How to open a Thai bank account -

Here’s a summary of what up-to-date about how to open a Thai bank account as a foreigner in 2025, and what requirements most banks are asking for.

What’s Changed Recently

Banks in Thailand have tightened requirements for foreigners opening accounts due to anti-money-laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulation.

Tourist visas (visa exempt, visa on arrival, short-term tourist visa) are generally no longer accepted by most major banks for opening new accounts.

Eligible visa types now include long-stay / non-immigrant visas: work visa (Non-Immigrant B), retirement visa, marriage visa (Non-Immigrant O / O-X / O-A), possibly student visas (Non-Immigrant ED) depending on bank branch.

Documents Usually Required

Here are the common documents you’ll need to provide:

Document Purpose / Notes
Valid passport (with current visa) Identification. Must have valid long-stay visa in many cases.
Valid long-term visa or non-immigrant visa To show legal status in Thailand. Tourist visas mostly excluded.
Proof of address in Thailand Could be a lease agreement, utility bill, certificate of residence from immigration, or Thai driver’s license.
Work permit / proof of employment (if applicable) For work visa holders. If not working, sometimes alternative documents (marriage certificate, school letter etc.) are accepted.
Supporting letters or documents Eg. letter from employer, school/university, embassy, or marriage certificate if on marriage visa.
Thai phone number Banks often ask for a mobile phone registered in Thailand, for contact / verification.
Initial deposit Amount varies by bank; could be a few hundred to some thousand baht.

Steps / Process

Check in advance with the specific bank branch you plan to use, because requirements can vary by bank and by branch. Some branches are more flexible than others.

Go in person to the bank (most banks require in-branch application for foreigners).

Bring all original documents + copies: passport, visa, address proof, whichever supporting documents you have.

Fill in the account-opening form. Some banks provide English or bilingual forms; sometimes staff may speak English.

Make the initial deposit. You’ll usually get a bank book/passbook, ATM or debit card. Also set up online banking/SMS verification if available.

Things to Watch Out For / Tips

Be sure your visa status is acceptable. If you’re only on a tourist visa, most banks now reject applications.

Proof of residence is critical, and can be the thing that trips people up. Sometimes banks want a “Residence Certificate” from immigration.

Having extra documents (employer letters, school letters, embassy letters) helps.

Be polite, well prepared, ask for English-speaking staff if needed. Some branches accept foreigners more easily (for example big branches in Bangkok or branches used to dealing with expats).

Phone number registration: some banks require your Sim card / mobile number to match your bank account name or otherwise verify.

Document	Purpose / Notes
Valid passport (with current visa)	Identification. Must have valid long-stay visa in many cases.
Valid long-term visa or non-immigrant visa	To show legal status in Thailand. Tourist visas mostly excluded.
Proof of address in Thailand	Could be a lease agreement, utility bill, certificate of residence from immigration, or Thai driver’s license.
Work permit / proof of employment (if applicable)	For work visa holders. If not working, sometimes alternative documents (marriage certificate, school letter etc.) are accepted.
Supporting letters or documents	Eg. letter from employer, school/university, embassy, or marriage certificate if on marriage visa.
Thai phone number	Banks often ask for a mobile phone registered in Thailand, for contact / verification.
Initial deposit	Amount varies by bank; could be a few hundred to some thousand baht.