Open a Bank Account in Thailand in 2023 | Siam Legal International (2024)

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in Thailand

Opening Thai bank account online offers several benefits but foreigners often find themselves having a difficult time opening one or are unsure of what they need to be eligible for an account.

Siam Legal offers and provides assistance for a smooth and hassle-free way in opening a bank account in Thailand.

Available Bank Accounts for Foreigners

You may open one of the following bank accounts, depending on the type of visa you are holding:

  • Savings account
  • Current account
  • Fixed-term account
  • Foreign currency account

Savings account is the only option available for tourists who wish to open a bank account in Thailand.

Benefits

  • You will receive assistance in opening up a savings bank account
  • You will receive a Bankbook and a debit/ATM card
  • Application for online banking will be subject to the approval of the bank manager. Tourists will be required to purchase insurance at the bank to activate online banking.

Eligibility

  • Applicants who are currently on visa exemption stamps or short-stay visas
  • Applicants who are currently in Thailand on a non-immigrant visa or extension of stay

Requirements

  • Passport
  • Guarantee letter (to be provided by Siam Legal)
  • Work permit and embassy letter are not required

Process

After you have made the payment, our staff will contact you to arrange an appointment in our office and to arrange the opening of a bank account.

Opening a Bank Account in Bangkok
(Service not available at this time)

Our service fee is 5,000.00 THB + 7% VAT for opening a Thai savings account in Bangkok. Additional fee such as insurance fee may be required by the bank.

Opening a Bank Account in Chiang Mai

Our service fee for opening a local currency account in Chiang Mai is 5,000 THB. Additional fee such as insurance fee may be required by the bank.

Opening a Bank Account in phu*ket

Our service fee for opening a local currency account in phu*ket is 10,000 THB. Additional fee for immigration and insurance at the bank will be paid separately.

Opening a Corporate Bank Account

Siam Legal International also offers opening of a corporate bank account service. Listed below are the minimum requirements for setting up the bank account.

Corporate Bank Account (Thai Company)

List of Requirements:

  • Documents related to juristic persons such as Certificate of the Company Registration verifying names of directors, managing partners, and authorized directors (dated not more than one month previously)
  • Identity documents and House Registration of authorized person(s) such as Citizen ID card or any other ID cards
  • Certificate of Shareholder Registration (Bor Or Jor 3), certifying the company seal or any amended registration details (Bor Or Jor 4)
  • Letter of Authority from authorized person(s) on behalf of the juristic person (if the other person is an authorized representative to withdraw funds)
  • Identity documents and House Registration of an authorized representative to withdraw funds such as Citizen ID card or any other ID cards
  • Minutes of the Board Meeting authorizing the opening of the account and designating the signatories for payments with a company seal (if any)

Corporate Bank Account (Companies Registered Overseas)

List of Requirements:

  • Minutes and Board Meeting authorizing the opening of the account and designating the signatories for payments and closure of the account.
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Articles and Memorandum of Association
  • Power of Attorney and Passport of the grantee (required in case the signatory is not a director of the company)
  • Passport of the directors and authorized persons. If a shareholder holds more than 25% of company shares

Note: All company documents (every page) must be verified by a Notary Public and attested by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in the country where the company is registered. However, the time between the date of issue and the expiry date must not exceed six months.

For the quotation of fees for opening a corporate bank account, please do not hesitate to contact our Corporate Section for more information or contact us here.

Open a Bank Account in Thailand in 2023 | Siam Legal International (1)

Call Us:

Local Office Numbers:
Bangkok: 02-254-8900
phu*ket: 084-021-9800
Chiang Mai: 053-818-306
Pattaya: 084-021-9800
International Numbers:
US: 1 (877) 252-8831
Thailand: +66 2254-8900

Sure, based on the provided text about opening a bank account in Thailand, let's break down the concepts and terms mentioned:

Types of Bank Accounts for Foreigners in Thailand:

  1. Savings Account: Available to tourists and holders of certain visas. This is the primary option for foreigners.
  2. Current Account: Likely for residents or long-term visa holders.
  3. Fixed-Term Account: Presumably for fixed deposits.
  4. Foreign Currency Account: Allows holding foreign currencies.

Benefits of Opening a Thai Bank Account:

  • Assistance Provided: Support from Siam Legal for a hassle-free account opening.
  • Documents Provided: Bankbook, debit/ATM card.
  • Online Banking: Subject to bank manager approval; requires purchasing insurance at the bank for activation.

Eligibility:

  • Visa Types: Visa exemption stamps, short-stay visas, non-immigrant visas, or extensions of stay.

Requirements:

  • Passport: Essential identification.
  • Guarantee Letter: Provided by Siam Legal.
  • Work Permit Not Required: Unlike some countries, work permits aren't mandatory.
  • Embassy Letter Not Required: Certain visas may not need embassy support.

Process:

  • Payment: Upon payment, Siam Legal arranges an office appointment for the account opening.

Opening Bank Accounts in Different Locations:

  • Bangkok: Service not currently available; service fee and potential additional bank fees mentioned.
  • Chiang Mai: Fee for opening a local currency account specified.
  • phu*ket: Different fee structure; immigration and insurance fees may apply separately.

Corporate Bank Account Requirements:

  • Thai Company:
    • Various documents related to the company's registration, director information, identity documents, etc.
  • Companies Registered Overseas:
    • Similar requirements but involving documentation related to overseas registration.

Contact Information:

  • Local Office Numbers: Provided for Bangkok, phu*ket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya.
  • International Numbers: US and Thailand contact numbers available.

Service Fees:

  • For Individual Accounts: Fees vary based on location and account type.
  • For Corporate Accounts: Contact for a quotation; verification and attestation by appropriate authorities are needed.

This comprehensive breakdown encompasses the types of accounts, their benefits, eligibility criteria, necessary documents, location-specific services, corporate account requirements, and contact details for assistance.

Open a Bank Account in Thailand in 2023 | Siam Legal International (2024)

FAQs

Open a Bank Account in Thailand in 2023 | Siam Legal International? ›

Unfortunately, Foreigners in possession of a Tourist Visa are not eligible to open a bank account in Thailand. Only those with a long-term visa (such as a Thailand Privilege Visa or LTR Visa) are allowed to open a bank account in the country.

Can a foreign national open a bank account in Thailand? ›

Unfortunately, Foreigners in possession of a Tourist Visa are not eligible to open a bank account in Thailand. Only those with a long-term visa (such as a Thailand Privilege Visa or LTR Visa) are allowed to open a bank account in the country.

Do I need a work permit to open a bank account in Thailand? ›

Required Documents to Open a Thai Bank Account

Your visa – either a three-year non-immigrant visa for business, non-immigrant visa (O-A long-stay visa), non-immigrant B visa for business or work, or a work permit. Your passport. Proof that you're living here in Thailand such as a lease or rental agreement.

Which bank is best for foreigners to open in Thailand? ›

Kasikorn Bank
  • Kasikorn Bank.
  • Bangkok Bank.
  • Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)
  • United Overseas Bank (UOB)
  • CIMB.
Oct 16, 2023

Can you open a bank account if you don t live in the country? ›

Yes, you can. The process might be a bit complicated for non-citizens, but it's not impossible. Whether it's for business, travel, or personal reasons, setting up a US bank account will be worth the trouble. Banking in the US has many advantages.

Can a US citizen open a bank account in Thailand? ›

Depending on whether you already have the required documents, opening a bank account in Thailand may take some time. To get started, you'll need: Non-immigrant visa or proof of your purpose of being in Thailand (such as a work permit if you're working, or a letter from your school if you're studying)

Can a non resident foreigner open a bank account in Thailand? ›

In principle, a foreigner who has no proof of residence in Thailand can only open a non-resident bank account; however, some Thai-based banks may, depending on their internal policy and discretion, accommodate requests from non-resident customers in opening a resident account with no proof of residence.

How to open bank account online in Thailand? ›

Now you are ready for your financial transactions.
  1. Select “Open a Bangkok Bank account”
  2. Read the product details and select “Next”
  3. Take a photo of your Citizen ID card, review it and select “Next”
  4. Enter your Citizen ID card information and select “Next”
  5. Enter your mobile number and select “Confirm”

What does a foreigner need to open a bank account? ›

Verifying your identity will be different depending on the bank or credit union, but it typically involves providing the following: Photo ID. Eligible documents to prove your name and birth date include an unexpired passport, an alien registration card and a foreign driver's license. Proof of address.

Can I open a bank account with a tourist visa? ›

However, you likely will need to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another ID number. Can a tourist open a U.S. bank account? Yes, a tourist from another country can open a U.S. bank account.

What US banks are in Thailand? ›

Foreign banks (North American)
  • American Express Bank.
  • BofA Securities.
  • Citibank Thailand.
  • JPMorgan Chase.

Does Thailand have bank of America? ›

Global Presence

If you're doing business in Thailand, you can draw on the bank's 60-plus years of on-the-ground experience in delivering world-class solutions in Asia Pacific.

Is your money safe in a Thai bank? ›

The Thai Savings Guarantee protects up to a maximum of ฿1 million baht per person per bank. The guarantee only applies to funds in Thai Baht, not to other currencies or e-currencies.

What is the easiest country to open a non resident bank account? ›

Which Countries Are Ideal for Setting Up an Offshore Bank Account?
  1. Switzerland. Switzerland is a popular choice for opening offshore accounts for several reasons. ...
  2. Hong Kong. ...
  3. Cayman Islands. ...
  4. Germany. ...
  5. Belize. ...
  6. Singapore.
Feb 15, 2024

Which bank is best for undocumented immigrants? ›

Credit unions and banks that don't require Social Security numbers to open an account
  • Bank of America.
  • Chase.
  • Wells Fargo.
  • Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
  • Self-Help Federal Credit Union.
  • Latino Credit Union.
Jan 25, 2024

Which bank does not require SSN? ›

Where Can I Open a Bank Account Without an SSN? The banks that allow undocumented immigrants are the following: Wells Fargo, PNC, U.S. Bank, BMO Harris, Alliant Credit Union, Bank of America, HSCB, TD Bank, among others.

What is needed to open a bank account in Thailand for foreigners? ›

Proof of Thai residency (Thai residence permit, utility bill, rental agreement etc.) Proof of residency in your home country (utility bill, bank statement, driver's license, etc.) Proof of property ownership in Thailand. Letter of reference from your embassy, your home bank, or a Thai educational institution.

How easy is it to open a bank account in Thailand? ›

Naturally, you'll need to visit your branch to complete the process. Once you're a bank customer, you may be able to open other basic accounts online. As long as you bring all of the branch's required documents, your account should only take around an hour or so to open.

What is the easiest country to open a bank account as a foreigner? ›

Which Countries Are Ideal for Setting Up an Offshore Bank Account?
  1. Switzerland. Switzerland is a popular choice for opening offshore accounts for several reasons. ...
  2. Hong Kong. ...
  3. Cayman Islands. ...
  4. Germany. ...
  5. Belize. ...
  6. Singapore.
Feb 15, 2024

Can foreigners get credit card with Bangkok Bank? ›

You can apply for a credit card immediately at any Bangkok Bank branch by bringing the following documents: A Citizen ID card, or passport and work permit for a foreigner.

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