Bank account update.

Hi last week I posted here asking for personal experiences opening a bank account and I got some helpful advice. I also got the usual doom sayer , keyboard warrior stuff suggesting I had no chance without an agent. Anyway, here is my experience and this relates only to one bank branch in one specific place but it may assist someone. It’s specific to me a UK citizen on O-A 12 month retirement visa.

I went today to Bangkok bank in Karon Beach, Phuket , I was there a total of 55 minutes including waiting time. I signed what seemed like hundreds of forms then left with a savings book and master card for my newly opened bank account.

What was required :

1. My passport showing entry stamp and long term visa

2. Printout of E Visa

3. I was asked for a Thai driving licence but they accepted my UK licence and International driving permit instead.

4. Thai phone number

5. UK UTR ( Tax reference)

I had taken a residence certificate ( some people in this group refer to this as “ a letter from immigration” )this was not required.

I also took TM 30 also not required and I was never asked for a tenancy agreement. ( I don’t have one anyway)

As I say this was my experience in a specific branch. The experience may well differ in different branches of BKK bank and different banks. It may also differ with different nationalities and different visas.

I paid a small fee 699 baht for my Mastercard. There was an option for a different card at 400 baht. After my account was opened I was offered insurance but declined and this was no issue.

One last thing, despite having a Thai sim I could not set up online banking but was told if I got a top up invoice from an AIS store with my phone number on it they would be able to do this for me quite easily on my next visit.

BKK bank in Karon is the first and only bank I went to.

Hope this helps someone

I searched old posts but i couldn’t find a solid post

1. Can i get a thai driving license with dtv ? Whats the high level steps

2. Can i buy a motorcycle with dtv visa, i think yes right & can i cross Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam occasionally and comeback in 30 days time

Can I use my German-to-Philippine converted driver's license in Phuket, Thailand, even if I’m just a tourist? Aren’t they too strict there?

Also, what do you think is the best place in Phuket that is close to the beaches and peaceful place with good internet near to mall or city?

Does anyone know? Could you suggest a place on Phuket Island, please?

Would anyone know if one can rent a car and drive in Taiwan for 10 days, with a Thai or Swedish driving licence?

It's been difficult to get official information on this. Any advice or personal experience appreciated.

Hi all!

My 2-year temporary Thai driver's license is due next year January, and as far as I can see, I can only renew for 5 years license 3 months before that.

I would like to get an IDP in Thailand. Did anyone do this while on temporary license? Or can you renew to 5 years license earlier?

I would like to travel in May and do a road trip abroad but my IDP has expired from my home country. The only way to get a new IDP from my home country is by going to the municipality there, the embassy cannot issue it. 😌

I have just received my O retirement visa. I am driving my wife's car. how long can I drive on my international drivers permit?

Do you have to make an appointment to get a new driving licence on samui, or just turn up?

Changed my address on my driving licence

Do I need to change address or renew my international driving permit

Hi everyone

What do I need to get driver license car and motorbike ?? In Thailand???

I have 12 months retirement visa international license, TM 30 , ?? And what else, certificates of residency? If you kindly let me know Thank you 😊

Hello everyone, I was wondering if someone could please help me out as I can't seem to find the right information online.

I've got a motorcycle licence from my homecountry and I intend to hire a scooter but I'd of course like to have all of my documents correct

My question is, if I bring my licence could I get an IDP while in Thailand?

Thanks!