I am american. can i open a bank account in thailand without having a work permit?

Question

I am american. can i open a bank account in thailand without having a work permit?

Answer 1

I did. I needed a passport and a Thai address. it can be the address of your Thai Friend. best to take a Thai friend with you.

They will not send mail to your address, You will get an ATM card, for a fee, and a pass book. Every ATM m/c except the one of the original branch will charge a fee of 20 Baht

Answer 2

I did while I was on a tourist Visa but my family has prematurely gray hair so at the time maybe they thought I was a retiree.  

Edit: Siam Commercial Bank

Answer 3

Yes you can.  Just have your passport and I recommend a Thai friend go with you.  I know at Bangkok Bank where I bank the rule is that you need a Thai person to recommend you.  However, I have two accounts with them and the first time I open an account I didn't need someone, the second time I did.  It seems the rules are different between banks and who you talk to in the bank.  So if one bank tells you no, just go to another.  This is the LOS.

I don't know what bank Gavin banks with but if you open an account in Bangkok you don't pay a 20 baht fee unless you use it outside of Bangkok.  So it is best to own the account in a area  your going to use the card in the most.

Answer 4

The easiest place to open a bank account with no work permit is Kasikorn Bank (neon green colored bank) which has branches and ATM's everywhere.

Walk in with a passport and some small cash to open you account and that is all you need.

Answer 5

I'm sure these people are telling the truth but I've taught at several banks and the staff have always told me that you do need a work permit.Something to do with money laundering apparently.Hate to cloud the issue.