Opening A Bank Account In Koh Phangan (or Samui)

[Briggsy]

I had a search but couldn't find anything.

Which bank in Phangan (or Samui) is best for opening an account with only a tourist visa?

This is for friends of mine who are there every year.

Thank you.

[Lite Beer]

Technically all the Banks but they may find Kasikorn and SCB a bit more sympathetic.

[sbk]

If your friends live in Phangan and are close with any local Thai families they might consider the Siam City bank near the Post Office in Thong Sala. Most of the people working there are local and if a local person were to bring them in as friends it might go easier.

I was under the impression that some bank personnel believed you need a non-O to open a bank account, while others didn't care. So, at most banks it could just be luck of the draw.

[Briggsy]

I was under the impression that some bank personnel believed you need a non-O to open a bank account, while others didn't care. So, at most banks it could just be luck of the draw.

Yes, my impression too.

The policy of the branch usually follows the instant decision (whim) of the manager and that then becomes a precedent and then a fixed policy. I wondered if anyone had any experience.

And my friends said, yes, Siam City was initially promising.

Thanks.

[limbos]

On Samui, Ayudhaya was no problem a while ago for a friend of mine, no visa was required to show at all. This may vary from branch to branch though.

[mssabai]

I have a KTB and an Ayuddha bank acccount both based in Samui. I wanted to tranfer my KTB to Trang to avoid charges. They won't transfer the accounts, you have to open a new one. I tried to do this and they refused to do it until I had my new work permit, even though I had my non-B AND my Samui bank account with them. I actually lost my cool it was so presposterous. Baa!

[Briggsy]

I have a KTB and an Ayuddha bank acccount both based in Samui. I wanted to tranfer my KTB to Trang to avoid charges. They won't transfer the accounts, you have to open a new one. I tried to do this and they refused to do it until I had my new work permit, even though I had my non-B AND my Samui bank account with them. I actually lost my cool it was so presposterous. Baa!

KTB are the worst. Firstly each branch is a feudal fiefdom and secondly the whole bank is set up as a politician's piggy bank not a commercial enterprise valuing customer service. I will never use them again.

Thanks for the info about BAY on Samui.

[julesandmartin]

Siam Commercial Bank at start junction up to Lakeside and BarIce on Chaweng Beach Road allowed us to open an account on a tourist visa with just a passport and verbal introduction from an existing Farang account holder. They have an excellent internet online account access facility to make transfers and payments all in English, highly recommended.

Edited August 8, 2009 by julesandmartin

[suegha]

On Samui, Ayudhaya was no problem a while ago for a friend of mine, no visa was required to show at all. This may vary from branch to branch though.

I just went into the bank said that I wanted to open an account and there and then they opened it gave me a book and an ATM card, no problems at all.

[mattcodes]

I opened one at Siam Commercial Bank (purple) in Chaweng, basically the first one you come to (north end) past the Amari.

It took about 15 minutes to issue me an ATM card and a deposit book, I believe the fee was 300 baht (not sure how it broke down - if all for the card or not). I deposited 2000 baht. Signed up the SCB online banking (and activated) the very same day and card/online banking has worked flawlessly since. If only things worked so efficiently with UK banks.

I took only my passport, although I did/do have a non-imm B visa. They did not ask for a work permit or thai referral or blue/address book.

Hope that helps.