Hi all,

I was going to send my query to the Banking forum, but as the information I require actually pertains to Isaan, I thought it better to ask here.

Does anyone have any recent experience of opening bank accounts without a work permit in Khon Kaen or Kalasin, travelling on a 30 day visa?

from my personal experience kasikorn required a long stay visa to open acc

I opened a Kasikorn account on a 30 day visa, but that was in Jomtien.

You will have to ask in bank, each branch have different rules.

You will have to supply address.

I can't speak for the other banks, but here is Bangkok Bank's website which details their process + documents required (And on a tourist visa seems fine with them).

http://www.bangkokbank.com/BANGKOKBANK/PERSONALBANKING/SPECIALSERVICES/FOREIGNCUSTOMERS/Pages/Openinganaccountnew.aspx

SlyAnimal

I can't speak for the other banks, but here is Bangkok Bank's website which details their process + documents required (And on a tourist visa seems fine with them).

Thanks for this Sly. I did actually look at their website earlier today. I thought I read somewhere that it was at each branch's discretion as to whether they would open an account, but I could be mistaken-I could have confused it with another bank! Will let you know how I go, and thanks once again.

I can't speak for the other banks, but here is Bangkok Bank's website which details their process + documents required (And on a tourist visa seems fine with them).

http://www.bangkokbank.com/BANGKOKBANK/PERSONALBANKING/SPECIALSERVICES/FOREIGNCUSTOMERS/Pages/Openinganaccountnew.aspx

12+ years ago Bangkok Bank Kalasin would / could not open an account for a Farang due to that branch was not authorized to do so... Even though I had a 3 year old Bangkok Bank account from Bangkok branch... They had me drive to Roi Et branch where it was very easy to do...

Since that time I have changed and now use Kasikorn Bank Kalasin... I found them much more Customer Service oriented and actually willing to help with any questions or problems without any excusess..

Pianoman

A lot of businesses in general say that something can't be done, particularly in Isaan, simply because they don't know how to do it or are unfamiliar with the process.

E.g. When I went to first go into a post pay account for my mobile, the staff said they couldn't do it for a foreigner, as I didn't have an ID card, despite having already given them my work permit. Luckily however, I was talking to the owner at the time, who then very sternly informed the staff that they could do it.

Obviously in that situation I had a WP, but it's just to show that sometimes Thai staff will say that something can't be done, just because they personally don't know how to do it.

Although to the best of my knowledge, other than Bangkok Bank, the others are meant to only open bank accounts if you have proof of address in Thailand (Which is why they need your WP etc). The other banks who can open accounts, are the branches where the staff/managers have a bit more of a "can do" attitude, and are willing to bend the rules a little.

Back in the day, the foreign banks would open accounts easily such as ABM-AMRO which was acquired by EOB. So look around for a foreign bank.

Guess if you deposit a decent amount it will go easier ,