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Why is it so difficult for foreigners to open a bank account in Thailand?

ThailandBankingVisa IssuesExpats BankingForeigners in ThailandBank Account RequirementsK BankBangkok BankKrungsri BankSiam Commercial Bank
Feb 2, 2021
4 years ago
Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi I've been in Thailand Bangkok 8 weeks.tried to open bank acc with Bangkok bank I have o a visa they said no I need passport verification from British embassy which I obtained today went back to bank still said no because I don't have condo or house here I am a foriegner wanting to bring money into Thailand to spend and Thailand supposed to be wanting money ?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges faced by foreigners trying to open bank accounts in Thailand, specifically mentioning the difficulties encountered at Bangkok Bank regarding the need for additional documentation, such as proof of residence and embassy verification. Several comments provide alternative suggestions, including trying different banks or branches, with many users recommending Kasikorn Bank (K Bank) as a more accommodating option. The conversation highlights the variability in requirements between banks and the importance of persistently seeking solutions.
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Martin **********
Hmm, so I am not the only one having problems opening an AC. I been at Kasicorn, I have there an account for almost 10 years. I got told there are new regulations and you need to hold a work permit or a business Visa. Any other foreigner is not getting a new account....

Well, I have luckily already one.

But this development, if that is going to be standard rules in Thailand, is concerning.
4 years ago
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Stephen ****************
Go and see Sombat at Bangkok Bank in Central Kad Suan Kaew.. Skeaks excellent English and he’ll set you up no problems..
4 years ago
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Pablo ********
Perseverance
4 years ago
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Luis ***********
I guess it depends on city and area you are in, when you go, who goes with you, and how you are dressed. Not all banks are the same.
4 years ago
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Doy *****
Try another branch or another bank.
4 years ago
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Richard ******
You're not welcome get the message.
4 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ric****
 Wade am a scratch player but am not sure i could stand you for 18 holes i would probably give you a slap
4 years ago
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Richard ******
@Colin *******
 you wouldn't like the reply you would get
4 years ago
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Richard ******
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard *****
 opened account second attempt prick
4 years ago
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Richard ******
@Colin *******
 oh you're so clever can you tie you're own shoelaces yet
4 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ric****
 Wade I bet your a arsehole to play golf with
4 years ago
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Richard ******
@Colin *******
 yes but I would surely beat you with ease
4 years ago
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Arthur ***************
@Richard *****
 are you a little stressed 😂😂😂
4 years ago
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Richard ******
@Arthur **************
 no I just like winding them up
4 years ago
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Arthur ***************
@Richard *****
 happy about that,i started to get worried 😉
4 years ago
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Arthur ***************
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Richard ********
@Richard *****
 get a life mate.
4 years ago
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Richard ******
@Richard *******
 I've got one and a bank account
4 years ago
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Richard ********
@Richard *****
 so have most foreigners living in Thailand, there not hard to get I just think some people a just don’t understand how to negotiate with “no have”. I don’t understand your first comment?
4 years ago
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Richard ******
@Richard *******
 do you think we would be welcome without money
4 years ago
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Richard ******
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Terary **********
When I opened my bank account years ago, I had various different paperwork, lease agreement, visa, passport, work permit, etc. The person at the counter told me 'no'. I explained the website said I could, she called a few people, eventually she opened the account for me. Over the years on this fb board - I have seen several posts like yours. The conclusion - you may have to go to a few banks, be persistent (but not an asshole).
4 years ago
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Mark *********
Bangkok bank Sukhumvit soi 21 need passport and embassy confirmation took 20 mins , did mine 2 weeks ago, atm card and online banking.
4 years ago
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DustySu **********
@Mark ********
 This is where I started years ago, no fuss.
4 years ago
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DustySu **********
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Gene *********
What is the best bank in USA to use your debit card in Thailand with little or no fees?
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Gene ********
 Bangkok Bank on Sukumvit. fee if use other kiosk or put of province.
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
Schwab visa debit is zero foreign ATM fee, zero forex fee and refunds the 220B Thai side fee.
4 years ago
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Gene *********
@Ivan ***********
 pm sent
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
@Ge**
 you can open an account here:

*******************************
4 years ago
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Gene *********
@Ivan ***********
 thank you
4 years ago
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Gene *********
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Janin ******
Kasikorn! House adres or place of stay no problem
4 years ago
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Alderyse ********
I use Kasikorn without any hassle.
4 years ago
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Brian ********
Try different banks
4 years ago
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Lurcho ********
Get a Thai National you trust and speaks your Language then go too Kasikorn Bank to find out what is required
4 years ago
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Guno ******************
make a saving account thats is easy with a card for atm
4 years ago
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Raff *********
When you opened it double check the cash card works 🤦🏽‍♀️
4 years ago
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Dicks ******
Try another branch rules seem to vary with each branch you visit.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Dicks *****
 very true.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
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Jonas *************
It's funny how they need the mailing address. They have never ever sent a single letter in a year...
4 years ago
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Adam *******
@Jonas ************
 credit card statements every month
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Jonas ************
 I think computer wants to match address to tm-30
4 years ago
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Gary **********
@Jonas ************
 I agree with you I've had s bank account for years never had a letter from them ...
4 years ago
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Gary **********
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Lilith *****
UOB central rama 9

They can even open one for TR visa
4 years ago
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Shahram ********
Try Krungsri bank they're less strict
4 years ago
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Tim *******
Tried three or four banks with a OA visa. Krungsri bank was no problems. No embassy letter required. Was renting a condo at the time.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Tim ******
 did same at BKK years ago...no problem at all
4 years ago
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Steve **********
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Tara ********
@Casey ******
4 years ago
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Herthaundherbert *************
I went to Krungsri. Took me 10 minutes and I had the account. I had to put in 500,- bht and was ready to go.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Herthaundherbert ************
 same with Bkk, never have problem.
4 years ago
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Herthaundherbert *************
Oh, what I forgot: We have rented a house here and it's registered in the passport. That helps too.
4 years ago
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Dirk *************
Where was that? When was that? Can you please share details
4 years ago
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Herthaundherbert *************
@Dirk ************
 Krungrsri Rawai , end of June 20, no agency, no blackhaired translator. Just two bloody Germans.
4 years ago
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Dirk *************
Thank you very much. Great answer!
4 years ago
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Dirk *************
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Colin ******
I use Krungthai Bank and had no problems opening an account.
4 years ago
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Peter *********
UOB bank will do for you, deposit 50,000baht they give you debit card then can withdraw
4 years ago
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Sean *********
I opened one at bk bank with a tourist visa, but made me buy "accident insurance". Never seen so many banks not wanting to use my money interest free.
4 years ago
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Peter ***************
Just bad luck I guess

I had the same thing years ago

And took me about 3 days,but had an account with tourist visa

So it is possible
4 years ago
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Colin ********
SCB, Kasikorn + Kungsri are all easy and don't need a WP, just an ID and an address. If your in a hotel, rent a condo so you have a residential address. Also it would be far cheaper.
4 years ago
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John ********
Go where the foreigners go Pattaya but you get charged for out of provience
4 years ago
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Greg ********
Yes it is hard l am 59 young and l opened an account 13 years ago. But an easy bank is Siam Commercial Bank. SCB. The purple bank
4 years ago
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Mark ******
I opened Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn accounts on the same day, 20 meters from each other (not in Bangkok). Just try another branch. Each branch seems to have their own rules.
4 years ago
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Steffen *********
4 years ago
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Steffen *********
Take your wife with you. I opened without certification.
4 years ago
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Gilles ***********
Kasikorn Big C Onut fixed in 5m
4 years ago
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Mark *********
If you have Thai friend in which he or she can give the bank an perminate address, then should be no problem. the friend will recieve your statments thats all
4 years ago
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Lisandro *******
Go to Bangkok Bank head office on Silom. Just showing passport and giving an address ( hotel) was enough some years ago.

Rest of the branches were are asking more documents. Not head office.
4 years ago
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Jonas *************
Yes BB when you went the the embassy they should have known that you need

1. Verification of your passport

2. A statement where they say that you say that your live at address xyz... And on Oroville that should be ba place you have contract for, but not sure if you're embassy check.

It's all described on the bangkok bank website.

It's funny because it feels like a catch 23.. you need to live here before you can apply for permit to live here.

The embassy should have known better to do.
4 years ago
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Yam ***************************
@Lisandro ******
 I went to bangkok bank Main branch in Silom yesterday. They need certificate of residency from the embassy.
4 years ago
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Yam ***************************
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Steve **********
Go to different branch... simple, may have to go to two. 500 baht min.

Kasikorn also good

Usually takes 30 min.

Its the bank officer that has all discretion.
4 years ago
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Joe **************
At the Kasikornbank the easiest way in Thailand. Should be at least thb. 100,000 in cash to the new account and directly to the bank. Then your account is ready!
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Joe *************
 uh uh
4 years ago
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Joe **************
@Steve *********
 ????? What??
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Joe *************
 opened 2 accounts 1 DD, one ATM, at Bangkok Bank originally with 500 baht each act. Took 15 min.
4 years ago
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Joe **************
@Steve *********
 your first bank deposit was 500 thb. If I had chosen the bank, I would have kicked you out the door !!
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
@Joe *************
 500B is all is required. You don't need 100k to open a bank account. You just need to go to a branch that deals with foreigners and provide the documentation they require.
4 years ago
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Ivan ************
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I went to bangkok bank central world opened account no problem thanks
4 years ago
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Benjamin ******
The Bangkok Bank at CentralWorld only requires a residency letter or a letter from your embassy saying you live in Thailand
4 years ago
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Ken ********
@Benjamin *****
 different branches want different proof nothing is same same all different
4 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Passport and verification from embassy and address in bangkok
4 years ago
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Colin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
 hi just been to central world opened account no problem
4 years ago
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Benjamin ******
@Colin *******
 what did they require? Did their requirements change?
4 years ago
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Benjamin ******
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Adrian *****************
Use an agent it’s getting difficult I finally managed to open 2 accounts last week bangkok bank and krungsi both wanted rental contract bkk bank wanted letter from immigration proof of residence easy enough to get just a bit of hassle,krungsi at first told me no but then a bit of sweet talk and I had to show the chanote title to the condo I stay at and then i had my account,all in all a lengthy process back n forth,agent will do it for around 3k if you want to save the hassle
4 years ago
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Radu *******
Go to your Embassy and take an Affidavit stating that you are the person in YOUR LEGAL ID (passport). Its all you need. Regarding condo go to them with your TM 30 and ask your landlord for a copy of the rental agreement
4 years ago
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Kuan ******
Strictly speaking - yes Bangkok bank needs you to swear a declaration in standard form on your residential address when opening a bank account. Apparently every embassy has the template n is used only for Bangkok bank. Found out when I opened my bank acct last year
4 years ago
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Maggie *****
I've used SCB and their service seems to be fine
4 years ago
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Antoine *******
Kasikorn will open you an account immediately
4 years ago
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Aminul *******
If you're still unsuccessful after trying other branches, contact Siam Legal. They can help you get an account in 5 minutes.
4 years ago
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Hugh ********
Just go to every bank and ask, even the same one in different area, stupid I know but it's the only way, they asked me for a letter of permission from the british embassy many times but the embassy dont give that because its not up to them, it's up to the bank!!! 🤦‍♂️
4 years ago
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Mark *********
I went to Most banks in Koh samui all said no
4 years ago
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Hugh ********
I had the same problem, kungsri did it for me straight away
4 years ago
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Frank ************
Kasikorn or krungsri
4 years ago
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Dave ****************
Go to kasikorn bank ... you will get a much different experience.
4 years ago
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Chester ********
BKK is easy .. kbank was only other want to open for me but try sell insurance and force 5000b fee and 10k deposit lol.. bkk 30pb deposit and 20mins done
4 years ago
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Steve *********
Bkk bank no hassle ... but take Thai friend with you
4 years ago
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Wilmont ******
I’ve been here since 1999 and everywhere you go no matter what it is you’re going to get a different answer or reason. Just go with the flow and move on to the next location. No sense getting your panties in a bunch, it’s the Thai way.
4 years ago
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Mark ******
Agreed. In my experience, Kasikorn has been the easiest and most helpful.
4 years ago
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Michael *******
just try another branch , i opened a account with Bangkok bank last year in pattaya big c no problems 🤔
4 years ago
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Clive *******
Kasikorn as someone said easy and helpful
4 years ago
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Ashley ********
Silom
4 years ago
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Ashley ********
Go to Simon branch
4 years ago
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Graeme **********
Krungsri is good
4 years ago
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Steven ********************
Kasikorn was so smooth and helpfull
4 years ago
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Scott *********
I opened 2 accounts easy with kasikorn.

First was on a tourist visa and 2nd was on a marriage.

Just needed passport.
4 years ago
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Julian ********
try another bank
4 years ago
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Julian ********
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