Are there any banks in Pattaya that you can open an account with a visa exempt stamp? (30 day stamp/foreigner from Western country). A specific branch would be extra helpful and/or recent success stories. Thank you in advance.

Kbank is generally the easiest. Try the branch in Central Festival. A friend of mine opened one there last year with no visa.

I'll tell you how I did it.

First they asked for a work permit. I told them I don't work. Why would I need a work permit?

The I gave them the name, address and phone number of a Thai friend. They called him and verified me. I think he told them I lived at his residence. All paperwork was sorted and I walked out in about 30 minutes wth ATM card in hand. Have opened many accounts since on my own by showing my previous account book.

KBank in Patong for the original account.

Kasikorn at one time would open an account for your dog!

But now, there are new money laundering rules which came into affect recently... make sure you are not working off old information.

I will also confirm that Kasikorn in Central Festival are pretty lax though..

Edited February 2, 201313 yr by Satcommlee

Remember some banks will not like opening accounts for Americans, something your government has been doing, there are posts on here about it.

Implying you are American cause of your User name, if not then forget my post, but handy for others to know.

Edited February 2, 201313 yr by beano2274

Siam Commercial Bank is usually very open to foreigners.