Want to open a bank account in CM

[DumbFalang]

I just tried to open a bank account at Bangkok Bank in Samoeng and was told I need a letter from the British Embassy verifying my passport is genuine. I have a marriage visa stamp in my passport issued by Thai immigration but that doesn't seem to count. So, in light of the recent changes where Thai immigration no longer accept letters of income verification from Embassies and we need to show bank statements from a Thai bank - have Thai banks changed their rules on opening a bank account accordingly?

 

Can anyone recommend a bank in Chiang Mai that may accept my passport as genuine and allow me to open a bank account?

[lipflipper]

The Bangkok Bank in Kad Suan Khow is the place to go for hassle free service.

Sent from my CMR-AL19 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[noise]

I would guess that the staff in Samoeng are less knowledgeable than other branches like Kad Suan Kaew.     I would start with the branches closest to where you think you would bank the most and just keep trying one by one.  Now some posters have said they need a certificate of residency.   Do you have a yellow book or pink ID card?  If not and you trying other branches is not successful, get a certificate first and then try, try again.

[DumbFalang]

I dont have a yellow book or pink id card, so I will try BKK Bank kad suan kaew and see what they say.

[Myshkin]

I did open a bank account at Bank of Bangkok on Sridonchai road (near Pantip Plaza) with just my passport and a 6 months double O visa without any difficulties. But that was 5 years ago, so I don't know if it is any harder nowadays.

[sharktooth]

Bangkok Bank Central Festival will give you baht and foreign currency accounts, but you will need residents cert

[DumbFalang]

I'm not sure if I'll need a residents certificate, but perhaps I should look into it for future reference. What are the basics to qualify? I've lived here for 12 years on a marriage visa and my wife owns our home. Will that be enough?

 

Has anyone recently had their passport 'verified' by the British embassy?

[freedomnow]

Just try Kad Suan first with just your passport, if no joy..get a residency certificate in CM as its cheaper and as far as I'm aware you'd have to go Bangkok or use an agent "passport to UK Consulate (not embassy) service" roundtrip (5000 baht if I remember). The local CM UK consulate no longer issue this documentation which makes their presence absurd for UK expats.

 

it is about 800-1000 Baht for residency cert. from Chiang Mai Immigration, as I believe its price went up from 500 Baht after immi. moved away from Promenada back to the airport location. If you try to get the free residency cert. (which you are allowed to do) , they will make you wait 1 month as you are not "oiling the machine"...pay up, and it's 24-hour turnaround.

Not sure if you get it at immi. building dedicated to Burmese etc applicants across from Promenada now, or get it at airport imm. now...perhaps others in this thread can inform you of correct price 2019 and where to get it.

Edited February 1, 2019 by freedomnow

[freedomnow]

To get a residency cert, I think you need at least 30 days valid on any visa extension etc.

 

• Photocopy of lease agreement, (I think I would also get the landlord / landlady to sign this).
• Photocopy of TM30 form signed by your landlord / landlady.
• Two 2×2 inch passport photos (maybe best to get these with a blue background).
• Take your actual passport with you (to confirm authenticity)
• Photocopy of main photo page of passport, visa page, TM6 departure card (all pages must be signed by you).
• Completed application form of Residence Certificate. Blank copies are provided at the office.

[DumbFalang]

Thank you so much. I'm actually going to try Kasikorn Bank first as I've had a joint account there for about 12 years. I am curious to find out how they handle my request for my own personal account. If no luck, it's over to Bangkok Bank at Kad Suan.

[freedomnow]

OK, good luck !

[Sparkles]

20 hours ago, DumbFalang said:

I dont have a yellow book or pink id card, so I will try BKK Bank kad suan kaew and see what they say.

See Khun Sombat, my BB bank bloke for 12 years.Over that time have referred many people never a problem if you have all the documents ,passport,proof of address etc.Nearly all staff speak very good English

[EricTh]

5 hours ago, DumbFalang said:

I'm not sure if I'll need a residents certificate, but perhaps I should look into it for future reference. What are the basics to qualify? I've lived here for 12 years on a marriage visa and my wife owns our home. Will that be enough?

 

Has anyone recently had their passport 'verified' by the British embassy?

It's too much hassle to get verification from embassy.

 

Like everyone here said, go to Kad Suan Kaew branch, I didn't even need residence cert in the past when I opened there a few years ago but I think they do need one now. However, a house registration book will also qualify.

 

But they don't need any verification from embassy for sure!

Edited February 1, 2019 by EricTh

[robertmueller]

On 2/1/2019 at 4:42 AM, DumbFalang said:

Thank you so much. I'm actually going to try Kasikorn Bank first as I've had a joint account there for about 12 years. I am curious to find out how they handle my request for my own personal account. If no luck, it's over to Bangkok Bank at Kad Suan.

DumbFalang:
What was the outcome of your request at Kasikorn?
And did you go to the Bangkok Bank branch at Kad Suan Kaew for opening the bank account without Residence Certificate?

A friend of mine arrives end of Feb, on Visa Non-O, and he would like to open a bank account in Chiang Mai as well. So your experience could help.

 

Thanks a lot in advance for your feedback.

Regards,
Rob

[DumbFalang]

Hi Rob. I got lucky at Kasikorn because I guess I was part way there with my existing joint account. There was no reason for me to go to kad suan so unfortunately I dont have any new advice to offer. Hope your friend is able to open an account without too much hassle.