Any Branch of Bangkok Bank in City with English speaking staff?

[borborygmus]

I need to discuss something rather complicated and want to communicate with someone who has good English skills.

[Thailand]

Kad Suan Kaew

[Diplomatico]

Kad Suan Kaew

Nailed it. ^^^

[millwall_fan]

If you need to discuss something rather complicated and want to communicate with someone who has good English skills, you'd better try the Philippines.

[FolkGuitar]

Yep, Kad Suan Kaew branch. I was there this afternoon to open another account (I have two foreign currency accounts and a Thai baht account already) and do all my communicating with them in English.

Edited April 28, 2016 by FolkGuitar

[Lannig]

If you need to discuss something rather complicated and want to communicate with someone who has good English skills, you'd better try the Philippines.

Now is the time for Asean, mate.

Thai people are supposed to become able to communicate in English. At least that's what the government junta wants.

I know, wishful thinking.

[BarnicaleBob]

Over the years I have had several complicated issues I needed to handle via the Bangkok Bank. After checking around I have found that the Bangkok Bank inside the Kad Suan Kaew mall to be the best in understanding my English and getting things done for me.

[BritManToo]

Most bank staff in Thailand can't do complicated in any language.

Never met such a bunch of incompetent bankers anywhere else in the world.

But they're very good at saying 'cannot'.

[dru2]

Most bank staff in Thailand can't do complicated in any language.

Never met such a bunch of incompetent bankers anywhere else in the world.

But they're very good at saying 'cannot'.

You ever think of using Thai? I've been banking with BKB Chang Phueak for quarter of a century. I speak pretty good Thai and they speak pretty good English - together we get things done just fine.

Certainly I have never had a "can not" or a "mae dai" in 25 years....

Edited April 28, 2016 by dru2

[BritManToo]

Most bank staff in Thailand can't do complicated in any language.

Never met such a bunch of incompetent bankers anywhere else in the world.

But they're very good at saying 'cannot'.

You ever think of using Thai? I've been banking with BKB Chang Phuak for quarter of a century. I speak pretty good Thai and they speak pretty good English - together we get things done just fine.

Yes, I speak Thai.

But BKB staff in Chang Puak don't seem to understand company pensions, private pensions, government pensions, investment portfolios, etc.

They also don't seem to understand their range of banking services for foreigners, or documents required to open each type of account.

Very poor training provided for Thai bank staff, or maybe they just hire the prettiest applicants..

[dru2]

Most bank staff in Thailand can't do complicated in any language.

Never met such a bunch of incompetent bankers anywhere else in the world.

But they're very good at saying 'cannot'.

You ever think of using Thai? I've been banking with BKB Chang Phuak for quarter of a century. I speak pretty good Thai and they speak pretty good English - together we get things done just fine.

Yes, I speak Thai.

But BKB staff in Chang Puak don't seem to understand company pensions, private pensions, government pensions, investment portfolios, etc.

They also don't seem to understand their range of banking services for foreigners, or documents required to open each type of account.

Very poor training provided for Thai bank staff, or maybe they just hire the prettiest applicants..

Understood. But I can't advise....

[Oscar2]

Most bank staff in Thailand can't do complicated in any language.

Never met such a bunch of incompetent bankers anywhere else in the world.

But they're very good at saying 'cannot'.

You ever think of using Thai? I've been banking with BKB Chang Phuak for quarter of a century. I speak pretty good Thai and they speak pretty good English - together we get things done just fine.

Yes, I speak Thai.

But BKB staff in Chang Puak don't seem to understand company pensions, private pensions, government pensions, investment portfolios, etc.

They also don't seem to understand their range of banking services for foreigners, or documents required to open each type of account.

Very poor training provided for Thai bank staff, or maybe they just hire the prettiest applicants..

that's all probably true, but usually they will put you in contact with someone in Bangkok who is a professional banker and speaks fluent English. that has been my experience.

[arithai12]

As already stated, KSK branch. The normal counters have the usual employees with so-so english, but the

desks on the right (to open an account, oversea transfers, bank statement for visa, etc) are usually staffed with

above-average english-speaking persons.

[andrew55]

Great to hear that Kad Suan Kaew has staff able to understand more complex issues in English. I'd imagine that a lot of banking terminology would need to be fairly universal, specific and translate well or actually be English with added Thai tone/ emphasis...

I think the vast majority of bank staff are well educated in reading and writing English. Speaking and listening skills are often poor depending on the area's exposure to foreigners.

Not so sure about the 'speak Thai' advice. You would need to speak exceptionally well to be sure that you were properly understood and a misunderstanding could be catastrophic. It's not like asking for "beer Chang 2 can cold cold not give ice please thank you "

Regardless, I follow up with email in English and ask for reply in same confirming that all is understood. The new version of a paper trail.

Edited April 29, 2016 by andrew55

[neilrob]

Some posters have complained that they cannot get things done at the bank. I have never had such a problem. This may in part be a problem from going to small branches---you cannot expect all branches to have the full range of expertise. If you need someone with authority in the bank who will get things done if they can be done, and who also speaks English, then go to the largest branch in CM, Sanpakoi on Charoenmuang Rd. The manager there, Khun Supaluck, is also the Area Vice President for CM.

[BritManToo]

I think the vast majority of bank staff are well educated in reading and writing English.

Language skills are not the problem. It's banking skills that are lacking.

Trying to negotiate a home loan with a 'home loan manager' who only understands monthly income shown in a Thai bank book is a real uphill struggle.

[andrew55]

I think the vast majority of bank staff are well educated in reading and writing English.

Language skills are not the problem. It's banking skills that are lacking.

Trying to negotiate a home loan with a 'home loan manager' who only understands monthly income shown in a Thai bank book is a real uphill struggle.

I couldn't even imagine. Hope it worked out for you.

[elektrified]

Some posters have complained that they cannot get things done at the bank. I have never had such a problem. This may in part be a problem from going to small branches---you cannot expect all branches to have the full range of expertise. If you need someone with authority in the bank who will get things done if they can be done, and who also speaks English, then go to the largest branch in CM, Sanpakoi on Charoenmuang Rd. The manager there, Khun Supaluck, is also the Area Vice President for CM.

My wife has her accounts there and although I've only gone there with her once and sat around for a while while she took care of her business, I was impressed with that operation/branch. It's more like what you would find in Bangkok. I got the impression a couple of the people there were professional bankers and not just time clock punchers.

[borborygmus]

Thanks for the advice everybody. I did do a google search for the Bangkok Bank at KSK. I'm guessing that it's located inside the Central building there. Is that correct?

[elektrified]

Thanks for the advice everybody. I did do a google search for the Bangkok Bank at KSK. I'm guessing that it's located inside the Central building there. Is that correct?

I would go to the main branch as suggested in neilrob's post #14. I believe that is the best branch to discuss complex issues.

[NancyL]

Yes, indeed the regional main office for Bangkok Bank is at Sanpakoi on Charoenmuang Rd, but I'd suggest starting with the branch inside Kad Suan Kaew first if that's more convenient for you. Incidentally, you can't miss it. It's on the first floor, just up the steps inside the main entrance from Huay Kaew Rd, next to the Sizzler Steak restaurant.

I've been involved in some transactions that people thought were "very complex" and there isn't much that the Kad Suan Kaew branch can't handle.

And absolutely don't try to speak to them in Thai or bring a Thai-speaker along to "translate", unless that Thai speaker is capable of translating banking vocabulary into English. For example, I've been involved in settling estates and it can be frustrating to try to translate words like "executor" and "beneficiary" back and forth from English and Thai. Frankly, the average Thai person who speaks English well, doesn't have the English vocabulary to do this type of translation.

[cyberfarang]

The best branch of Bangkok Bank with fluent English speaking staff is the Thapae Road branch. Walk in the main entrance. First table on the left is where they have a specialist bank clerk that deals exclusively with all us filthy rich Farlangs.

[dcnx]

Kad Suan Kaew

Depends on who you speak to there.

[KhonKaenKowboy]

Their English is so good at KSK that they were able to do the "stall" on a wire of 20K usd to the US,even though I was sitting there with a representative of Fidelity Investments on the phone willing to cover all details, which I had already done. They even tried to charge ME ANOTHER 300 the next day to retry..I reminded them that it was their fookin' fault not mine, and they said OK, but obviously didn't want me to remind them of their incompetence. That was back when interest was more like 4.7% and there were more moves in currency...so that may have faded away, but there were many documented similar cases. Otherwise...10 years+, BKK Bank has never screwed up my accounts...and after about 8 years I was able to get online banking. It's the best way to bring money in, so that is an account I will keep open, through thick and thin, but quickly move it to better paying banks, whose letters to immigration work very well. Although, when I recently was there at a competitor on the day a 500K THB FD matured, she felt the need to take a call on her smart phone while being inconvenienced by my presence. Paybacks are hell. Also, things do change, but I found the manager at the South side of the moat (a male about 50 yo) to be quite proficient and promising to deliver, as advertised. I even invested with the BKK Bank bond funds with him a few times, and it worked like clockwork...as in easier than getting an electric bill. He had even suggested that I move my account to "his" bank, but I only had a tourist visa in 2006, and had to go to a lesser known, but they are OK there, too, but the game they play is to have A SIGN UP SAYING 1.6250 THEN WHEN THEY HAND YOU THE FD BOOK, IT IS FOR 1.5% THEN THEY TELL YOU ,THAT IT HAD EXPIRED...WELL WHY THE DIDN'T you REMOVE THE SIGN THAT WAS right in front of you? If you are taking seriously complicated matters to them in the first place..then you get what you deserve...always direct deposit into your home country...and transfer quarterly...I know that takes more discipline than the average sailor, but it saves time and money and keeps things simple. Otherwise, the Krungsri branch at AP may have the combination of best English, best rates, and best looking tellers...

Edited April 29, 2016 by KhonKaenKowboy

[alant]

Promenada, English good, queue close to zero.

[Acharn]

Some posters have complained that they cannot get things done at the bank. I have never had such a problem. This may in part be a problem from going to small branches---you cannot expect all branches to have the full range of expertise. If you need someone with authority in the bank who will get things done if they can be done, and who also speaks English, then go to the largest branch in CM, Sanpakoi on Charoenmuang Rd. The manager there, Khun Supaluck, is also the Area Vice President for CM.

Yes. I had to deposit a U.S. Treasury check "for collection" a couple of years ago, at BKK Bank here in Nakhon Sawan. At their main branch, no one had ever done this transaction before. One brave woman pulled out a huge looseleaf binder with Standard Operating Procedures and than made about a dozen phone calls. After a couple of hours she finally got the transaction completed at a cost of several hundred baht. Thirty years ago, in Phanat Nikhom in Chon Buri province, such a transaction was routine, cost me something like twenty baht, and the money was in my account in a couple of weeks (checks deposited there actually cleared my bank in the states in four days). The difference was that Phanat Nikhom had a Khmer refugee camp with lots of farang working there and they lived in Phanat Nikhom and banked there.

[borborygmus]

I just want to thank everybody who contributed useful information in response to my query. I'm sure you saved me lots of time and agita. Thanks again.

If there's any moderator out there, I think this thread has performed admirably and ought to be given an honorable retirement.

[NancyL]

Some posters have complained that they cannot get things done at the bank. I have never had such a problem. This may in part be a problem from going to small branches---you cannot expect all branches to have the full range of expertise. If you need someone with authority in the bank who will get things done if they can be done, and who also speaks English, then go to the largest branch in CM, Sanpakoi on Charoenmuang Rd. The manager there, Khun Supaluck, is also the Area Vice President for CM.

Yes. I had to deposit a U.S. Treasury check "for collection" a couple of years ago, at BKK Bank here in Nakhon Sawan. At their main branch, no one had ever done this transaction before. One brave woman pulled out a huge looseleaf binder with Standard Operating Procedures and than made about a dozen phone calls. After a couple of hours she finally got the transaction completed at a cost of several hundred baht. Thirty years ago, in Phanat Nikhom in Chon Buri province, such a transaction was routine, cost me something like twenty baht, and the money was in my account in a couple of weeks (checks deposited there actually cleared my bank in the states in four days). The difference was that Phanat Nikhom had a Khmer refugee camp with lots of farang working there and they lived in Phanat Nikhom and banked there.

Wow, here in Chiang Mai checks like that are accepted for deposit into your account at Bangkok Bank KSK no questions asked, no 30 day waiting period or extra charges. This would be for checks from the U.S. gov't, IRS, etc. I've seen people make the same arrangements for monthly annuity checks from life insurance companies, too. Personal checks drawn on a foreign bank are another story -- there is a charge of a few hundred baht and a waiting period that can be as long as a month before the money actually shows up in your account. But actually, if you're not in a big hurry sometimes this can be an OK way to bring a large sum of money into the country if you're not set up to do internet banking with your home country bank.

[silent]

If you need to discuss something rather complicated and want to communicate with someone who has good English skills, you'd better try the Philippines.

Now is the time for Asean, mate.

Thai people are supposed to become able to communicate in English. At least that's what the government junta wants.

I know, wishful thinking.

Not just thinking. They're searching for Dr. Timothy Leary to develop a blotter for the English dictionary that in about an hour makes them psychedelic experts for 8.

[elektrified]

Some posters have complained that they cannot get things done at the bank. I have never had such a problem. This may in part be a problem from going to small branches---you cannot expect all branches to have the full range of expertise. If you need someone with authority in the bank who will get things done if they can be done, and who also speaks English, then go to the largest branch in CM, Sanpakoi on Charoenmuang Rd. The manager there, Khun Supaluck, is also the Area Vice President for CM.

Yes. I had to deposit a U.S. Treasury check "for collection" a couple of years ago, at BKK Bank here in Nakhon Sawan. At their main branch, no one had ever done this transaction before. One brave woman pulled out a huge looseleaf binder with Standard Operating Procedures and than made about a dozen phone calls. After a couple of hours she finally got the transaction completed at a cost of several hundred baht. Thirty years ago, in Phanat Nikhom in Chon Buri province, such a transaction was routine, cost me something like twenty baht, and the money was in my account in a couple of weeks (checks deposited there actually cleared my bank in the states in four days). The difference was that Phanat Nikhom had a Khmer refugee camp with lots of farang working there and they lived in Phanat Nikhom and banked there.

Wow, here in Chiang Mai checks like that are accepted for deposit into your account at Bangkok Bank KSK no questions asked, no 30 day waiting period or extra charges. This would be for checks from the U.S. gov't, IRS, etc. I've seen people make the same arrangements for monthly annuity checks from life insurance companies, too. Personal checks drawn on a foreign bank are another story -- there is a charge of a few hundred baht and a waiting period that can be as long as a month before the money actually shows up in your account. But actually, if you're not in a big hurry sometimes this can be an OK way to bring a large sum of money into the country if you're not set up to do internet banking with your home country bank.

Last time I deposited a foreign personal check into my account at Kasikorn Bank, it took almost 10 weeks before the funds were available. I forget now but I think it was drawn on a U.S. bank.