After enduring months of extortionate withdrawal fees in Thailand, not to mention problems with numerous ATMs not accepting my card(s), the time had come to get a Thai bank account.

I would have done this years ago, except each bank I tried – when I lived outside of Bangkok – said I needed a work permit, a different visa or some other documentation I didn’t have. However, I knew from speaking to others that requirements differed from province to branch, so I kept trying…

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How to Get a Thai Bank Account

Things are a hell of a lot easier in Thailand when you have costless ATM access at all times, but for some this is harder to achieve than others.

For example, if you have a retirement visa then access to the Thai banking system is a given, as it for those with a work permit. But for those with other staying conditions, like a Non O Visa based on marriage, or simple a 6-month tourist visa, I have documented my experiences with the various banks and their requirements in a list below, and the experiences of other readers who’ve generously reported back in the comments section.

Since starting this ‘live’ post many moons ago, it seems that the overwhelming consensus is that Bangkok Bank is the most friendly bank when it comes to opening accounts for foreigners, in terms of not being fussed over whether you have a work permit or not.

It would be awesome if you can let me know what banking arrangements you sorted out and on what visa status it was based. This will save other readers time and help them find the most farang-friendly branches, so to speak. I will then add the information to the list below.

1. Kasikorn Bank (K-Bank)

Requirements:

Individuals who have base in foreign countries:

• Passport
• Temporary work permit in Thailand

Reader Experiences:

*Reader update from Steve: I opened a Kasikorn account (Central World branch) with a passport and a Non-Immigrant O visa based on marriage to a Thai. No condo ownership and no WP required.

2. UOB Bank

Requirements:

Individual Non-Resident Account:

• A copy of passport, and
• A copy of work permit for Thailand

3. CitiBank

Requirements:

• Passport and Work Permit
• Or a minimum 1-year apartment contract

4. SCB

Requirements:

Non-Resident accounts are for:

• Branches or representative offices of Thai corporations established in countries outside Thailand.
• Tourists and other overseas visitors.
• Foreigners temporarily working in Thailand.
• Foreign government agencies, including embassies, consulates, or specialized UN agencies such as ESCAP, FAO, UNICEF, etc.
• International organizations or institutions located in Thailand, but established by the government of the country to which such organizations belong.

Note: No specific requirements are listed, though the implication is that any non-resident can open an account.

Some ask for very little other than a passport and Cash to Deposit the more cash you deposit the more easy it is to open the account.