Opening A New Bank Account In Thailand

[DanDanDan]

I've just been rejected in Kasikorn branch in Southern bus terminal station :-) I need a working permit.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

Edited January 6, 2012 by DanDanDan

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Dan... Dan... Dan.... How could you go so wrong???

By countless member reports here through the years, Kasikorn probably ranks as the easiest of all Thai banks for farang to open new accounts...

You might consider giving another try with Kasikorn at one of their branches in a more touristy/farang part of town.

But you also didn't mention what your stay status in Thailand is, and what kind of account you were turned down for.

[chiang mai]

I have several accounts at various banks in Thailand and I have a long stay visa, last week I decided I wanted to open an account at L & H Bank because it suited my needs, the young chappie at the flower market branch spoke excellent English and was really helpful and I said I would open the account the following week.

When the following week came and I had time to open the account, I stopped by the branch inside Index on the ring road, nobody there spoke English and from the Thai supervisor I learned that L&H didn't cater to farang accounts, rather than argue the toss I went back to the flower market branch.and saw my new best chum! Yes sir, no problem sir, just show me your passport, work permit and house book. The absence of a work permit was difficult for him to understand although I eventually convinced him that an O-A visa was adequate. Ditto the absence of a house book was a problem, where do you live he asks, don't you have a home? Eventually the concept of renting was taken on board but that left a big gap in his requirements - tell you what he said, you go to Immigration and get a certificate of Residency letter and I'll open your account. Tell you what I said, you open the account now and I'll deposit money in your bank but I'm not going to spend a couple of hundred baht on your silly letter, your interest rates are not that great!

Hmm, impasse, I got tired of it all and finally walked out, minus my new account, has anyone else fared any better at L & H, if so at which branch?

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I've never tried with L&H myself...

But usually when Thai banks start talking about tabien bahns (house document for Thais)... what typically ends up sufficing for farangs is some kind of document showing your Thai residence location... The Immigration document the bank guy mentioned is one way to do that... But typically so would be copies of an apartment or condo lease, monthly rental agreement, or even things like home telephone bills or other utility bills, provided they're in your name and show your address on the paperwork.

[chiang mai]

I've never tried with L&H myself...

But usually when Thai banks start talking about tabien bahns (house document for Thais)... what typically ends up sufficing for farangs is some kind of document showing your Thai residence location... The Immigration document the bank guy mentioned is one way to do that... But typically so would be copies of an apartment or condo lease, monthly rental agreement, or even things like home telephone bills or other utility bills, provided they're in your name and show your address on the paperwork.

Yes I agree, I think it's just a case of it being new territory for L&H staff in CM when it comes to opening farang accounts, the chap I described was constantly on the telephone to head office every time I asked him a question - I think I'll let others burn a trail first and then I'll try again in six months or so..

[Onnutrd]

I have opened numerous bank accounts including Bank of Ayudhaya (I asked for 2 accounts, so I got 2 atm cards and 2 bank books), Kasikorn Bank, Krung Thai Bank (great promotion, free insurance with my ATM card) and Bangkok Bank (which is closed, I used it years ago when I studied at Thammasat).

All of it was easy, Kasikorn Bank (centralworld pathumwan) was the easiest. I went in sick with my NZ Passport, House Registration, Thai Driver's License, Car Ownership Registration, University ID Card and business ownership documents. I dont know the exact documents they needed, but I always just take everything (you know how Thai people can be) and they can choose if they want to make their life difficult by photocopy a complete passport full of stamps and the rest. Which, unfortunately, they actually do take copies of every page (so it's good to be well prepared).

The Kasikorn girl did'nt ask anything, she saw my university ID and kept my account open until the end of 2015, she did'nt ask any question (she was sick too from what I saw).

Krung Thai (the mall ngam wong wan) was also very good, the banker (I think he was the manager) could'nt speak a slight bit of English; so I just sat there smiling as if I understood everything. But I understood the account is open also until the end of 2015 and he recommended I get the ATM card which provides free medical and life insurance; I gladly accepted.

Bangkok Bank (Siam Paragon) was terrible, they actually follow the rules and closed my account the day my visa expired. Fortunately, I never used that account anyway; but I certainly made use of the free BTS trips they gave me for choosing the BTS ATM Card. I still have it, and I can still get discounts (up to 10%) for showing it at restaurant cashiers (Despite there's no money in it).

BOA or Bank of Ayudhaya is also good, I use it to make international transfer with their ATM card. My sister gets to keep one of my cards in case she's ever strapped for cash, so she can withdraw on my account. I got 2 ATM cards obviously, which is really useful.

By far the best is Kasikorn Bank. I top up my mobile using my online internet banking, and I can do everything 'banky' that one would expect from the comfort of my home. In addition, I also use it as a credit card to make purchases online. They also have good promotions for movies, typical of a very commercialised bank.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I've never stayed here on an ED (student) visa... But I've never before heard mention of Thai bank accounts having an expiration date on them tied to anyone's visa status... They certainly don't do that for folks on retirement status.

[Bob12345]

I've never stayed here on an ED (student) visa... But I've never before heard mention of Thai bank accounts having an expiration date on them tied to anyone's visa status... They certainly don't do that for folks on retirement status.

Maybe the bank account expires when the retiree expires

[OLDAUSSIE]

I went to Bangkok Bank in Central Shopping mall in Chonburi city today. All I needed was my passport with tourist visa and bingo the account was open in less than 30 minutes a very plesant experiance.

[4evermaat]

Did run into one thing I'd never encountered at any of the other Thai banks before... Once I'd completed all the paperwork and they had signed copies of my documents, they said it would take an hour to "check" to make sure I was OK... I wasn't sure what that meant...and at first I thought it meant check with the bank's home office on policy for opening farang accounts or something like that...

But no... as best as I could get an explanation from the bank staff there today, it seems they were checking my name against some kind of central, apparently government maintained list of "bad" people in the banking world. Couldn't quite get them to tell me what kind of list or who is keeping such a list... But I wasn't on it, so after a brief interlude, the staff person popped back to say everything was fine and I'd been cleared for my new account. Voila.

There is an international list of people who committed fraud with or inside a bank. Normally you first have to sign papers before they can check your name against this list. But maybe this is a local list or something.

(i have worked in the investment industry and there it is normal to screen every employee before letting them work for you)

I find this interesting. Wouldn't people that scam banks use fake credentials anyway?

Yes I agree, I think it's just a case of it being new territory for L&H staff in CM when it comes to opening farang accounts, the chap I described was constantly on the telephone to head office every time I asked him a question - I think I'll let others burn a trail first and then I'll try again in six months or so..

At least they were honest. The representative looked genuinely interested in opening the account and getting honest answers for proper workarounds as opposed to the typical "cannot" response from a lazy representative who just didn't want to look up correct answer (save face or whatever).

[4evermaat]

........................

All of it was easy, Kasikorn Bank (centralworld pathumwan) was the easiest. I went in sick with my NZ Passport, House Registration, Thai Driver's License, Car Ownership Registration, University ID Card and business ownership documents. I dont know the exact documents they needed, but I always just take everything (you know how Thai people can be) and they can choose if they want to make their life difficult by photocopy a complete passport full of stamps and the rest. Which, unfortunately, they actually do take copies of every page (so it's good to be well prepared).

The Kasikorn girl did'nt ask anything, she saw my university ID and kept my account open until the end of 2015, she did'nt ask any question (she was sick too from what I saw).

Krung Thai (the mall ngam wong wan) was also very good, the banker (I think he was the manager) could'nt speak a slight bit of English; so I just sat there smiling as if I understood everything. But I understood the account is open also until the end of 2015 and he recommended I get the ATM card which provides free medical and life insurance; I gladly accepted.

Bangkok Bank (Siam Paragon) was terrible, they actually follow the rules and closed my account the day my visa expired. Fortunately, I never used that account anyway; but I certainly made use of the free BTS trips they gave me for choosing the BTS ATM Card. I still have it, and I can still get discounts (up to 10%) for showing it at restaurant cashiers (Despite there's no money in it)........

Why would anyone need to make copies of the entire passport? The page showing your name, photo, signature, visa and permission to stay stamps should be all that is needed. I think for me, it was only 2 pages: double side showing name/photo/signature and visa page.

I've never stayed here on an ED (student) visa... But I've never before heard mention of Thai bank accounts having an expiration date on them tied to anyone's visa status... They certainly don't do that for folks on retirement status.

I am curious about this expiration date on the savings account itself. How is that possible? I was never told about an expiration date when I opened account.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I've never heard of any Thai bank account having an expiration date...

Thai ATM bank cards, like others, typically have some expiration date, and then are re-issued periodically... But not the account itself.

The only exception I can imagine might be for student visas...ED... I've never heard of such a policy... But I've never opened a Thai bank account on an ED visa either.

Edited February 1, 2012 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[Bob12345]

There is an international list of people who committed fraud with or inside a bank. Normally you first have to sign papers before they can check your name against this list. But maybe this is a local list or something.

(i have worked in the investment industry and there it is normal to screen every employee before letting them work for you)

I find this interesting. Wouldn't people that scam banks use fake credentials anyway?

Well, they do not suspect someone of scamming and ask them for their name to add to the list.

When you get arrested/charged the police will find out who you are, and then you will be added to the list.

Most of the fraud is also committed from the inside, and hopefully the employer knows the details of their employees.

[CNX66]

I am just a tourist who travels for business and pleasure about 2 times a year to Thailand. Because my wife (no Thai) and I are planning to rent a condo in Chiang Mai I wanted a bankaccount. I walked in the nearest (to my hotel) SCB (not in tourist but shaven and clean with new sneakers, jeans and poloshirt) and within 20 minutes they opened a bankaccount for me for 1000 THB (about 300 THB costs for account/card and 700 THB at the account). I only provided my passport and an temporarely address (my hotel). The people in the agency were very kind and polite. After 30 minutes, from entering the bank, I was in my hotelroom on the internetaccount.

When the employees ask for a deposit or they ask for VISA, proof of rental/buy housecontract or workpermit not a way to say no to customers they don not want or trust

Edited February 17, 2012 by CNX66

[rod2011]

In April I walked into Kasikorn bank at Central Festival in Pattaya. 30 minutes later I walked out with my new account passbook, Visa debit / ATM card (with my photo on it), online banking access and details so that I can make international transfers.

They wanted to see my passport (60 day tourist visa in it) and a business card with my hotel details on it and a thai mobile phone number. If you make online transactions they send a code to your Thai phone to complete.

Very easy, very happy and they wanted me as a customer.

[jaysg]

Seems like Kasikorn Bank is the most farang friendly.

Why is Bangkok Bank full of red tapes and hated by majority of thais? linked to the yellow faction?

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Kasikorn has a reputation as being one of the easier Thai banks for farangs to open an account with.

And by its own policy posted on its website, Bangkok Bank is supposed to be just as easy, provided you have normal ID documents...

But it's once you've got the account open with BKK Bank, that some people, myself included, find them to be excessively bureaucratic and uncooperative even for the simplest of kinds of banking business.

Want to just change your email address or mobile phone number associated with your account with them, you can't do it online through their internet banking, even though that's password protected, of course. Better be prepared to go trekking into your branch in person and fill out paper forms as well as bringing along you passport and bank book every time. Just one example among many.

If I can log onto internet banking with BKK Bank using my proper ID and password and transfer all the funds out of my account, then why the heck can't I change the email address on my account in the same way??? And they don't even use your email address for account log-in purposes, or for confirming account actions like new transfer recipients. For the latter they send SMSs to your mobile phone.

Edited February 19, 2012 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[jaysg]

Thank you John.

Kasikorn is the way to go.

[gag1974]

I am from pakistan and It is my first trip to BKK on tourist visa. Just wanted to open bank account but after measuring roads and visit all the banks, I could not help to open a bank account. At last, i met a restaurant owner and he as gaurenter opened my pass book saving account K-bank. I have given 5000thb on his demand. After that I read this thread and angry with myself.

Anyhow, now i want to open another account. Is there anyone who suggest me;

1- in which bank i open account

2-What I should say to bank staff.

3- Any other suggestion.

Thanks

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Are you saying you paid the restaurant guy 5000 baht to help you open the bank account?

Re bank recommendations, what city/cities are you staying in?

Edited February 27, 2012 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[gag1974]

Are you saying you paid the restaurant guy 5000 baht to help you open the bank account?

Re bank recommendations, what city/cities are you staying in?

Yes! I have paid him. Living near selom in Bangkok.

What you suggest for opening another account?

Remember!

I have only Posport with tourist visa, K-bank passbook and yes! also have cell number. just buy it

Edited February 27, 2012 by gag1974

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

With some kind of regular photo ID like a driver's license or govt. ID card and your passport, you ought to be able to open a regular savings account at BKK Bank, even while here on tourist visa status. BKK Bank's main headquarters is located on Silom Road just down from the Saladaeng BTS station.

Here's their website re their rules for opening bank accounts for foreigners. They specifically list what you'll need to show them. A savings account should be no problem, though getting online banking with them on a tourist visa might be more problematic. Try...

http://www.bangkokba...t%20new.aspx#11

Note: re BKK Bank's requirements for those on tourist visas... they only require passport and ONE other form of accepted document. They have a long list of different kinds they will accept... but you don't need all of those... Just ONE in the second category.

Standard Chartered also has their headquarters not far from Silom, and you might try there as well if BKK doesn't suit you. They have far fewer branches, but their debit card can be used for free at other Thai banks' ATMs.

In either case, bring along your K Bank passbook when you go, since showing them an existing account with a different Thai bank never hurts.

Edited February 27, 2012 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[Ducnguyen]

Hi guys,

I have my passport, work permit, employment contract and whatever documents a bank may require. I have already had a bank account with SCB but they are not friendly with farangs at all. Can anyone suggest a bank which is easy to use and friendly for farangs. Thanks

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Hi guys,

I have my passport, work permit, employment contract and whatever documents a bank may require. I have already had a bank account with SCB but they are not friendly with farangs at all. Can anyone suggest a bank which is easy to use and friendly for farangs. Thanks

With a work permit, you ought to be able to open an account with any Thai bank that you desire...

Whether any particular bank is "farang friendly" IMO, has a lot to do with whether they have English speaking staff available at the specific branch branches where you will be banking.

It also depends on how you plan to use your Thai bank account, what you want your Thai bank to do for you, etc etc... If you wanna post with what are your priorities for a Thai banking relationship, perhaps folks can advise further.

But communication between the customer and the bank is often either the key to a good relationship or the cause for a bad one filled with frustration and misunderstandings.

BTW, in my experience, SCB can be a difficult bank for farangs without a work permit to open new accounts with. But, once you have an SCB account and are their customer, I've had generally good experiences with them...and MUCH better than BKK Bank.

SCB also has a decent online banking setup and bill paying setup... I've also found their English language call center staff, generally speaking in my experience, to be more helpful, better informed and providing of more accurate info than their phone center counterparts at BKK Bank.

Edited February 28, 2012 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[theoldgit]

Can anyone suggest a bank which is easy to use and friendly for farangs. Thanks

Kasikorn certainly seem to be consistently the most "farang friendly" but even then I suspect it can vary from branch to branch and even from bank official to bank official.

I have been with them for years, very good service.

[PattayaParent]

In either case, bring along your K Bank passbook when you go, since showing them an existing account with a different Thai bank never hurts.

Having an existing account with the same bank never helps, they still ask for a work permit!!

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

In either case, bring along your K Bank passbook when you go, since showing them an existing account with a different Thai bank never hurts.

Having an existing account with the same bank never helps, they still ask for a work permit!!

PP, the prior poster was asking about opening a new account with some second Thai bank, beyond the K Bank account he already has.... So yes, in that kind of situation, bringing along the bank book for your already opened account at a different bank never hurts...

But more to the point, while many Thai banks often ask farangs for work permits as the opening point of any discussion about opening a new bank account, it's certainly possible for farang to open regular Thai bank accounts without holding any work permit.

People here do it all the time... although admittedly, it sometimes takes some persistence and insistence in dealing with local Thai bank staff.

Edited February 28, 2012 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[sparebox2]

I am from pakistan and It is my first trip to BKK on tourist visa. Just wanted to open bank account but after measuring roads and visit all the banks, I could not help to open a bank account. At last, i met a restaurant owner and he as gaurenter opened my pass book saving account K-bank. I have given 5000thb on his demand. After that I read this thread and angry with myself.

Anyhow, now i want to open another account. Is there anyone who suggest me;

1- in which bank i open account

2-What I should say to bank staff.

3- Any other suggestion.

Thanks

I think if you are from USA, UK, and you are white, it should go smooth as silk.

I'm sorry to say, if you are black, from Africa, or Pakistan, or worst, from Iran or Afgan, it would not be easy.

I don't want to be racist, but in real life in Bangkok, things won't be easy for you.

In general, many Thai people consider white people king, and black people slave.

It is in their mind set and education.

I hope I do not offend anyone by stating the truth about how Thai people view Farangs.

[PattayaParent]

In either case, bring along your K Bank passbook when you go, since showing them an existing account with a different Thai bank never hurts.

Having an existing account with the same bank never helps, they still ask for a work permit!!

PP, the prior poster was asking about opening a new account with some second Thai bank, beyond the K Bank account he already has.... So yes, in that kind of situation, bringing along the bank book for your already opened account at a different bank never hurts...

But more to the point, while many Thai banks often ask farangs for work permits as the opening point of any discussion about opening a new bank account, it's certainly possible for farang to open regular Thai bank accounts without holding any work permit.

People here do it all the time... although admittedly, it sometimes takes some persistence and insistence in dealing with local Thai bank staff.

Yes I know that.

But if the bank you already have an account with takes no consideration that you already have an account and insists that you present ALL the paperwork again (been there, done that, just last week) then why would any other bank take any notice of a pass book from a different bank?

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Thai banks tend to be paperwork crazed... That's certainly true.

As for using an existing bank passbook to help persuade a second bank to open a new account for you, all I can say is, I've done that and it's helped.

The theory isn't hard to figure out. If you're running into a hesitant or recalcitrant bank staff who doesn't want to open an account for you (one that you're entitled to under the bank's own rules), then showing them that ANOTHER BANK/A COMPETITOR BANK has already given you an account can be persuasive.

But as with almost everything with Thai banking for farangs, YMMV.