How to set up direct debit for MEA electricity bill (no credit card)?

[Kiujunn]

The way i am used to goes like this:

Go to bank.

Bank says, go to company (it wasn't MEA) first,  get form.

Go to company,  company says,  go to bank first,  get form.

So I chose a bank branch and a company branch next to each other in the same mall. After about 3-4 iterations, all forms were sorted out. Then it took 3 months and direct debit started. 

 

Have things gotten simpler? 

MEA is not in a mall, and i don't feel like 3 or 4 trips back and forth. 

In 2015 someone posted he set up direct debit through a Kbank ATM. Any experience with Bangkok Bank or Krungsri ATM?

 

[ExpatOilWorker]

I just gave the electricity bill to the bank. The meter is still in the previous owners name, the bank spelled my name wrong, so it doesn't match the account,  but it has worked fine for the past 15 years.

[Kildonan]

Bangkok Bank set up my DD, no problems,, for my rented accommodation. Works great. Get the monthly bill, usually around 19th of the month, DD taken out around the 5th of the following month, then receive by post a three month statement from MEA. 

[mtls2005]

Do you have internet banking, and mobile app banking?

 

If so, you can add an account (account number and a reference number), then pay the exact amount each month. You simply press "Confirm amount", the app checks the current amount due, and then confirm payment. You can pay accounts in someone else's name. 

 

https://www.bangkokbank.com/-/media/files/international-banking/japanese/Bill-Payment-iBanking

 

https://www.bangkokbank.com/en/Personal/Digital-Banking/Bualuang-mBanking/How-to-Use/Payment

 

[biggles45]

I also use the internet banking and pay each month method. 

[sandyf]

It is a few years since I did mine. I had to go to the main PEA office and get a form filled in and signed then take it to the bank to have their section completed signed and stamped and then take it back to the PEA. A bit of a pain but fairly straightforward other than the fact the PEA refused my account, although in the same province outside the local area. Had to open a new account for the DD.

Different authorities may well have different methods, in my case the DD was on the PEA form.

I did it when paying one bill and DD in operation for the next. Been ok for the last 11 years and bill is a good reference for Thai address.

Edited March 6, 2021 by sandyf

[stbkk]

On 3/5/2021 at 7:46 AM, mtls2005 said:

Do you have internet banking, and mobile app banking?

 

If so, you can add an account (account number and a reference number), then pay the exact amount each month. You simply press "Confirm amount", the app checks the current amount due, and then confirm payment. You can pay accounts in someone else's name. 

 

https://www.bangkokbank.com/-/media/files/international-banking/japanese/Bill-Payment-iBanking

 

https://www.bangkokbank.com/en/Personal/Digital-Banking/Bualuang-mBanking/How-to-Use/Payment

 

 

I agree. I use the Bangkok Bank internet I-banking to pay the exact amount monthly.

 

I prefer that to DD as I understand that the process for correction of erroneous DD payments is less, shall we say 'customer protective', in Thailand than what I am used to.

[sandyf]

4 minutes ago, stbkk said:

 

I agree. I use the Bangkok Bank internet I-banking to pay the exact amount monthly.

 

I prefer that to DD as I understand that the process for correction of erroneous DD payments is less, shall we say 'customer protective', in Thailand than what I am used to.

In 11 years I have never seen any "erroneous DD payments", so what are you used to?

 

Last year when bills were being reduced, credits applied automatically without any problem.

I fail to see why people look for problems that aren't there, but up to you.

[dsj]

All I did was go to MEA office on Rama IV, filled in the form for their portion while I was there, then took it to my Bank (TMB) and that was it. A month later it was already set up.

[brianthainess]

On 3/3/2021 at 10:41 PM, ExpatOilWorker said:

I just gave the electricity bill to the bank. The meter is still in the previous owners name, the bank spelled my name wrong, so it doesn't match the account,  but it has worked fine for the past 15 years.

I had a similar problem, the lecky acc is in my wife's name, the power company were balking on the idea, until I stood my ground and pointed out the money was coming out of MY bank account, not HERS, a lot of um-ing and ah-ing from the supervisor while I explained it as if talking to a 5yr old, eventually the satang dropped and they completed the form, and yes it took three trips from bank to electric company and back again. SMS when paid from bank.  It took about 2mths before it kicked in.

Edited March 7, 2021 by brianthainess
add info

[CharlieH]

I just use the banking app, utilities, select EA put the account and reference number into the app and its done on whatever date specified every month automatically.

 

 

[Kiujunn]

3 hours ago, CharlieH said:

I just use the banking app, utilities, select EA put the account and reference number into the app and its done on whatever date specified every month automatically.

 

 

Which bank has a banking app that allows this kind of automatism?

[CharlieH]

2 hours ago, Kiujunn said:

Which bank has a banking app that allows this kind of automatism?

I use TMB. and I do my bills as described.