Thai Bank Account

[ben99 0]

On my first day in Pattaya, I wish to open up a basic Thai bank account.

 

I can then deposit say, 50000 baht, incase my English cards and travelers cheques get pinched.

 

1. Which banks will allow me to do this in Pattaya?

 

2. Is my Passport and 60 day tourist Visa sufficent?

 

3. Do they issue an ATM card on the spot? If not, how long is the wait and can I pick it up at the bank?

 

Many thanks.

[biggles 509]

the letter of the law says that You need to have a valid visa and you need to get a letter from immigration before the bank will allow you to open an account. some people have opened accounts without one, even met a guy who opened one on a 30 day visa-free entry, but these are rare exceptions.

[The_Fat_Controller 25]

Bangkok Bank.

I and many others have opened a basic account with just a 30 day stamp in my passport.

I got a Passbook and ATM card (you choose your own PIN at the time of issue).

They gave me some SWIFT code information as well, so if I need to transfer money from the UK I have all the info available.

I opened my account at the main office on Silom Road in Bangkok, but others have done so in Pattaya.

It took about 30 minutes to get it ALL done, and I got a free bag as well !

[ben99 0]

Thanks

Edited February 6, 2006 by ben99

[Aussie_20 0]

Bangkok Bank.

I and many others have opened a basic account with just a 30 day stamp in my passport.

I got a Passbook and ATM card (you choose your own PIN at the time of issue).

They gave me some SWIFT code information as well, so if I need to transfer money from the UK I have all the info available.

I opened my account at the main office on Silom Road in Bangkok, but others have done so in Pattaya.

It took about 30 minutes to get it ALL done, and I got a free bag as well !

What are the fees and charges like?

[deanjames 0]

I too have to open an account in the next couple of weeks, is there a minimum opening amount to be deposited?

 

Thanks

[Eneukman 1]

Bangkok Bank.

I and many others have opened a basic account with just a 30 day stamp in my passport.

I got a Passbook and ATM card (you choose your own PIN at the time of issue).

They gave me some SWIFT code information as well, so if I need to transfer money from the UK I have all the info available.

I opened my account at the main office on Silom Road in Bangkok, but others have done so in Pattaya.

It took about 30 minutes to get it ALL done, and I got a free bag as well !

I did the same at the Pratamnak Road branch in Pattaya (the extension of 2nd Road heading towards Jomtien) though I had to wait a week to get my card.

 

I tend to use an ATM operated by Siam Commercial Bank and get charged 20 (or sometimes 23) baht. No other fees and no charge if I use the ATM outside the branch though as it would cost me 20 baht to go there and back I just go for the convenience of a nearby ATM.

 

Anyone know of the nearest Bangkok Bank ATM to View Talay 2?

 

Alan

[ben99 0]

What is the maximum amount of baht, a tourist should have deposted in basic Thai bank account?

 

I reckon 50000 baht, just incase one loses everything!

 

But is this to much??

[BillWilson 10]

Down stairs at Big C on 2nd road

Kachakorn (sp) Bank

looks like a walk up only

is a small office inside to right

walked in w/ passport (us)

gave 4000b

walked out w/ visa electron, passbook and code to wire

30 minutes

have used card and deposited no problem

has english website and banking

[Aussie_20 0]

Down stairs at Big C on 2nd road

Kachakorn (sp) Bank

looks like a walk up only

is a small office inside to right

walked in w/ passport (us)

gave 4000b

walked out w/ visa electron, passbook and code to wire

30 minutes

have used card and deposited no problem

has english website and banking

Do you have the website address for the bank?

[deanjames 0]

Down stairs at Big C on 2nd road

Kachakorn (sp) Bank

looks like a walk up only

is a small office inside to right

walked in w/ passport (us)

gave 4000b

walked out w/ visa electron, passbook and code to wire

30 minutes

have used card and deposited no problem

has english website and banking

 

Is that on the right handside of the left corridoor into big C? i think i know the place

did you use a UK address for the registration?

 

I dont have a permanent address in thailand at present but can use my dads if needed.

I'm also a part owner in a thai company/property, will they need the details on this?

Edited February 6, 2006 by deanjames

[ben99 0]

Yes, what address does a tourist give?

 

What if your staying in standard hotel? Is that acceptable?

[Eneukman 1]

Yes, what address does a tourist give?

 

What if your staying in standard hotel? Is that acceptable?

I used my hotel address when I opened my account in November 2004. By the way, you wouldn't believe the form I had to fill in to change my address!!!! Suppose it keeps someone in a job.

 

Alan

[jackcorbett 2]

I opened an account with Siam Commercial Banks, and the reason was I was buying a condo, went through a Thai lawyer, and a Siam Commercial branch was across from his office. Bankok Bank would normally be a little more convenient for me as it is closer. However, from what I have seen this branch (near Soi Six on 2nd road) is busier than the Siam Commercial Bank branch down practically across from Topps. so I would think I'm going to get better service there. But I rarely have to go to a bank now as ATM allows me to get a lot of money from my account at one time. Opening an account cost me a minimal amount.

[The_Fat_Controller 25]

What are the fees and charges like?

Just found the paperwork from when I opened the account.

Total cost was 300 Baht to open it.

It was 100 for the ATM card itself, which is valid for 10 years.

The other 200 is the annual card fee.

Withdrawal fees are 20 Baht if you do not use your home branch, so if I use the Bangkok Bank in Pattaya I get charged, I think it is to do with what Province you are in.

I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

 

Regarding my edit, checked on the web, had the numbers (100/200) the wrong way round.

The card is a Visa Electron, which doubles as a charge card.

Edited February 7, 2006 by The_Fat_Controller

[Chivas 0]

What is the maximum amount of baht, a tourist should have deposted in basic Thai bank account?

 

I reckon 50000 baht, just incase one loses everything!

 

But is this to much??

Ben,

 

Personal circumstances will dictate how much someone can keep in a Thai Bank account but IMHO and from personal experience,regular visitors should keep 500k in an account just in case the shight ever hits the fan (as in my case when insurance refused to pay citing major existing condition)

 

Thats not going to be possible for everyone but I believe its the minimum if you should ever have to god forbid engage lawyers services etc.

 

Credit cards are great except for the one time you really need them and the cards U/S for some reason.

 

Chivas

Edited February 7, 2006 by Chivas

[ben99 0]

Ben,

 

Personal circumstances will dictate how much someone can keep in a Thai Bank account but IMHO and from personal experience,regular visitors should keep 500k in an account just in case the shight ever hits the fan (as in my case when insurance refused to pay citing major existing condition)

 

Thats not going to be possible for everyone but I believe its the minimum if you should ever have to god forbid engage lawyers services etc.

 

Credit cards are great except for the one time you really need them and the cards U/S for some  reason.

 

Chivas

Hi Chivas

 

500k?

 

Is that:

 

£500000

 

or

 

£5000

 

or

 

£500

 

I can afford to deposit £500 but not much more! Only a poor English man, I am!

Edited February 7, 2006 by ben99

[Chivas 0]

Hi,

 

500,000 Baht

 

Chivas

[Eneukman 1]

Ben,

 

Personal circumstances will dictate how much someone can keep in a Thai Bank account but IMHO and from personal experience,regular visitors should keep 500k in an account just in case the shight ever hits the fan (as in my case when insurance refused to pay citing major existing condition)

 

Thats not going to be possible for everyone but I believe its the minimum if you should ever have to god forbid engage lawyers services etc.

 

Credit cards are great except for the one time you really need them and the cards U/S for some reason.

 

Chivas

Good point, Chivas. I have high blood pressure though it's fully under control thanks to the pills I take. However, I would not be covered if I were to have a stroke or something else allied to high blood pressure.

 

I'd better keep taking the pills.

 

Alan