Safety Deposit Box - again

[elektrified]

So I've been looking for a safety deposit box for 7 years now with no luck. I've been in the queue at my branch of Kasikorn Bank (Chang Klan Main) for about 5 years. I called over there today and was told there were still about 40 ahead of me. 5 years ago I was #92 in the queue so not very promising. I asked at the branch of BBL where I also have accounts and was told "about 2 or 3 year wait". I've checked with about 30 banks over the last 3-4 years or so. Most say "mai mee". Most of the small branches only have a small safe for internal use only.

Today I went to every bank on Th. Thapae. I put on a nice shirt and spoke in Thai. The response I got was amazing.

The first bank I visited was the Thai Panich Main Branch. Their response was yes they have them but to get one there are 3 options: a) deposit 3 million THB for a year and get a small box for free b)deposit 550,000 THB for 2 years (I think), buy a life insurance policy from them and get one for 300 THB per year; c) make a one-time, non-refundable payment of 10,000 THB, buy a life insurance policy and pay 1,000 THB per year. I politely thanked them and walked out.

Thanachart - "mai mee"

Sri Ayudhya - they have them but are full now. No conditions as far as they knew... When I asked if there was a queue they said no. "Must come often to check, but not have often". What an inefficient system! When I asked about rental prices, nobody knew.

Kasikorn - have them but must deposit 1.5 million THB for a year. I forget how much the rent was.

BBL - "mai mee"

Krung Thai - "yes but for Thai people only." O.K. fine, I called the g/f and asked her to meet me there in 30 minutes, which she did. They were friendly. Their requirement was to deposit 30,000 THB for as long as she has the box. The money goes in their general account for their use. 2500 for the keys. Both the 30K and 2.5K fully refundable when box is surrendered. There was a non-refundable charge of about 1200 THB for something - I forget what. 1,000 THB per year. I began to entertain this option even though the g/f said she didn't want to put it in her name only as what if something happens to her - which of course I already thought about. Then another woman came over and said that the g/f would have to purchase a life insurance policy to get the box. 6K THB to start. They handed us an adding machine tape with all the figures. 40,700 to get the box. We thanked them and left.

I gave up for the day.

Anyone know how/where to get a small safety deposit box without all this hassle?

Thanks in advance.

[FolkGuitar]

Have you considered a mid-sized house safe? Not a small one that can be carried away, but one the size of a dressing table. When covered with a cloth (or built into a cabinet) these can provide a secure and fireproof strong box without being obtrusive.

[JulieM]

PM sent.

[elektrified]

Have you considered a mid-sized house safe? Not a small one that can be carried away, but one the size of a dressing table. When covered with a cloth (or built into a cabinet) these can provide a secure and fireproof strong box without being obtrusive.

If I can't get a safe deposit box I'll definitely consider it.

[Seligne2]

This is a business opportunity for someone!

[LivinLOS]

I got one in Kasikorn in a day.. They said nothing about any limits but yes there was in excess of the amount you mention in there.. However the branch they sent me to, I dont have an account with, and I gave them my pocket money account not my (no ATM) account which was a few 100k perhaps.. Nothing was said or asked, in fact they agreed the box, before I even showed them the passbook IIRC.

My branch couldnt give me one.. Only the major branches have these.

EDIT dont remember the cost, but its a few 100b a year.. My buddy said he got his (on hang Dong Rd) easy enough too..

[junglechef]

I just walked into SCB (Siam Commercail Bank) on Chang Klang before the Night Bizarre and got a box. Was a few years ago but they have lots, might be worth a try to see if any are available .Not sure about the requirements but I did open an account probably as it was necessary but not sure what you consider a hassle or what is just the price of doing business.