A Thai bank account: walk into the branch with a complete file

Don't count on it. KBank, for example, states that it does not open accounts on a tourist visa, visa on arrival or visa exemption — it needs a non-immigrant visa. We can help you choose one.

KBank treats the DTV as a travel visa and does not open accounts for DTV holders. Other banks have their own rules, and they change, so we check the current position before your visit. If you need an account to live in Thailand, we can discuss changing your visa.

Not at Bangkok Bank: it opens accounts only when you visit a branch in Thailand in person. We prepare your documents in advance so you arrive with a complete file.

At KBank: a DBD certificate no older than 3 months, the BOJ.5 shareholder list, and passports of the authorised directors, signatories and shareholders with 15% or more. At Bangkok Bank: a certificate no older than 1 month and board minutes approving the account and naming the signatories. At KBank the payment signatory must visit a branch within 15 days of the application.

Under Bank of Thailand measures, banks set a daily transfer limit for individual customers on mobile and internet banking based on their profile: up to 50,000 THB, up to 200,000 THB, or higher. A new customer the bank does not yet know well may start at the lowest level. You can ask for a higher limit at a branch or through the call centre; the bank may ask for documents such as a work permit or a salary slip.

Yes, an FCD account. Terms differ by bank: at KBank a non-resident needs at least 5,000 USD for an FCD savings account and pays 10 USD a month if the balance falls below that. At Krungsri an individual can open an FCD account from 100 USD. You can deposit foreign cash of up to 15,000 USD a day, or up to the amount on your customs declaration.

Baht deposits are protected by the Deposit Protection Agency up to 1 million THB per depositor per bank. If a bank loses its licence, the payout is made within 30 days. Foreign currency (FCD) deposits are not covered.

Since 1 April 2026, to withdraw 5 million THB or more in cash at a branch you must confirm your identity and occupation and explain the purpose, with documents if you have them. Otherwise the bank will not pay out the cash. Transfers of the same amount go through as normal, and the account is not frozen.

No. Opening an account or letting it be used for illegal transactions carries up to 3 years in prison, a fine of up to 300,000 THB, or both. Anyone arranging the sale, purchase or rental of accounts faces 2 to 5 years, a fine of 200,000–500,000 THB, or both. Banks block electronic channels on mule accounts and may refuse the owner a new account, personal or corporate.

Yes — for example, a foreign currency account at KBank. You need the certificate of registration, articles of association (if any), a resolution to open the account, the shareholder list and passports of the directors, authorised persons and shareholders with 15% or more. Documents must be in Thai or English or come with a certified translation, and be certified by a notary public at the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.