Recommend A Thai Bank Anyone?

[mangoman007]

I have about two million baht that I want to deposit and have access to.

No work permit. Need it in the "early Sukhumvit" or Ploenchit/Wireless area. Just want a savings account, ATM card and online account access. Checking account features would be nice. Anyone have any suggestions for a bank that meets these two key criteria:

1) I can open without a work permit

2) Has online account access?

Thanks!

[jumnien]

I'm very partial to Siam Commercial Bank. I've always found them most helpful. I have an account with no work permit and the online banking is a breeze. I even married one of the Siam Commercial Bank tellers in Hua Hin 4 years ago and I've been most satisfied! SCB is the greatest!

By comparison, I had an account at Thai Farmers Bank for 5 years and didn't even get a date!

[lanny]

I have dealt with Siam Commercial Bank's Ploenchit Branch for about 7 years, now. This branch is located in Maneeya Center -- behind the Haagen-Daz and Watson stores near Rachadamri.

However, without a work permit, I think you will not get all the features you want. My understanding is that Bank of Thailand regulations require work permits for anyone who signs checks on a bank account and for online access. Once you have these features, you do not need to continue the work permit but the WP is required to set them up.

[Amethyst]

Ive opened up almost all the banks .. But the best is Kasikorn Bank . They offer Webcard and Internet Banking for Bills payment thru online and money transfers

[DaveBKK]

Lately it's a bit more difficult to open an account (especially to get online banking) without a Non-B visa and work permit. Each branch is different though, so if you try one particular bank branch and get a no, worth trying another. Usually more westerners I know banks at either Kasikorn, Bangkok Bank or Siam Commercial.

[Furbie]

Ive opened up almost all the banks .. But the best is Kasikorn Bank . They offer Webcard and Internet Banking for Bills payment thru online and money transfers

I have used several banks in Thailand as well. I prefer K-Bank – though I have heard many good things about Siam Commercial Bank.

However, the only bank I ever opened an account at without a work permit is Bangkok Bank. One thing to remember, just because one branch says no, don't give up, the next branch may say yes. Remember to bring your passport.

Also, do look into using 3-6 months CDs for some of that money, as interest savings rates are a joke and CDs should be liquid enough for most purposes.