Opening a Bank Account in Thailand

By Jules and Chris, 18 August 2006

At first glance it seems as though this is a complicated process, but it’s really quite simple if you take it step by step.

1. Obtain a residency certificate
2. Go to the bank and open a savings account

To obtain a residency certificate you must visit your local immigration office:

Bangkok: 507 Soi SuanPlu, Sathorn Tai Road (see map)

Pattaya: Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Road

Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai International Airport, 71 Sanambin Road

Visit the Thai Immigration Bureau website for more information about local offices.

You will need to have the following documents:

• Passport, plus a photocopy of the photo page, the page(s) with your visa and most recent entry stamp on, and your form TM6 (the departure card)
• Two passport photos
• A bill or other “official” document with your name and address on it, plus a photocopy of this document.
• Application form for residency certificate (available at the Immigration Office)

Armed with all the above, you hand the lot in and pay a 200 baht service charge. You then receive the certificate about half an hour later.

Once you have the residency certificate, opening a bank account is very simple. Just go to the bank, tell them you want to open a savings account (there doesn’t seem to be any other option for those without long-term residence status) hand over the certificate, sign a couple of forms, show your passport, deposit 1,000 baht to kick-start the account, pay 300 baht for the ATM card, and Bob’s your uncle. You now have a Thai bank account. Easy peasy. I don’t know why it took us two years to get around to it.