from their head office, many staff are uncertain of the requirements so easy option is “cannot”.
Paul *******
@Jonnie ******
Yes back in 2009 the process was quite straightforward. I pointed that out in a separate post I made. They've generally tightened things up over the last 10 years or so and particularly in recent years due to concerns about money laundering, scams, tax evasion and complying with international banking laws etc.
Paul *******
@Jonnie ******
A work permit is what they really want to see. Even with a "long term visa" which is a misnomer considering most are valid only for 1 year, individual bank branches may decide not to open an account for you unless of course you hold a work permit.

I have heard of countless stories from people on all sorts of visas and extensions struggling to find branches who will open an account for them. Those holding Thai work permits on the other hand have zero trouble.
Jonnie *******
@Paul ******
I guess for some not so easy than before although still doable, I remember when I opened my first account back in 2009 the process was very easy and not many questions asked, as mentioned I only had an issue a couple years later when opening my second account, but can forgive the staff on that occasion since only a handful of foreigners staying in the provincial capital where I lived therefore not so much experience in dealing with it,, but at that time I was told or the staff were told from head office the requirement was long term visa, which I had.
Deepak *******
Yeah, banks will start drafting account opening policies when immigration introduces new visas.
Paul *******
@Deepak ******
In this case, it could be that because the DTV remains largely unknown to banks, they won't touch it. It will take time before policies are developed to deal with DTV holders seeking to open Thai bank accounts.

In my opinion, I think most DTV holders are already acquainted with Thailand and as such, probably already have a Thai bank account.

Relatively few DTV holders are newbies who've never been to the country before or only as short term tourists.
Tommy ********
Because the DTV is a glorified tourist visa. The rights are limited.

If you want a bank or more rights, you have to get a legit working visa or permit that expats have
Paul *******
@Tommy *******
Sort of. Generally speaking, Thai banks prefer dealing with expats holding work permits but it's not an absolute requirement. What it comes down to is the individual policy of the bank and branch you're dealing with.
Neil ********
@Tommy *******
no you don't. You can get a bank account with a DTV and you don't need an agent. Just because some banks are not up to day on the process doesn't mean you can as many have for various reasons
Wesley ********
Use an agent.
Jason *********
@Wesley *******
do you recommend an agent?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wesley *******
fees
*****
Baht, it is too much
Alex *********
Anonymous participant 5,000
Quincy *******
Anonymous participant bro, whos charging you ฿12,000 to set up a bank account? Someone is trying to make their entire month's rent off of you.
Andrew *******
Anonymous participant never heard more than ฿5000 at the very most.
Maxim *********
@Andrew ******
mind to share contact? 😁
Lance ******
William ********
Anonymous participant where are you. I know someone in Phuket who might ba able to help.
Nick ***
@William *******
I'm in Phuket and also trying to open an account. Do you have an agent that can help here?
Tim ********
Try: Bangkok Bank (Sanpakoi Branch) CM.
Simone *********
@Tim *******
thanks for the specific info, I am looking for Sanpakoi branch but I cannot find it, can you please share a link to the location on google maps?
Tim ********
Simone *********
@Tim *******
is that in Chiang Mai province, right?
Tim ********
@Simone ********
in Chiang Mai.
Johan ***********
Its good to hear that if i go travel to where you from as a Thai, that also difficult to open a bank account there right? So, please stop complaining and follow the rule.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Johan **********
first thing first, you should ask to the banker follow the rule?
Johan ***********
Anonymous participant Most of them follow the rule but some may not, that why my country is still mess.
Paul *******
@Johan **********
Sounds like you're a very bitter person who likes complaining and playing the victim yourself. The world isn't a fair place and there's no such thing as equal or reciprocal treatment.

Besides, if we're complaining, I could bring up the unequal treatment when it comes to foreign land ownership. Thais can own land without being citizens or even residents in many western countries, meanwhile foreigners can't, even if they're on permanent residency visas and married to Thais. They can only be granted this privilege once they obtain Thai citizenship.

That doesn't seem fair, but it is what it is.
Tim ********
Then cancel your DTV and get a visa exemption if you think that works. It doesn’t. But try it. Also, try applying under your real name and not Anonymous Participant.
Andy ************
A bank account on a VOA? Absolute rubbish! A VOA is only for 15 days, no bank will touch that!
Chris ************
@Andy ***********
Are you the bank? A good visa or stay permit is helpful, but a visa is not a must. Read the other comments here...
Andy ************
@Chris ***********
I'm not the bank. If I open an account I take my lady with me and never have a problem. She's the best agent - doesn't charge me a single baht!
Chris ************
@Andy ***********
you even don't get what I said.

yes, you are not the bank, that's why you know nothing about what different branches require or not.

Your "absolute rubbish" statement is rubbish.

You can open a bank account even without a visa at some.

If it's 15days VOA or not doesn't matter then.

Better not comment if you dont know.

And can go alone without wife, you poser.
Andy ************
@Chris ***********
I just make my life easier. Is that a problem for you?
Chris ************
@Andy ***********
i could not leave your st.p.d "rubbish" comment uncorrected. Next time better think first, before opening the mouth.
Tim ********
@Andy ***********
I opened account with BKK back in Jan 2024, no agent ..... just provided what they asked for. I arrived and had (Tourist visa 30 days) , stamp on arrival which I extended.
Karl *********
@Tim *******
wow, which branch? PM me
Tim ********
@Karl ********
BKK 2nd Road, Jomtien about 200yards from Jomtien Immigration
Karl *********
@Tim *******
thank you very much, I’ll give it go!
Andy ************
@Tim *******
So you didn't have a VOA? 😂😂
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy ***********
you should try it by yourself and then come here

I have many evidences with that
Andy ************
Anonymous participant Doesn't work. VOA is only a 15 day visa. Banks won't touch it. A anonymous contributor saying that can be done is bs.
Adam *******
@Andy ***********
I've still got a Kbank account from 2015 opened with a VOA. Probably different these days but not sure
Karl *********
Adam James 😂😂 yes very different now it’s been nine years
Andy ************
Adam James I doubt very much if you had a VOA! 😂😂
Ko *******
“ALL”…means you tried to open a bank account in any bank /branch ? 🤪
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ko ******
just only left to go their HQ
David ************
Keep trying. Sooner or later you’ll find one.
Valerioshi ************
open a bank acct with a visa on arrival? nonsense
Angelo ***********
@Valerioshi ***********
He means visa exempt.
Andrew *******
@Valerioshi ***********
clearly you don’t, especially BKK bank can open with any visa as long as you have residency form
Elías ********
@Valerioshi ***********
if you pay to an agent, can be done within minutes.
Karl *********
@Chris ***********
unsure where you’ve read these things or if it’s past experience but things have changed in 19 , 8 and the past year… the correct Visa is detrimental to opening a bank account in Thailand. (An agent paying someone to bypass this isn’t quite legal therefore invalid, it can be done but someone’s breaking rules or laws using your money to do it. )

They would not accept a
*****
day exemption or accept a 60 day tourist visa.

They will not accept educational visas now unless it’s a 12 month stamp from a university (along with the extensive documentation to prove it as for other long term visas.)

They will also want tm30, how if it’s not about your visa type?

This was explained to me only a month ago at K Bank, and you can find all of this information online if you look at recent information.

Regarding an agent totally possible I was told 10,000 in Pattaya.
Stuart *********
@Karl ********
I have no idea why you think getting an agent to open a bank account would be illegal. They offer a service. Much like a customs clearance agent would deal with customs on your behalf to clear an import. You in theory could possibly do it yourself but I guess you wouldn’t get very far if you tried.

I’ve never heard of a bank requiring a TM30 to open an account but many will require a residence certificate from immigration to do so. You do need a filed TM30 to get the residence certificate though.
Karl *********
@Stuart ********
someone along the chain of opening the bank account is breaking the regulations to get it opened. So I don’t know about legality but you’re paying an agent to pay the person who’s breaking some rules…. But it’s Thailand you can use those agents for a lot of things if people want to pay for it that’s fine,  but I highly doubt anyone is going to open a bank account on their own on an exemption.

12 month university stamp for education visa now, Although now I do recall they’d accept my lease with a signed copy of the owners ID.. (tm30 residence certificate needed for a drivers license.)

but I was on short course education and could get neither on my own. This was recent at a lot of banks with lots of documentation. K bank explained in the most detail.
Stuart *********
@Karl ********
There IS no law that says a foreigner cannot open a bank account on ANY visa status. There IS no law that says a foreigner must be present at the time of opening the account (although probably a bit quasi about relevant signatures required).

Each branch manager has complete control over what happens in their branch (possibly with some exceptions from head office).

The branch isn’t breaking any law by opening an account for a customer. They may be skirting a few usual policies if they do but that’s not against the law.
Kieran *******
@Valerioshi ***********
I opened a bank account on a visa exemption recently.
Valerioshi ************
@Kie***
did you use a workaround? you can use a visa agent in certain areas, but you need driver's license, etc. from your home country, and maybe they make you purchase insurance.

Not the same thing as walking into a bank with DTV vs VOA. That's what I was referring to.
Kieran *******
@Valerioshi ***********
I walked into the bank and opened an account on a visa exemption.

No end of people telling me it wasn’t possible because they had been rejected and didn’t do their research and that I would have to get insurance, an agent etc etc.

I have learned not to listen to what other people say here over the years 🤷‍♂️
Valerioshi ************
@Kie***
when was this? And where?

That would be a first, mate. I wasn't able to get one after trying multiple times, and have heard the same.
Chris ************
@Valerioshi ***********
even without any visa is possible. a visa is not a must requirement.

if you don't know, better don't comment.