Can anybody give feedback about a good bank to olen an account with in Thailand ,i guess one that gives you a card and doesnt charge too much for useing ATMs?? Thanks

Just tried to open a Savings account with debit card at Bangkok Bank, Hua Hin. I’m on a Retirement Visa and was told upfront 5900 baht insurance 😳 (non negotiable) plus the usual card fee 400 baht and annual fees. I insisted I didn’t want insurance but no way out of it. No thank you! I’m off to Bangkok next week so will try there or maybe just try another bank. Does anyone have any recent positive experiences and with whom and where?

For information Tod

Today went bank to get 12months bank statements. I bank with U.O.B.

Opened account in Bangkok in 2000

Now bank in Korat U.O.B. Was told cannot do you should have closed account in Bangkok and re- opened 1 in Korat i said same bank yes but different area. I should go Bangkok close account and reopen one in Korat. I mention it in case other members are moving one area to another. I did go to Korat bank to tell them about move, 18 months ago

Like i say for information9

Tod / Ron.

If this not related to this site please delete.

Due to the current charges with my existing bank I decided to change banks,

I visited almost all high street banks,

In Khon Kaen and was told the same thing no work permit then I can't open a bank account,

I explained I was on a non0 extension based on being over 50,

This made no difference to any of the banks, repeat no work permit no account.

The only way round this as I have been told by several banks, is to have a Thai person garantour, this is a form the Thai person fills out to confirm your address, (I think it is for more than that)

I was also told by several banks the reason as to why this has become more strict. We have had problems with farang, one even mentioned a nationality, which for obvious reasons I will keep to myself.

The good news was uob Bank Thailand allowed me to open an account with them with just my passport and Thai driving licence as proof of my address,

I understand this is not exactly Visa related, but it may be an issue for people wishing to do their extension inside Thailand and having to have

Proof of financials.