Bank Account

[Bit Beefy]

Morning Guys,

Be in thailand for 5 weeks in December. Normally i bring travellers cheques and change up if and when but im getting bored of that now.

I was wondering if it was possible for a tourist who will only be there for a month or so was able to open a bank account, and if so what i would need... Id obviously keep it open for future visits after id left.

Also if all of this is possible which would be the bext bank to bank with...

Cheers Guys

[stogie bear]

Bangkok Bank

Whether or not you can open a bank account in Thailand on the strength of a tourist visa or even an entry stamp depends more importantly on how far the moon is over Saturn when they intersect Aries rather than any rule of thumb...

I did it and it's been done recently by people here with different banks but it's also NOT been done and when bank employees are closing in on their lunch hours or otherwise distracted from providing a service of any kind then the answer will always be "No cannot do!"

This is Thailand, Beefy and it's a crapshoot like everything else! Good luck!

[Bit Beefy]

Thankyou Sir lol

[Guest]

I think it depends on the policy of the chosen bank or indeed the attitude of the staff at a particualr branch.
Seven years ago I opened an account at the Bangkok bank and was merely asked to produce my passport as well as providing a home address in Thailand (not a hotel) these days the Bangkok Bank requires that you have a medium-long term visa stamp.
Having a Thai bank account and local ATM card certainly makes life a lot easier without being essential.

[stogie bear]

There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet both fact and fiction and from the banks and customers alike, but here is the current situation and some advice on what to do...

There is a lot of confusion about who can and who cannot open a bank account in Thailand. This is due to several factors, including the banks themselves not fully understanding their own individual policy on the matter! (Welcome to the LOS!) If you don't have a work permit or long term visa, it is still possible to open an account but it's a bit of a hit and miss affair.

For example, most banks have a policy of only accepting foreign customers if they hold a work permit or long term visa, such as a spouse visa, whereas others at the time of writing - October 2007, (Bangkok Bank and Kasikornbank being big name examples) will allow anyone to open an account if you can supply your passport and a local address. Even so, walk into some branches of these more flexible banks and the staff can still flatly refuse to entertain your request.

Your only option is trial and error. If one branch won't accept you as a customer, just walk down the road to another branch and try again. The best bet is with downtown Bangkok branches, especially the ones on Sukhumvit road.

Of course, if you already have your paperwork in order, you're unlikely to have any difficulties. Note however, that in nearly all cases, you will need a work permit to have internet banking set up on your account. Credit cards are also only given to those who have long term residency in Thailand, as are checking accounts.

You should also be aware that there are certain restrictions on the amount of Thai Baht you can take out of Thailand but there are no restrictions on the amount you can bring in. When sending money to your Thai account from overseas, it is usually the case that you'll get a better exchange rate if you insist that the originating bank send the money WITHOUT performing the currency exchange themselves and leaving it for the Thai receiving bank to do the exchange, as you're likely to get a better rate than your home bank would give you. Obviously, check first to be sure.

Once your account is opened, a local ATM card will often be issued immediately. It is also usually possible to request an international ATM card for your account.

That's how it stands as of today, but like I say... look at the moon for more consistant and more reliable advice!!!

[Bit Beefy]

Stogie, Legend... This is why i love this place, no where else on the net mate, no where else...

Pentire u have been in Thailand for 2 long

[stogie bear]

Pentire u have been in Thailand for 2 long...

Jealous, eh?

[Bit Beefy]

I Used to be, but no more.... i have found inner peace

[Road Runner]

Hello Sir Beefy,

We ain't seen enough of you round 'ere recently  

I had an attempt at opening an account with Herself's local bank (Bank of Ayudhaya) but they would not play.
Figured as they knew her and me it would be easier.

As I understand it you are supposed to live in Thailand to get a Thai account.
As Stogie says though it varies from bank to bank... season to season..... if the moon is full and how sick the buffalo is......


TIT  !!      


RR.


PS.  You know that witha Nationwide Flexaccount debit card that you don't pay any charges on ATM withdrawals abroad
and you get the local exchange rate!  

[moe666]

Beefy hook up with a girl and try her bank if no luck as Stogie say just start hitting the branches.

This is the same story on Thai Visa.

[mardhi]

Beefy for the price of a beer - I will get you a savings account at Siam Commercial Bank if you want one - but really its not required (and i just read your PM) - lets talk offline but if your in any doubt about opening one ask Monkeyman

Cheers
Mardhi

[PigDogg]

Below is a New York telephone number and an email address for Bangkok Bank:


New York Branch
Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom, SVP, Branch Manager

Bangkok Bank PCL New York Branch
29 Broadway, 20th Floor, New York
NY 10006
Tel: (1-212) 422-8200
Fax: (1-212) 422-0728
Swift: BKKB US 33
Telex023) 175459 BKBK UT
E-mail: [email protected]
FED Routing No: 026008691
CHIPS ABA: 0869

[Bit Beefy]

(Road Runner @ Oct. 08 2007,06:46) Hello Sir Beefy,

We ain't seen enough of you round 'ere recently  

I had an attempt at opening an account with Herself's local bank (Bank of Ayudhaya) but they would not play.
Figured as they knew her and me it would be easier.

As I understand it you are supposed to live in Thailand to get a Thai account.
As Stogie says though it varies from bank to bank... season to season..... if the moon is full and how sick the buffalo is......


TIT  !!      


RR.


PS.  You know that witha Nationwide Flexaccount debit card that you don't pay any charges on ATM withdrawals abroad
and you get the local exchange rate!  

i know, im a baad baad man, i would love to spend more time on here but i know it would send me mad lol.. I havent been there since this time last year... its my longest break since i started frequenting the place that is my second home lol...

i had a look at nationwide and they want u to switch everything over to them and im not gona leave my bank to them

[Bit Beefy]

(moe666 @ Oct. 08 2007,07:52) Beefy hook up with a girl and try her bank if no luck as Stogie say just start hitting the branches.

This is the same story on Thai Visa.

Hook up with a Girl lol.. And put my money in her account lol... Noooooo way sir no way, so she can go fix the sick goats up north lol no taaaa

[Bit Beefy]

(mardhi @ Oct. 08 2007,09:56) Beefy for the price of a beer - I will get you a savings account at Siam Commercial Bank if you want one - but really its not required (and i just read your PM) - lets talk offline but if your in any doubt about opening one ask Monkeyman     

Cheers
Mardhi

I will by you not one, not two but three beers Mard lol... What do i need what do i need what do i need...

But you dont rckon its required? Tell me more lol

Leme know when u can talk sir