Banking in Thailand

[Sved]

Most banks accept joint accounts. Just make sure they are not co signed, its the perfect solution as she can access the money if she looses the card

Pailin. In theory any bank that accepts u should accept joint account, no?

[GkapiBreath]

It sounds like maybe a joint account with Thai bank would be a better idea. Then she could have an ATM card issued in her name instead of walking around using a farang's ATM card.

I'm sure she would prefer her own card. But how would you replenish the account? Wire transfer fees can be pretty expensive.

[bigbubba]

I'm sure she would prefer her own card. But how would you replenish the account? Wire transfer fees can be pretty expensive.

My bank charges a flat fee of $35 for International transfers whether it's $10 or $10,000. I could make quarterly deposits and this wouldn't be an unmanagable sum. It would also let me observe how good she is at managing money.

[digitaldivergence]

I just opened an Account in Feb 2009 with the Bangkok Bank and I do not have a working visa in Thailand - being based in Singapore. The rules had changed slightly from some of the advice here ... even when I went into the bank with a very influential thai friend - they would not ignore their policies.

I had to go to my embassy (UK in my case on wireless road) and have them sign a letter in a format that the bank gave me, to confirm that I was indeed a citizen of the UK.
Be warned - you have to collect the letter the next day and there is small charge.

I then had to go to the Head Quarters of the Bangkok bank on Silom Rd, as this was the only place that would let me open an account - I had tried many others.

So with a letter from the UK embassy and passport - and I think i had several documents proving an address i was able to get a savings account with ATM card and VISA debit. However annoyingly they would not let a non visa holder have internet banking ..... have yet to find a way around that one.

Regards

Marc

[MK]

Hi Marc,

Is there a minimum sum in order to open an a/c?

You mentioned you had to "prove an an address". Was it your residence in Singapore or Bangkok? What kind of documents was needed for this "proof"?

My Thai friends said that foreigners can open an a/c without a working visa but that'll depend on the branch manager. But they were not too sure on more details.

So appreciate any advice