Opening a Thai bank account

The honest picture

Banks tightened up in 2025–26. Most won't open accounts for tourists or visa-exempt visitors, and many branches refuse DTV holders too. Long-stay visas (retirement, marriage, education, work, LTR) are the easy cases.

The rules aren't national. They depend on the bank, the branch and the person at the desk that day, so if one branch says no, try another.

What to bring

1. 1Your passport with your visa or extension stamp (originals, not copies).
2. 2A residence certificate from immigration, issued in the last 30 days.
3. 3Your work permit if you have one. Some branches also ask for a Thai driving licence, your lease, or a reference letter.
4. 4About 500–1,000 THB for the first deposit, and a Thai phone number in your name for the banking app.

Which bank

• Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn (KBank) are the traditional expat choices. KBank is known for quick bank letters for retirement and marriage extensions.
• UOB and CIMB are often more relaxed about foreigners.
• Without a work permit you'll usually only get a savings account. That's all most people need.

Fees and gotchas

• Accounts left inactive with a low balance (around 2,000 THB at Bangkok Bank and KBank) get charged 50–100 THB a month.
• Large transfers (over 50,000 THB at once or 200,000 THB a day) need a face scan in the app, which can be fiddly without a Thai ID.
• Accounts sometimes get frozen for checks. Keep your passport details up to date with the bank and go in person if the app stops working.
• If you'll need a bank letter for a visa extension, ask how long it takes before you open the account.