Ladyhawk

It's been a few years since I opened a savings account at a bank in Thailand. At the time, it was a fairly easy thing to do at Bank of Ayudhya, Thai Farmer's Bank and some branches of Krungthai Bank -- all of whom offered ATM cards as well. Since then, with the fear of terrorism, etc., I have read that it has become far more difficult for Westerners to simply walk in and open bank accounts in Thailand, making my already existing account potentially precious.

Alas! As the bank deducts maintenance fees from my account each year, and as I watch the balance dwindle closer and closer to zero without my returning to Thailand to replenish the bottom line figure, I wonder if I should, perhaps, fanagle a way to maintain the balance in my account for fear that I may never be able to open another one. Does anhbody know: Is opening a new bank account in Thailand a worry these days, or do Westerners who are not living and working there still have a fairly easy time of simply walking into a bank and opening an account?

MichaelBKK

Opening a savings account at the major banks (BAY, Kasikorn and Bangkok Bank) is still relatively easy, although there are some branches that may not want to deal with you.

Checking accounts and credit cards are still restricted to work permit holders.

Why don't you transfer some money into your account from your US(?) bank?

Ladyhawk

Thanks for the reply, Michael. Yes, I'm thinking to transfer a bit of money from my US bank in order to keep the Thai bank account open. My other thought is to possibly send a traveler's check made out to me on the "pay to the order of" line, writing "deposit only to account" with my account number on the back. That ought to work.

It's just that I remember how ecomplicated things can become in SEA if you assume a western approach and don't literally show up in person with passport in hand.

HAHAHAHA. Oh well! 'Not much to lose in trying, I suppose. Thanks for your input.

JamesA

I would not send Traveller Checks. Your local bank should be able to transfer to that account easily.

Guenmai

I definitely wouldn't give up your account if I were you. I was in BK, in Dec 2006/Jan 2007 and my branch of Bangkok Bank had a big sign up explaining the new requirements for foreigners of which if I had to open a first-time account now, I wouldn't meet the requirements. However, the sign did say that if one has previously had an account with Bangkok Bank, then it's possible to open an account. I already have an account that I got about one year prior to the sign going up. Bank rules are changing in various countries. Happy Travels!