It seems opening a bank account for foreigners is becoming difficult. I just wanted to share our experience. My husband (American) and I (Thai-American) landed in Bangkok on Wed. The first thing we did upon arriving was to obtain a Thai phone for my husband. Once that was done, we received a receipt from AIS with his name, passport number, and his new Thai number listed on the receipt along with the salesperson’s signature. We went to the official AIS store so I’m not sure if the authorized AIS vendor would be able to produce the same receipt. We told the salesperson we needed a phone so my husband could open a bank account. She was the one who offered the receipt to us!

The next day (Thu), we went to the local branch for SCB and Bangkok Bank to try to open an account. We were told it could take about 7-14 business days because they would need to send his application and documents to the HQ office for review. If the HQ office has any questions or need additional information/document, the local bank would contact us. Rather than wasting time going back and forth with the local bank branch, we decided to go directly to the Bangkok Bank HQ in Silom. (Thank you for previous suggestions from this forum about going to Bangkok Bank HQ!) We provided them with the following documents:

* Husband's US passport

* Husband's US driver's license (in the US our driver's license is our ID)

* His Non-O E-Visa based on staying with Thai family visa

* Our US marriage license, which has been authenticated by the Royal Thai Consulate in the US

* My Thai ID

* The official AIS receipt

Even with all these documents, they were still trying to find a way NOT to open an account for my husband. Luckily, I was able to counter all their questions. My husband now has a bank account! The whole process took about an hour. It was a pain but I’m glad we got that done right away. Now we can transfer fund into his account in preparation for visa extension in June!

Question for those who bought a condo:

Will Kasikorn/Bangkok Bank issue the FET (Foreign Exchange Transaction Form, proof for the LandOffice that the purchase price for the condo was sent from abroad in foreign currency) on the spot when you visit the branch or does the issuance of the document take time?

Thank you

Hi has anyone on a Thai retirement visa had any problems taking the 800.000 thb back out off Thailand back to your home country ?

Can anyone explain to me the poof of income letter from my bank confirming income of over 65k per month from foreign transfer.

I have had the most frustrating morning, firstly I went to the Bangkok Bank branch in Central Festival. Yes can do letter, sign some forms and come back in 90 mins, pay 100 baht. Half hour later I get a phone call, no cannot do letter, must go to branch where account was opened. Ok no real problem, off to Pattaya Klang.

Now the fun begins only one teller at the counter and took over an hour to sort this simple task, by now the queue was out the door behind me, people were clearly angry. After all this I’m still left without the letter and told to come back tomorrow. She said must pay 600 baht, I couldn’t understand for what🤔All I want is a print out of 12 transfers and the letter confirming it’s my account and costs 100 baht right?? Is this not a common request at banks?