Thai Bank Accounts
How British expats, retirees, workers and property buyers open and run a Thai bank account in 2026: which visa you need, the documents banks ask for, and the accounts that suit each situation.
bank compared
2026 bank rules
in Thailand
Guides in this section
View all International Banking guides →
Opening a Thai Bank Account as a Foreigner
Who can open one in 2026, what to bring, and how the day goes.
Read the guide →
Thai Bank Accounts for Retirees
The ฿800,000 rule, seasoning, bank letters and pensions.
Read the guide →
Thai Bank Accounts for Working Expats
Salary accounts, work permits and sending money home.
Read the guide →
Thai Bank Accounts for Property Buyers
FET forms, condo purchases and moving large sums.
Read the guide →
Documents Commonly Requested by Thai Banks
Residence certificates, TM30, SIMs and letters explained.
Read the guide →Need Personalised Financial Advice?
Speak to our team for tailored guidance on travel money, banking and managing your finances in Thailand.
Insurance for Thailand
Get covered before you go — quotes for visitors, expats and businesses, arranged through our team.
Thai Banks for Foreigners at a Glance
The five banks British expats use most, what each needs to open a savings account, and the visas they usually accept. Branch managers have discretion, so treat this as a starting point.
Read the Account Opening Guide →| Bank | Mobile app | Savings account to open | Visas usually accepted | Known for | Read Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KKasikornbank | K PLUS | Little or no minimum | Non-O, Non-B (with work permit), ED, LTR | Most often successful for foreign residents | Read → |
| BBangkok Bank | Bualuang mBanking | ฿500 | Long-stay visas, Thai spouse, property owners | Biggest branch network; international transfers; FCD accounts | Read → |
| KKrungthai | Krungthai NEXT | ฿500 | Non-O retirement and marriage, ED, Non-B | State bank with branches in small towns | Read → |
| SSCB | SCB EASY | ฿500 | Long-stay visas; varies by branch | Fast track for LTR and Thailand Privilege | Read → |
| KKrungsri | KMA | Varies by account | Long-stay visas | Solid alternative; higher balances on some accounts | Read → |
Compiled October 2026 from published bank information and recent independent guides. Tourist visas, visa exemptions and the DTV are generally refused for baht savings accounts since Bangkok Bank tightened its rules in 2025. Requirements vary between branches.
Plan your Thailand trip with Just Landed
Everything else you need for Thailand, in one place.
FlightsTo and around Thailand
HotelsBook across Thailand
Car rentalAirports, cities, islands
Scooter rentalScooters and motorbikes
Travel insuranceCovered before you go
Adventure activitiesZip lines, rafting, sanctuaries
Tours & ticketsDay trips, shows, events
DivingCourses, fun dives, liveaboards
GolfCourses and tee times
FishingCharters, lakes, fishing parks
Motorbike routes72 routes on a 3D map
Medical tourismDental, cosmetic, orthopaedic
Health insuranceCover for life in Thailand
International schools178 schools compared
Family & petsMoving with children and petsfor expats
Practical, independent guides to help you make smarter financial decisions in Thailand.
How to open a Thai bank account
Frequently Asked Questions
View all FAQs →Can a foreigner open a bank account in Thailand?
Yes, if you live here on a long-stay visa. Since 2025 most Thai banks only open baht savings accounts for foreigners with a non-immigrant visa (retirement, marriage, work or study), an LTR visa or Thailand Privilege membership, or who are married to a Thai or own property. Tourist visas, visa exemptions and the DTV are usually refused.
Which Thai bank is easiest for foreigners?
Kasikornbank is most often reported as the easiest for foreign residents, followed by Bangkok Bank and Krungthai. Branch managers have discretion, so if one branch refuses, try another — ideally in an area with many foreign residents.
What documents do Thai banks ask for?
Your passport with a long-stay visa, proof of your Thai address (a residence certificate from Immigration, or a lease with a TM30 receipt), a Thai SIM registered in your own name, and a small opening deposit. Work permit holders also need the permit; students need a school letter.
Do I need a Thai bank account for a retirement visa?
For most retirement and marriage extensions, yes. Immigration usually wants to see the required balance — ฿800,000 for retirement, ฿400,000 for marriage — held in a Thai bank account for a set period, or regular income transferred in from abroad.
Can I open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa?
Generally not any more. Since early 2025, Bangkok Bank and most other major banks have refused baht savings accounts to tourists and visa-exempt visitors. Some banks offer a foreign currency deposit (FCD) account instead, with a high minimum deposit.
Important: This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Fees, limits and eligibility change; we check every figure on the date shown, but always confirm the current terms with the provider before you apply or travel. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means JLIT may earn a commission if you open an account — this never changes the price you pay.
