Bank Of Thailand

[punisher]

Hi,i tried to open a bank account today at 3 different banks,hmm but could not open it because i dont have a workpermit,after asking why i need a workpermit they said its the rule by Bank of Thailand"foreigner without WP cant open a bank account in Thailand"hmm now i just wonder if u like to extend ur NON O VISA for example the immigrations wants u to show a bank book what shows how much money u have or much u get every month from oversea[pension,etc.]if not u cannot get a visa extension,hmm sounds all very funny to me!!!!

[Rinrada]

You must have picked the only 3 banks/branches in the country that dont......(some dont actually.....Secon Sq... but...other reasons)

If in Bangkok go the the big Bangkok Bank on Suk Road (opposite the Ambassadors Hotel)walk up stairs...1st floor,turn right and speak to the lady there.

Not only will they open you a bank a/c (savings..NO check book)but will give you a be first card /electron card in about 10 minutes..even as a tourist...(unless they have changed the rules in the last 6 weeks)

Take the usual stuff...PP-Money.....

[mike_l]

You must have picked the only 3 banks/branches in the country that dont......(some dont actually.....Secon Sq... but...other reasons)

If in Bangkok go the the big Bangkok Bank on Suk Road (opposite the Ambassadors Hotel)walk up stairs...1st floor,turn right and speak to the lady there.

Not only will they open you a bank a/c (savings..NO check book)but will give you a be first card /electron card in about 10 minutes..even as a tourist...(unless they have changed the rules in the last 6 weeks)

Take the usual stuff...PP-Money.....

I did this about 2 weeks ago (with a non-b visa but no work permit), and it's exactly as you describe. About 10 minutes from walking in the door to walking out with account opened and ATM card and passbook in hand. Couldn't be easier

[sierra01]

Shop around, each branch of each bank is a little empire, they make the rules up as they go along. I did it last year...account, book, ATM card and online banking all on a tourist visa. (Kasikorn bank, Chaeng Wattana road)

[punisher]

hi again,hmm yes i know that some banks or branches dont care about WP ,but thats not really the point,if the information from the UOB bank main branch in bangkok is right,then that would mean all bank accounts from foreigners without workpermit are not legal,hmm and i dont stay in Bangkok or Pattaya,the banks i was in were UOB bank,Thai Militaty Bank,and KTB bank,anyways sorry,i still think this is all funny,the immigration ask u to open a bank account,but actually its not possible to open an account,i stay here a while in thailand im jayyen,but i can imagine some people would lose control with those takatuka rules

[Maestro]

hi again,hmm yes i know that some banks or branches dont care about WP ,but thats not really the point,if the information from the UOB bank main branch in bangkok is right,then that would mean all bank accounts from foreigners without workpermit are not legal,hmm and i dont stay in Bangkok or Pattaya,the banks i was in were UOB bank,Thai Militaty Bank,and KTB bank,anyways sorry,i still think this is all funny,the immigration ask u to open a bank account,but actually its not possible to open an account,i stay here a while in thailand im jayyen,but i can imagine some people would lose control with those takatuka rules

If you want to make an issue of it, you can do the following:

1. Print out the Immigration requirement . (On that web page, click on “Visa extension” then on the type of extension applicable to you)

2. Take that printout to the bank. If the bank employee still refuses to open an account for you, ask him to confirm his refusal in writing, stating the reason (Bank of Thailand regulation), or if he doesn’t want to give such confirmation, ask for a copy of the Bank of Thailand regulation. If he cannot give such copy, you know that know such regulation exists.

3. Take that bank confirmation to the Immigration Office and ask them for advice how to show proof of money in a bank account.

--------------

Maestro

[britmaveric]

You must have picked the only 3 banks/branches in the country that dont......(some dont actually.....Secon Sq... but...other reasons)

If in Bangkok go the the big Bangkok Bank on Suk Road (opposite the Ambassadors Hotel)walk up stairs...1st floor,turn right and speak to the lady there.

Not only will they open you a bank a/c (savings..NO check book)but will give you a be first card /electron card in about 10 minutes..even as a tourist...(unless they have changed the rules in the last 6 weeks)

Take the usual stuff...PP-Money.....

I did this about 2 weeks ago (with a non-b visa but no work permit), and it's exactly as you describe. About 10 minutes from walking in the door to walking out with account opened and ATM card and passbook in hand. Couldn't be easier

What was the bank name? (might do that in July)

[Krub]

hi again,hmm yes i know that some banks or branches dont care about WP ,but thats not really the point,if the information from the UOB bank main branch in bangkok is right,then that would mean all bank accounts from foreigners without workpermit are not legal,hmm and i dont stay in Bangkok or Pattaya,the banks i was in were UOB bank,Thai Militaty Bank,and KTB bank,anyways sorry,i still think this is all funny,the immigration ask u to open a bank account,but actually its not possible to open an account,i stay here a while in thailand im jayyen,but i can imagine some people would lose control with those takatuka rules

Hi Punisher,

I understand you can be frustrated but take it easy, calm down.

Here is the link to a page from Bangkok Bank.

http://www.bbl.co.th/Bangkok+Bank/Personal...d+Questions.htm

When the Bangkok Bank Branch in my local city did not want to open an account, I showed them the copy of this page with a big smile and suggested they called the helpline (1333) to check it.

It worked and although at the time I only had a 30 day tourist stamp, they gave me a bank book and an ATM card on the spot.

Good luck

[Maestro]

Here is the link to a page from Bangkok Bank.

http://www.bbl.co.th/Bangkok+Bank/Personal...d+Questions.htm

When the Bangkok Bank Branch in my local city did not want to open an account, I showed them the copy of this page with a big smile and suggested they called the helpline (1333) to check it.

Excellent information, Krub.

Punisher, if the place where you live only has UOB bank, Thai Military Bank and KTB bank I suggest you travel a few kilometres to the nearest Bangkok Bank branch and open your account there.

---------------

Maestro

[rio666uk]

After following Krubs link...

I take it that the benefit of a tourist opening a "resident baht account" whilst holidaying is purely to save bank charges from ATM withdrawals! I cant see any other reasons for doing this otherwise.

Have I missed something here - or are there other benefits?

[Maestro]

I take it that the benefit of a tourist opening a "resident baht account" whilst holidaying is purely to save bank charges from ATM withdrawals!

Yes, indeed. Read post #7 in this thread about how some countries’ banks fleece their customers who use their ATM cards abroad.

(My thanks to Rinrada for the nodding donkeys. Brought on a chuckle, that one.)

---------------

Maestro

[rio666uk]

Ahh right - sorry didnt see that thread..

For Brits - the Nationwide Flexi Account receives praise again - free ATM withdrawals worldwide!

cheers

[Maestro]

Ahh right - sorry didnt see that thread..

It was a long time ago (October 2004) but I needed to search for it recently for some other reason. Things haven’t changed much in Britain since then, though: the country’s banks are strong on tradition.

---------------

Maestro

[zzap]

Do any of you get interest on your accounts?

[rio666uk]

Do any of you get interest on your accounts?

And will the bank close them if theyre not used for x amount of time? i.e. if you holiday once a year only..

[Maestro]

Do any of you get interest on your accounts?

Sure do. Not much at the moment; 0.75% per annum at Bank of Ayudhya on a savings account, but still more than the 0.375% I get on a Swiss savings account.

---------------

Maestro

[Rinrada]

Do any of you get interest on your accounts?

And will the bank close them if theyre not used for x amount of time? i.e. if you holiday once a year only..

No ..as long as you leave some dosh in it...

[sierra01]

Do any of you get interest on your accounts?

And will the bank close them if theyre not used for x amount of time? i.e. if you holiday once a year only..

No ..as long as you leave some dosh in it...

An ex TG of mine didn't use a Krung Thai account and the bank closed it, keeping the 500bt that was in there at the time! I'm not sure how long the account was unused though.

[rio666uk]

Do any of you get interest on your accounts?

And will the bank close them if theyre not used for x amount of time? i.e. if you holiday once a year only..

No ..as long as you leave some dosh in it...

An ex TG of mine didn't use a Krung Thai account and the bank closed it, keeping the 500bt that was in there at the time! I'm not sure how long the account was unused though.

My wife forgot to close her account before coming to England.. only had a few hundred bt in the account...

I said "no worries" we can draw it out and buy some bbq next time we're there.... she said that the bangkok bank would close the account if it remained dormant.... despite still have 300bht in there.

[sierra01]

Legal theft.

[Guest endure]

I opened a savings account and got a Be1st debit card on a tourist visa last month in Chiang Mai.

[Noel]

Do any of you get interest on your accounts?

Sure do. Not much at the moment; 0.75% per annum at Bank of Ayudhya on a savings account, but still more than the 0.375% I get on a Swiss savings account.

---------------

Maestro

Yes, for a standard savings account generally, but there are other accounts available that pay higher interest.

It obviously depends upon your needs in terms of flexibility, amount deposited, etc.

Click on: Bank of Thailand: Current Deposit Interest Rates

Btw, interest income is taxed @ 15% at source.

[Guest endure]

Do any of you get interest on your accounts?

Sure do. Not much at the moment; 0.75% per annum at Bank of Ayudhya on a savings account, but still more than the 0.375% I get on a Swiss savings account.

---------------

Maestro

Yes, for a standard savings account generally, but there are other accounts available that pay higher interest.

It obviously depends upon your needs in terms of flexibility, amount deposited, etc.

Click on: Bank of Thailand: Current Deposit Interest Rates

Btw, interest income is taxed @ 15% at source.

Which can be claimed back under certain circumstances.

[Noel]

Do any of you get interest on your accounts?

Sure do. Not much at the moment; 0.75% per annum at Bank of Ayudhya on a savings account, but still more than the 0.375% I get on a Swiss savings account.

---------------

Maestro

Yes, for a standard savings account generally, but there are other accounts available that pay higher interest.

It obviously depends upon your needs in terms of flexibility, amount deposited, etc.

Click on: Bank of Thailand: Current Deposit Interest Rates

Btw, interest income is taxed @ 15% at source.

Which can be claimed back under certain circumstances.

I recall seeing mention of this before endure, but neglected to follow it up.

Would you happen to know the specific circumstances?

Thanks

[Guest endure]

Do any of you get interest on your accounts?

Sure do. Not much at the moment; 0.75% per annum at Bank of Ayudhya on a savings account, but still more than the 0.375% I get on a Swiss savings account.

---------------

Maestro

Yes, for a standard savings account generally, but there are other accounts available that pay higher interest.

It obviously depends upon your needs in terms of flexibility, amount deposited, etc.

Click on: Bank of Thailand: Current Deposit Interest Rates

Btw, interest income is taxed @ 15% at source.

Which can be claimed back under certain circumstances.

I recall seeing mention of this before endure, but neglected to follow it up.

Would you happen to know the specific circumstances?

Thanks

I've just emailed a friend of mine who gets this refund. I'll post his reply when it arrives.

[astor]

Hi,i tried to open a bank account today at 3 different banks,hmm but could not open it because i dont have a workpermit,after asking why i need a workpermit they said its the rule by Bank of Thailand"foreigner without WP cant open a bank account in Thailand"hmm now i just wonder if u like to extend ur NON O VISA for example the immigrations wants u to show a bank book what shows how much money u have or much u get every month from oversea[pension,etc.]if not u cannot get a visa extension,hmm sounds all very funny to me!!!!

That's right ; I have 2 bank accounts and 2 cards visa electron , and I don't have a W.P.

I think that the banks whould go against own interests if they would refused the foreigners' money.

Maybe without W.P. you cannot have the cheques , ad credits cards.

[astor]

You must have picked the only 3 banks/branches in the country that dont......(some dont actually.....Secon Sq... but...other reasons)

If in Bangkok go the the big Bangkok Bank on Suk Road (opposite the Ambassadors Hotel)walk up stairs...1st floor,turn right and speak to the lady there.

Not only will they open you a bank a/c (savings..NO check book)but will give you a be first card /electron card in about 10 minutes..even as a tourist...(unless they have changed the rules in the last 6 weeks)

Take the usual stuff...PP-Money.....

That's right ; I have 2 bank accounts and 2 cards visa electron , and I don't have a W.P.

I think that the banks whould go against own interests if they would refused the foreigners' money.

Maybe without W.P. you cannot have the cheques , ad credits cards.

Ps. My previous post are wrong, I not yet gotten confidence with the tools of this forum.

[Kerryd]

That's right ; I have 2 bank accounts and 2 cards visa electron , and I don't have a W.P.

I think that the banks whould go against own interests if they would refused the foreigners' money.

Maybe without W.P. you cannot have the cheques , ad credits cards.

Ps. My previous post are wrong, I not yet gotten confidence with the tools of this forum.

When I opened my account at the local Bangkok Bank branch, I was told I could only get a savings account (no chequing, no credit card and no internet access unless I had a work permit). As the savings account was all I wanted, no problem. Had my bank book, ATM card and SWIFT code in about 15 minutes.

My understanding is that any interest earned is paid out twice a year (June and December), and is a very low rate. I don't worry about it as I wasn't planning on living off interest income anyways (not likely that I'll ever have that much money in the bank !)

[desmond]

That's right ; I have 2 bank accounts and 2 cards visa electron , and I don't have a W.P.

I think that the banks whould go against own interests if they would refused the foreigners' money.

Maybe without W.P. you cannot have the cheques , ad credits cards.

Ps. My previous post are wrong, I not yet gotten confidence with the tools of this forum.

When I opened my account at the local Bangkok Bank branch, I was told I could only get a savings account (no chequing, no credit card and no internet access unless I had a work permit). As the savings account was all I wanted, no problem. Had my bank book, ATM card and SWIFT code in about 15 minutes.

My understanding is that any interest earned is paid out twice a year (June and December), and is a very low rate. I don't worry about it as I wasn't planning on living off interest income anyways (not likely that I'll ever have that much money in the bank !)

For me, it was a little strange when I tired to open an account with the Bangkok Bank. At first they said I must have work permit to do so. I told the officer that I do not have a WP. She then consulted the manager who in turn asked me how much I would deposit.

I told her 1 million baht. She immediately invited me to her room and service me personally. I got the bank book, debit card within 15 minutes.

So I am not sure actually if a WP is really needed or not.

Can someone shine on that ?

Thanks

[Rinrada]

[

For me, it was a little strange when I tired to open an account with the Bangkok Bank. At first they said I must have work permit to do so. I told the officer that I do not have a WP. She then consulted the manager who in turn asked me how much I would deposit.

I told her 1 million baht. She immediately invited me to her room and service me personally. I got the bank book, debit card within 15 minutes.

So I am not sure actually if a WP is really needed or not.

Can someone shine on that ?

Thanks

should think so......never happened to me like that.....