Opening Thai Bank Account

[Nam Kao]

Can I open a Thai bank account and use a personal check from my US bank

account to transfer over funds? Will they basically cash a US personal check?

I do not mind waiting for the check to clear etc.

Also I found Citibank in Thailand. Is this a good bank?

http://www.citibank.co.th/

Does someone know a location near Sukhimvit BKK?

Thanks for any help

Appreciate

Nam

[ThaiFarang]

Can I open a Thai bank account and use a personal check from my US bank

account to transfer over funds?  Will they basically cash a US personal check?

I do not mind waiting for the check to clear etc.

Also I found Citibank in Thailand. Is this a good bank?

http://www.citibank.co.th/

Does someone know a location near Sukhimvit BKK?

Thanks for any help

Appreciate

Nam

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

NO, Cash or foreign telegraphic transfer. (Bank wire)

City bank is a good bank also bank of Asia.

NO, but you can search Google for a location.

[Pablo H]

Bangkok Bank is pretty good and have branches nationwide.

When I opened an account I had to produce my work permit and 1 year non-b visa. Not sure if this applies with all banks.

[udon]

I have a/cs with Bangkok Bank (Emporium)and Kasikorn Bank (soi 33) all they wanted was my passport.(and some money)!

It appears to be rafferty's rules as to what ID they want, location of the bank is the rule

This is a strong Farang area.

Kasikorn have a good internet banking system.

[fisherd3]

I guess it depends on what kind of account you need I opened a savings account with ATM card in 10 mins in Bangkok Bank Pattaya with Passport and 2000bht and have transferred money from England via wire from my bank there cost GBP20 I believe it is about US$20 from U.S.

[lopburi3]

Can I open a Thai bank account and use a personal check from my US bank

account to transfer over funds?  Will they basically cash a US personal check?

I do not mind waiting for the check to clear etc.

Also I found Citibank in Thailand. Is this a good bank?

http://www.citibank.co.th/

Does someone know a location near Sukhimvit BKK?

Thanks for any help

Appreciate

Nam

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You are not likely to find a bank willing to open an account without cash. It is usually only about 500 baht required to open. But most will want to see a long term visa in your passport. And Citibank probably has higher deposit requirements. None will want to cash a personal check but as a favor, and with a high service charge, will accept it for you; but credit will likely take a month or two.

If account is just for tourist reasons an atm/debit card on US bank is often a better alternative - but check electronic transfer agreement for exchange rate information, should be within 1% of interbank rate if want to use often.

If account is for immigration proof of foreign income it is best to arrange SWIFT wire transfers as they are most used to this and it gives a good trail to support your visa extensions.

[astral]

I found Bangkok to be very bad for service.

Appallingly long queues for anything that needed counter service,

and not much better at the ATM.

I move to Krung Thai Bank (KTB) and thoroughly recommend them.

Cheques are still not widely used in Thailand and can take a long time to clear.

[Nam Kao]

Thanks for all your replies!

Appreciate

Nam