Opening a Bank Account in Thailand

Opening a bank account in Thailand is in itself a run around in Thailand as many banks want to see a work permit before opening an account for you. Are you opening a Thai bank account with a tourist visa? Some will accept an extended marriage visa or retirement visa but you cannot provide this as you first need to show that you meet the financial requirements in Thailand in order to have an extended visa in the first place. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg-opening a bank account in Thailand. 

Having or opening a bank account in Thailand is useful for a number of reasons. If you own property then you can either pay your levies once a year or set up a debt order from your bank account. The same goes if you have a wife or girlfriend in Thailand. Sending money by Western Union can cost you an arm and a leg in fees each month.

Open a bank account in Thailand

Opening a Bank Account in Thailand

It would be much better to have a local bank account and transfer your money online from your Thai account to that of your girlfriend or wife. If you are going to retire then you need to show 800,000THB in a Thai bank account and the same goes with the marriage visa having to show 400,000THB in a Thai bank account. You can’t extend your visa if you don’t have a local bank account.

The problem stems from 2000 when the Bank of Thailand issued ‘recommendations’ to all Thai banks to avoid money laundering. Since then the banking rules for opening an account have become very strict.

Thai bank account with a tourist visa?

That would be very difficult. Some banks want a residence certificate however in order to have that status you would have already had a bank account. Some will open a savings account but want a valid work permit. It does get frustrating.

– Bank fees in Thailand are not as high as they are in the West.

– There is a limit on ATM withdrawals of 50,000THB per day.

– For savings accounts, the fees are very low.

If you have an account other than a savings account the fees to go up with such conveniences as internet banking. The online banking facilities in Thailand is very good and as mentioned above you can pay your bills online or transfer funds from your Thai bank account while overseas. Note that as a security measure it normally sends a code to your mobile phone for internet transfer which you need to confirm for the transaction to complete. See other articles on retirement in Thailand.

90 day reporting

Re-entry permits in Thailand

Thai drivers license

Financial requirements for a marriage visa

 

If you are going to retire in Thailand, open a business, or live in Thailand after you have completed your marriage registration in Thailand then speak to us about opening a bank account so we may point you in the right direction. The alternative is going door to door with banks in Thailand.

The information contained on our website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. 

 

Open a bank account FAQ

Open thai bank account on tourist visa?

No as the bank needs to have a permanent local address in Thailand. Money laundering is an issue globally and much like the West they also have a ‘know your customer rule’. Yes a foreigner can open bank account in Thailand if they have a permanent address. 

MOST FOREIGNER FRIENDLY BANKS IN THAILAND?

Most expats in Thailand tend to use either Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn Bank. They have many branches in Thailand and Bangkok Bank is easy to use for setting up PayPal while in Thailand. Bangkok Bank has offices in New York and London so transfers into Thailand is fast and easy.

WHAT THINGS WE NEED TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT?

You will need your passport or work permit. Those who are retired or married will take their extended visa and a letter from a law firm to confirm their status alternatively take your Thai wife and your marriage certificate with. Bangkok Bank is the most friendly to foreign customers and they also offer PayPal.

CAN A FOREIGNER OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT IN THAILAND?

Yes. You will however need to have a work permit. They will also open a bank account if you have a retirement visa or marriage which has been extended. A reference letter from a “reputable” organization in Thailand can also be used. This mainly being a law firm or university.

CAN I OPEN A THAI BANK ACCOUNT ONLINE?

The simple answer is no. You will need to go to a Thai bank in person to open the account for you. Most expats while using a law firm to complete their retirement visa or marriage visa will offer to help you open a bank account for you.