Open bank account in Thailand from overseas ?

[ExpatO]

Hello,

 

Is it possible to open an account in Thailand from overseas without coming to Thailand ?

I was using KTB but they removed online banking and the account is stuck unless I go to Thailand to activate the app at the branch.

I need an account to send money to my thai son.

 

Thanks

[StayinThailand2much]

No, you can't. You have to do it in person. Can't your son or his mother open an account?

[couchpotato]

Western Union is reliable, in lieu of an account.

https://www.westernunion.com/de/en/send-money-to-thailand.html

[Jaxxper]

I believe you have to do it in person. I think that’s the regulations from all Thai banks. (In fact it’s apparently getting more onerous to open one even in person. Many banks are asking for a work permit or at least long term visa/ extensions so I understand). As an option could you send directly to him or his guardian ? Just a thought .

[Krungbin]

Plse pm me

[Aliflair]

Or try Wise, a lot of people on this forum seem to use them myself included. https://wise.com/

[ujayujay]

No!

[CecilM]

Not possible.

Just transfer directly to son/wife. 

[Red Forever]

15 hours ago, couchpotato said:

Western Union is reliable, in lieu of an account.

https://www.westernunion.com/de/en/send-money-to-thailand.html

Western Union is too expensive. My friend asked to send £1k to Thailand. He was quoted £28 senders fee. He asked what rate it would be converted to and was told £1=39.5 baht. The mid rate on the day was £1=44.8 baht.

So W. U. would cost £81 to send £1k.

Wise cost £10.39 with a rate of £1=44.8 baht. 

No contest. 

[Gottfrid]

How can you son get the money if you transfer to an account in your name? You son should open an account in his name, or the mother have an account to receive the money.

[Moonlover]

15 hours ago, couchpotato said:

Western Union is reliable, in lieu of an account.

https://www.westernunion.com/de/en/send-money-to-thailand.html

Or have son open a bank account in Thailand and send him the money via Wise. simple.

 

https://wise.com

[metisdead]

Some troll posts in violation of our Community Standards and the replies have been removed.

[MrJ2U]

16 hours ago, couchpotato said:

Western Union is reliable, in lieu of an account.

https://www.westernunion.com/de/en/send-money-to-thailand.html

In my opinion, Western Union is probably the most expensive way to send money overseas.

 

[brianthainess]

What age is your son? is he not old enough to say use an ATM? just asking.

[rwill]

You could open an account in your country with a debit card.  Mail the debit card to him to withdraw money from an ATM.  Don't activate the card until you know he has received it.  If you can find a bank that refunds fees even better.  Make sure he does not accept the exchange rate the ATM will offer.  That is far more expensive than any fees.

[Paris333]

I went myself to open a bank account because I stayed in the Kingdom of Thailand for 2 years and the bankers asked me for a work card. I had a problem because my work was undeclared so I went to Malaysia and I opened bank account where the company I worked for send monthly my money. The problem is not that I didnt want to pay taxes in Thailand but I didnt want to pay for pansions and insurances because I am healthy and all these things is like a bubble bull sh.... in ears of westerners. This is an anachronistic bureaucracy in Thailand. I wish you every success in your effort to approach your family in Thailand.

Edited September 19, 2023 by Paris333