Could have put this in banking but it is Australian ID driven. Went into Kasikorn to open an account in my name only, had a joint account with them for over 15 years. The assistant manager had to send all my ID documents (including required Australian government ID) to head office via the net.

Passport

yellow book

Thai drivers license

DVA card

Retired military ID card

Head office rejected all this as my Aus id's had first name, last name and middle initial. ID's had to be exact same as passport. They would accept an Australian driver license.

Went back and dealt with the manager, gave him all the docs from the first visit along with the following

Original birth certificate

Statements from ANZ savings account and credit card account, with my full registered name

Original non b visa from 2006 and all the transfers through the next three passports.

My expired Aus driver license.

He was not interested in anything except the license. Told him I have lived here twenty years, why would I have a current overseas license. He sent a text to head office explaining.

Here is the clanger- since March 01, an Aussie to open an account here, must have a current Aus drivers license, no exceptions.

The manager told me to try and open an account with another bank

24 minutes ago, Mister T said:

an Aussie to open an account here, must have a current Aus drivers license, no exceptions.

That's mental (obvs)....what if you don't drive?.....no bank account....no visa extension!!!!

Interesting ,mate. Have just returned from Australia where I used an expired NSW license as proof of who I was at a pharmacy to buy psuedoephedrine tablets. I cannot keep the license current as being over 75 cannot do the health/eye tests in a short visit.

I bank with Kasikorn but they are getting ridiculous with their rules so intend to use my Krungsri account for the next visa extension after the stamp (marriage) is done on Friday.

Pure insane madness.

How many expats living in Thailand continuously for 10+ years have current valid home government-issued photo ID? Close to zero I imagine.

My bank here asked for a home government-issued letter with my full name and address back home. Luckily I had a recent Australian tax refund electronic letter from the Australian Tax Office with my full name and address, as well as Australian Tax File Number, on my phone. "I need a paper copy not an electronic copy." was the response. Went to a photocopy shop, printed out the letter, back to bank. Letter rejected!!! Why? My name title in the letter (and for the Thai bank account) had the title "Dr", the passport had no title!!!

FFS

Is there any hope here?

On 3/9/2026 at 8:59 AM, MIke B Bad said:

what if you don't drive?

https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/proof-of-identity/photo-cards