Opening a Thai bank account was once the easiest thing an expat did all month. Tighter compliance has changed that, especially on a tourist visa, but a local account still makes life here cheaper and dramatically simpler, so it is worth the afternoon.

Why you actually want one

  • Cheaper transfers: receive international money directly in THB.
  • PromptPay: pay and get paid with just a phone number.
  • Visa requirements: retirement and marriage visas need funds in a Thai bank.
  • Direct debits: rent and utilities on autopilot.

What to bring

  • Passport, original, six months' validity or more.
  • Thai visa, a non-immigrant visa makes everything easier.
  • Proof of Thai address, rental contract, hotel letter or TM30.
  • Embassy letter, required by some branches, around £50 from the British Embassy.
  • Work permit, bring it if you have one.
  • Opening deposit, 500 to 1,000 THB.

The banks worth trying

Bangkok Bank

The most foreigner-friendly, with a dedicated international section. The Silom and Sukhumvit branches are the reliable ones, the app is decent and PromptPay is supported.

Kasikornbank (KBank)

The best mobile app by some distance (K PLUS), popular with younger expats and digital nomads, and rarely insists on an embassy letter.

SCB and Krungsri

SCB has the widest branch network; Krungsri is the better bet for Pattaya, Hua Hin and Phuket.

How the visit goes

  1. Pick a large branch in an established expat area.
  2. Bring every document you own, not just the ones listed.
  3. Dress presentably, long trousers, a clean shirt.
  4. Ask for a savings account (บัญชีออมทรัพย์).
  5. Set up mobile banking and PromptPay before you leave the counter.

When they say no

  • "Cannot, tourist visa": try another branch. Bangkok Bank Silom and KBank Sukhumvit are the soft touches.
  • "Need embassy letter": about £50 from the British Embassy, or simply try Kasikornbank instead.
  • "Need a Thai number": grab a SIM first (AIS, DTAC or TrueMove at the airport).
Funding the new account from the UK?
Wise pays straight into a Thai account at the mid-market rate, usually the cheapest way to get pounds into baht once you are set up.
See the Wise rate

Once the account exists, the next question is usually the visa it unlocks, our retirement visa guide explains how the deposit and income methods work in practice.