Opening a Thai Bank Account as a Foreigner: Complete Guide

The Regulatory Framework: Bank of Thailand Requirements

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) sets the regulatory framework for banking in Thailand, but it does not prohibit foreigners from opening accounts. Instead, BOT requires banks to conduct proper Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures under the Anti-Money Laundering Act B.E. 2542 (1999).

In practice, this means each bank sets its own policies for accepting foreign customers, leading to significant variation in requirements. What works at one branch may not work at another - and policies change frequently. The information in this guide reflects common practices as of late 2024 and early 2025, but you should always verify current requirements directly with the bank.

Which Banks Accept Foreigners?

Not all Thai banks treat foreign customers equally. Here is a general overview of the major banks and their typical approach to foreigner accounts:

Bank	Tourist Accounts	Long-Stay Accounts	English Support
Bangkok Bank	Sometimes	Yes	Excellent
Kasikornbank (KBank)	Rarely	Yes	Good
SCB (Siam Commercial)	Rarely	Yes	Good
Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya)	Sometimes	Yes	Good
Krungthai Bank	Rarely	Usually	Limited
TMBThanachart (TTB)	Rarely	Yes	Good
UOB Thailand	No	Yes	Excellent
CIMB Thai	Sometimes	Yes	Good

Document Requirements by Visa Type

Your visa type significantly affects your ability to open an account and the documents required. Banks view long-term visa holders as lower risk, making the process much easier.

Tourist Visa / Visa Exemption

Opening an account on a tourist visa is possible but challenging. Most banks are reluctant because tourists are considered higher risk for KYC purposes and are likely to leave Thailand.

Non-Immigrant Visa Holders (Retirement, Marriage, Business, Education)

Long-stay visa holders have a much easier time opening accounts. Most major banks will accept you with standard documentation.

Thailand Elite, LTR, and DTV Visa Holders

Premium visa holders typically have the easiest time. Thailand Elite members receive banking concierge assistance. LTR (Long-Term Resident) visa holders are treated as priority customers. DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) holders are newer but should be treated similarly to other long-stay visas.

Types of Bank Accounts Available

Savings Accounts (Passbook)

The most common type for foreigners. A passbook savings account provides:

• Low or no minimum balance requirements (often 500-1,000 THB to open)
• Interest on deposits (typically very low, 0.25-0.50% annually)
• ATM/debit card access
• Online and mobile banking
• Domestic transfers and bill payments

Most foreigners use savings accounts for daily expenses, receiving transfers, and paying bills.

Current Accounts (Checking)

Current accounts offer check-writing capabilities but are rarely needed by foreigners. Requirements are stricter, often including minimum balance requirements and business documentation. Most foreign individuals do not need a current account.

Fixed Deposit Accounts

For longer-term savings with slightly higher interest rates. Funds are locked for a set period (3 months to several years). Useful for retirement visa holders who need to maintain the 800,000 THB balance requirement - the funds can earn interest while meeting immigration requirements.

Setting Up Online and Mobile Banking

Modern Thai banks offer excellent digital banking services. Setting up online banking typically happens at account opening:

Mobile Banking Apps

• Bangkok Bank: Bualuang mBanking - excellent English interface
• KBank: K PLUS - popular with good English support
• SCB: SCB Easy - user-friendly interface
• Krungsri: KMA (Krungsri Mobile App)

Key Features Available

• Balance checking and transaction history
• Domestic transfers (to any Thai bank)
• QR code payments (PromptPay)
• Bill payments (utilities, phone, internet)
• International transfers (limited; may require branch visit)
• Debit card management

Common Rejection Reasons and Solutions

1. "We don't open accounts for tourists"

Solution: Try a different branch, particularly tourist-area branches of Bangkok Bank. Bring extra documentation (hotel letter, return flight booking) to show you have legitimate reasons for needing an account.

2. "You need a work permit"

Solution: This is often branch-level misinformation. Ask to speak with a supervisor or try a different branch. Non-B visa holders do not need a work permit to open a personal savings account - only to work.

3. "Your visa expires too soon"

Solution: Extend your visa first, or try a bank that is more flexible. Some banks require at least 3-6 months remaining on your visa/permitted stay.

4. "We need a certificate of residence"

Solution: Obtain a certificate of residence from immigration (Chaeng Wattana in Bangkok or your local immigration office). This takes 1-2 days and costs around 500 THB.

5. No explanation given

Solution: Banks are not required to explain rejections. Thank them politely and try another branch or bank. Persistence often works - the third or fourth attempt may succeed where the first failed.

Maintaining Your Account

Once opened, Thai bank accounts are generally easy to maintain, but be aware of these considerations:

Minimum Balance

Most savings accounts have no ongoing minimum balance requirement, but maintaining zero balance for extended periods may trigger account closure. Keep at least 500-1,000 THB in the account.

Dormant Account Rules

Accounts with no transactions for 12-24 months may be classified as dormant. Dormant accounts may have restrictions placed on them, requiring a branch visit to reactivate. If you leave Thailand for extended periods, make occasional small transactions to keep the account active.

Address and Contact Updates

Keep your contact information current. Banks may require you to update your information periodically as part of ongoing KYC requirements. Failure to respond to bank communications could result in account restrictions.