4. Procedure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFor opening a bank account in Thailand, foreigners should visit a bank branch and bring the required documents. The bank staff will assist the customer in completing the account opening form and providing any other necessary information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the account is opened, the customer will be given a bank account number and a debit card. The customer can then use the account to deposit and withdraw money, transfer money to other accounts, and make payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips for opening a bank account in Thailand<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- It is important to compare the different bank accounts and banks before choosing one. Banks may vary in terms of fees, interest rates, and other features.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is also important to read and understand the account opening form and any other documents provided by the bank. Customers should ask questions if they are unsure about anything.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Customers should keep their bank account information safe and confidential. They should never share their bank account number, PIN, or other personal information with anyone. Do not even share you PIN number with your legal spouse. I have seen dozens of problems just with this simple thing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Example: BANGKOK BANK<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nOpening a bank account in Thailand shouldn’t be difficult. According to a previous website of 2018, Bangkok Bank was saying that “foreigners with a long stay visa, work permit or even a tourist visa can open a savings account with Bangkok Bank at any of their branches nationwide.” The Bangkok bank website is quite complete in English and it’s just easier for us to explain you how it works for that bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Bangkok Bank, if you are working in Thailand<\/strong>, you will need your passport AND<\/strong> work permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you have a long stay visa in Thailand, you must have your passport and proof of residence. This proof can be a certificate from immigration or a house registration book for foreigners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are in Thailand for a short stay or have a tourist visa<\/strong>, then you will need more documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- A letter of recommendation from a reputable company, an embassy or an international organization located in Thailand, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A letter of recommendation from your bank abroad. This must be a bank which is acceptable to Bangkok Bank and sent to Bangkok Bank via SWIFT*, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A letter of recommendation from a person acceptable to Bangkok Bank such as an existing customer of Bangkok Bank.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In 2023, especially to foreigners, there was no reference that you need 500 baht to open a bank account. I personally used Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Krung Thai bank, Sri Ayudthaya Bank, Siam Commercial bank and one other. My personal opinion is that the customer service at Bangkok Bank is horrible but it is easier for international transactions. I much prefer Kasikorn bank applications, especially for the corporate accounts. But they are more difficult to have services in English and might not understand well that foreigners deserved better in Thailand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Each bank is different: Even the same bank can have different rules in different branches<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAgain, in practice, a local branch could accept your driving license with a picture or other documents. By experience,\u00a0we know that it’s normally easier for foreigners to open a bank account at Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn. <\/strong>It should also be easier in places with a lot of tourists or expats, like Pattaya, Phuket or Chiangmai.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWe strongly suggest to foreigners to open a bank account in Thailand with Kasikorn for many reasons: 1) They applications are better 2) I have dealt with 5-6 several different banks in since 2004, sometimes, they are all hell. But Kasikorn is better than Bangkok Bank. If you are not a long-term resident in Thailand, it is best not to open a bank account with Omsin or Thannachart unless you can speak Thai or have been approved for a mortgage when other banks have declined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I personally used Krunthai bank for my first mortgage in Thailand. In 2012, I was told that I was the first foreigner at the Nakhon Ratchasima branch to receive a mortgage. Of course, it was with my ex-wife. Thai guarantors can be requested for banking operations like a mortgage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the bank account is open, it’s normally easy to get an ATM card. Internet banking will normally require some additional forms and again, each bank is different. And if you are looking for a clear answer, you might just have several different from bank employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is Thailand! Opening a bank account in Thailand can be a piece of cake, but if you are on a tourist visa, it can be hell. Opening bank accounts in Thailand for companies will required additional documents like the company’s registration, stamped maximum 30 days from the DBD and minutes of meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the banks known for foreigners in Thailand<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Bangkok Bank,\u00a0one of the favorite. <\/strong>Good bank transfers but the applications are not the best.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Siam Commercial bank,\u00a0is another of the 3 most famous bank for foreigners in Thailand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kasikorn Bank,\u00a0is probably the best right now. (Kasikorn Bank Swift Code KASITHBK)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Do note that ThaiLawOnline can not help you to open a bank account in Thailand. We do not offer this service as people can normally this process by themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Links: <\/p>\n\n\n\n