Opening Thai bank account using an agent.

[DrJoy]

20 hours ago, kickstart said:

SCB

They shut their internet banking down many moons ago

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, Mike Lister said:

Paying for this sort of things just legitimises that it's OK for bank staff to act in this way and endorses that we all think it's OK for them to monetise us. I don't.

 

I completely agree...    There's no need for an agent unless that is the last resort (same with Visa's & Driving licences).

 

1 hour ago, Mike Lister said:

The other point I find mildly irritating about this is that the OP has gone straight to an agent, without even trying the branches that have been recommended or the solutions suggested. In his mind, an agent is the defacto solution, which it isn't and can't possibly be.

 

Also agree, some guys in the Jomtien area may have had recent success in opening an account themselves - which would prove good advice for the Op if they can name a branch which is more accomodating.

 

 

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, Seppius said:

In Pattaya only use this agent, 100% you will pay the going rate

 

maneerat tour and trave, soi post office

 

so whats the 'going-rate'...  you haven't even legitimised your post with such information. 

[Finspin]

Thank you everyone who contributed to this thread.

I’ve decided to open the account myself, I have a good idea of what a bank needs

if it proves to be a nightmare, then I’ll engage the services of an agent.

Again thank you for all the advice.

[KhunHeineken]

46 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

There's no need for an agent unless that is the last resort (same with Visa's & Driving licences).

I am speaking in general now, not just for a bank account, but for how long should one get f*cked around for before an agent is "the last resort?" 

 

Just how many "can not" and "need one more photo copy" and "need to do this paper" and "need doctor certificate" and "need Certificate of Residence" and "need TM30" and "line full come back tomorrow" etc etc, then,  there's the waiting in queues, multiple times, sometime in the hot sun and / or on your feet, not great for the elderly, and then there's the transportation to get around for all of this. Many rely on public transport, which comes at a cost.  It's all designed to push foreigners onto agents.

 

I defy any member to state they have never been frustrated, to the point they thought authorities were doing it on purpose.  

 

I don't condone corruption, but sometimes, for one's mental and physical health, and for simply getting the job done, and occasionally even saving some money, pay an agent. 

 

 

 

Edited June 14 by KhunHeineken

[KhunHeineken]

9 minutes ago, Finspin said:

Thank you everyone who contributed to this thread.

I’ve decided to open the account myself, I have a good idea of what a bank needs

if it proves to be a nightmare, then I’ll engage the services of an agent.

Again thank you for all the advice.

Nothing wrong with that, but I just asked the question to another member, but for the consideration of the general forum, just how much are you prepared to tolerate before seeking out the services of an agent? 

 

It's different for everyone, but just how many knock backs, return trips, paperwork etc will you tolerate before you actually wished you went to an agent in the first place?  

[Lorry]

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

I am speaking in general now, not just for a bank account, but for how long should one get f*cked around for before an agent is "the last resort?" 

 

Just how many "can not" and "need one more photo copy" and "need to do this paper" and "need doctor certificate" and "need Certificate of Residence" and "need TM30" and "line full come back tomorrow" etc etc, then,  there's the waiting in queues, multiple times, sometime in the hot sun and / or on your feet, not great for the elderly, and then there's the transportation to get around for all of this. Many rely on public transport, which comes at a cost.  It's all designed to push foreigners onto agents.

 

I defy any member to state they have never been frustrated, to the point they thought authorities were doing it on purpose.  

 

I don't condone corruption, but sometimes, for one's mental and physical health, and for simply getting the job done, and occasionally even saving some money, pay an agent. 

 

 

 

Thats all true.

 

 Unfortunately,  the only time I wanted to use an agent,  the 2 possible agents gave me the runaround,  and in the end both couldn't do it.

It was much easier to do it myself.

So I learned: an agent is no guarantee for less headache.

(Extension of DL)

 

And one more thing: visa extensions by agent are problematic because you have an extension in your passport which isn't from the place you live. You might as well put a red stamp next to it: "illegal".

The agent is not going to tell you this.

(It's usually no problem)

 

With a bank account,  you can only hope that there are no similar pitfalls.

 

[Seppius]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

so whats the 'going-rate'...  you haven't even legitimised your post with such information. 

 

I have not a clue what the going rate is, opened my accounts about 20 years ago, my point was, that agency is known for their honesty, by not trying to rip anyone off, they are fast with good English-speaking staff

 

Anyway I was replying to the OP who asked, not you, but if you too are looking to open a bank account via an agent, I recommend Maneerat on soi post office

[KhunHeineken]

11 hours ago, Lorry said:

Thats all true.

 

 Unfortunately,  the only time I wanted to use an agent,  the 2 possible agents gave me the runaround,  and in the end both couldn't do it.

It was much easier to do it myself.

So I learned: an agent is no guarantee for less headache.

(Extension of DL)

 

And one more thing: visa extensions by agent are problematic because you have an extension in your passport which isn't from the place you live. You might as well put a red stamp next to it: "illegal".

The agent is not going to tell you this.

(It's usually no problem)

 

With a bank account,  you can only hope that there are no similar pitfalls.

 

I'm in Pattaya.  There is a "agency" on every corner here.  The agent I use is very professional.  I can't complain with their service or price.  I use them for everything because I don't like dealing with any Thai authorities, and I don't need the grief.  I've never had a problem with immigration or the land transport office using an agent.  Happy to pay the agent, and will continue to do so. 

[ianguygil]

On 6/14/2024 at 4:54 PM, Mike Lister said:

The op may wish to discuss this matter with @ianguygil who works in a senior capacity at Bangkok Bank. Ian has been instrumental in helping forum members with account issues at the bank, for many years. You might want to ask Ian how much the bank charges for assisted account opening!

Thanks , Mike.. He can contact me via PM and I can have somebody contact him and assist him at a branch which is convenient once he arrives. And we appreciate the interest in Bangkok Bank

Edited June 19 by ianguygil

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/19/2024 at 7:56 AM, ianguygil said:

Thanks , Mike.. He can contact me via PM and I can have somebody contact him and assist him at a branch which is convenient once he arrives. And we appreciate the interest in Bangkok Bank

Why would anyone need to contact you about such an issue?

 

Can you explain why the OP can't just walk into a bank and do it himself?  What is bank's policy?

 

We all know there is no retirement visa without 800k baht, and there's no 800k baht without a bank account. 

 

I would be interested why this is happening.  Is it because of corruption? 

[Rob L]

On 6/19/2024 at 5:56 PM, ianguygil said:

Thanks , Mike.. He can contact me via PM and I can have somebody contact him and assist him at a branch which is convenient once he arrives. And we appreciate the interest in Bangkok Bank

I am wondering if you would not mind helping me with my Bangkok bank new account opening issue

I have been traveling to Thailand often. Lately I have been researching to buy a condo in Thailand as my holiday home. Hopefully, I can use it for my retirement very soon.

Then it come with the problem of opening a Thai bank account for transaction. I emailed Bangkok bank,  received some infors.

I plan to visit Bangkok bank in Bangkok next time when I arrived Thailand with document I got.

however, every one seems telling me it is impossible cause I will be on tourist visa.

 

[ianguygil]

Please all note that I do not read the posts her regularly and that if you do need my help you should send me a PM

[Finspin]

Been in Pattaya now for a month. Would like to say publicly a big thank you to ianguygil for his help and advice.

I had all the required paper work that the bank required. Barring one small issue relating to accident insurance which I declined. I now have the required account and funds relating to my retirement visa are in place.

[brianthainess]

On 6/13/2024 at 4:53 PM, Mike Lister said:

If you do have problems, there is a forum member who is senior in Bangkok Bank and will no doubt be able to assist

Yes one call from him and they go into meltdown.

[brianthainess]

On 6/14/2024 at 7:57 AM, gamb00ler said:

Perhaps take some supporting printout or picture from Thai Immigration showing the financial requirements for getting a retirement extension.  Try to include the Immigration logo in a picture.  I know CM Immigration has posters on the wall showing the requirements... take along a picture of the appropriate poster.

The problem is they want a Letter of Residence from immigration, but some BKBs will waive that, if you buy their accident insurance about 6k. go figure...

[brianthainess]

On 6/14/2024 at 1:27 AM, Lorry said:

On 6/14/2024 at 12:56 AM, kickstart said:

do banks take brown envelops?

This would never happen in Thailand

Yes how else would they be able to get a Bank letter, for you with no money in an account, they are all on the take, Immigration Officers, one particular bank very close to Jomtian immigration , and of course the Agents.

[brianthainess]

On 6/14/2024 at 7:50 AM, gamb00ler said:

Oh my gosh... these hallucinations are getting so real!

Agree All Banks have on-line Banking. 

[brianthainess]

On 6/14/2024 at 1:54 PM, Finspin said:

Thailand banks I’m sure have charges, service fees etc

You mean Bribes. Well only THAT bank.

[brianthainess]

On 6/14/2024 at 7:55 AM, Upnotover said:

Of course they do.

But IMO only one bank does.

[ianguygil]

23 hours ago, Finspin said:

Been in Pattaya now for a month. Would like to say publicly a big thank you to ianguygil for his help and advice.

I had all the required paper work that the bank required. Barring one small issue relating to accident insurance which I declined. I now have the required account and funds relating to my retirement visa are in place.

My pleasure. Glad we could help and thank you for your business and your interest in Bangkok Bank. It is never easy to open up bank accounts in any country when you first arrive and sometimes the language issues cause confusion. I do hope that you enjoy your retirement in this wonderful country. You were very polite and very easy to deal with. 

[Captain Flack]

There are a number of reported posts in this topic, for which no action has been taken, as they do not break forum rules and are just opinions.

 

Reminder 12.You will not misuse the report button.

Example: sending multiple reports regarding the same issue.

You will not use the report button in an attempt to score points against other members.

[OJAS]

On 9/1/2024 at 12:43 PM, brianthainess said:

Agree All Banks have on-line Banking. 

 

Except SCB and KTB.

 

[billd766]

On 6/22/2024 at 12:36 AM, KhunHeineken said:

Why would anyone need to contact you about such an issue?

 

Can you explain why the OP can't just walk into a bank and do it himself?  What is bank's policy?

 

We all know there is no retirement visa without 800k baht, and there's no 800k baht without a bank account. 

 

I would be interested why this is happening.  Is it because of corruption? 

Yes there is a retirement extension without 800k thb in the bank.

 

You can transfer a minimum of 65k per month (beware of the forex rates) into your bank account and get an extension.

 

You also need to prove that the funds came in from offshore, easy enough using Wise and Bangkok Bank.

[NativeBob]

44 minutes ago, OJAS said:

 

Except SCB and KTB.

 

Yes, SCB had a flaw in their online banking. Big fuzz and court cases as I reckon. 

[impulse]

I really appreciate the OP taking the time to come back and post his experience.  It's really helpful to hear a current update, especially in light of so many conflicting posts, and on a topic as important as banking.

 

Also, kudos to ianguygil for his help.

 

[Travis179]

On 6/14/2024 at 8:46 PM, Seppius said:

In Pattaya only use this agent, 100% you will pay the going rate

 

 

maneerat tour and trave, soi post office

I can confirm, I use them. They're great, friendly staff, reasonable fees, they handle everything from soup to nuts. Processed my retirement visa, re-entry permits, and opened BKK Bank account. Just went there for my 90-day report. Paid 100 baht, in & out in 5 minutes. Easy peasy.

[KhunHeineken]

On 9/2/2024 at 7:33 AM, billd766 said:

Yes there is a retirement extension without 800k thb in the bank.

 

You can transfer a minimum of 65k per month (beware of the forex rates) into your bank account and get an extension.

 

You also need to prove that the funds came in from offshore, easy enough using Wise and Bangkok Bank.

Catch 22. 

 

Can't open and transfer 800k or 65k a month into a Thai bank account without a retirement visa, and can't get a retirement visa without a bank account with 800k or 65k a month, agents aside. 

 

Do you see the issue? 

[KhunHeineken]

On 9/2/2024 at 8:02 AM, Travis179 said:

I can confirm, I use them. They're great, friendly staff, reasonable fees, they handle everything from soup to nuts. Processed my retirement visa, re-entry permits, and opened BKK Bank account. Just went there for my 90-day report. Paid 100 baht, in & out in 5 minutes. Easy peasy.

Many feel that using an agent is a waste of money.  They soon find out the hard way after being f*cked around by Thai authorities. 

 

Add up all the time waiting, travel back and forth, photocopies, frustration etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc, or you can pay an agent and go back to their office tomorrow and pick up your passport and the job's done.  

 

I laugh at those who say their extension only costs 1900 baht.  I ask them, "And how much does lost interest on 800k baht in a Thai bank that pays next to nothing cost you a year?" 

 

The 800k baht left in my home country, earning over 5%, more than covers the agent's fees, and it's safe, in a country where I have rights.   

[wmlc]

Just came across this. Seems to cover all the bases if you are a tourist and want to try to open the account by yourself or with an agent. 

 

 

Edited September 21 by wmlc