Need Help To Open Thai Checking Account

[JKaterenchuk]

I travel to Thailand several times a year and stay a month or more at a time.

I want to open a Thai Checking account in baht so that I can have a local atm card and not have to worry about carrying around a lot of cash in US currency or baht.

I am coming into the country with the usual tourist visa stamp.

It would be best if the bank had a branch in Pattaya in which I could open the account.

My initial inquires via email seem to indicate that the bank wants a work permit and passport to open a account.

Is there any way to open a account without a work permit and only a tourist visa? If so which bank and branch?

Thanks

[britmaveric]

No checking account for you.

As for a Savings Account w/debit card - very simple. Run into Kasikorn Bank and you will sorted with just your passport.

[Jingthing]

Agreed. Recently did this at their inner Jomtien branch. They didn't ask or check for any kind of visa.