Where To Open A Thai Bank Account?

[jreinho]

We walked into UOB and Bangkok Bank to see about opening a bank account and was told that I mist have a work permit.

Yet, how does one do this if they are pursuing a Retirement Visa

Any suggestions on banks that do not require a work permit?

Thanks!

[ProThaiExpat]

Try Siam Commercial Bank.

I would go in armed with your documents in support of your non-imm O visa, even if you have yet to get your extension and a face to face with an English speaking rep should do the trick.

I assume your after a savings account. Checking may be problematic. Be sure an sign up for the internet feature, especially if you have more than one account. You do have to pay extra for a "hip" card, which is a debit card but well worth the 300 Baht.

I like the internet feature as it allows for a print out of your monthly spending and a record of bills paid. CAT can be paid online as can UCB. Utilities outside of BKK are handled by me on a automatic pay/debit account basis without any problems for five years.

PM me if you have any specific questions.

[Northpoint]

We walked into UOB and Bangkok Bank to see about opening a bank account and was told that I mist have a work permit.

Yet, how does one do this if they are pursuing a Retirement Visa

Any suggestions on banks that do not require a work permit?

Thanks!

A few months ago I had no hassles with the Bank Of AYUDHYA opening a Savings Account with a Tourist Visa at one of their branches in Pattaya. I received a Visa Electron ATM Card a week after opening the account (300 Baht fee).

I am happy with that bank. They are very helpful with good advice about money transfers from abroad and it is always easy to get access to good English-speakers a bit higher up the chain.

The AYUDHYA Bank is the one with the yellow signs and all of their ATM's are painted yellow as well.

They have main branches in Pattaya near Carrfour on Pattaya Central Road and on Pattaya South Road (Pattaya Tai) near the Friendship Supermarket.

I had no luck at a branch of the Siam Bank in Jomtien. They wanted a letter from Immigration with a passport picture confirming my status.