If you’re planning a long stay in Thailand, you’ve probably thought about opening a Thai bank account. In the past, it was as simple as walking into a bank with your passport. But as of 2025, things have changed – and not in your favor.
Tourists can no longer open Thai bank accounts at most banks. Yes, even with a valid passport, you’ll likely be turned away unless you meet specific criteria.
Tourists Can’t Open Thai Bank Accounts in 2025
Let’s be clear:
Tourist visa holders are no longer allowed to open bank accounts at most Thai banks. This applies even if:
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- You have a valid passport
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- You plan to stay for a few months
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- You’ve opened accounts here in the past
Many tourists are surprised when banks now say:
“You need a long-stay visa. We don’t open accounts for tourists anymore.”
This new restriction started rolling out in 2024 and became strictly enforced in 2025.
Why Is It So Hard Now?
Due to increasing regulations and concerns around money laundering and visa abuse, Thai banks have tightened the rules. Here’s what’s happening:
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- Tourists (visa-on-arrival or 30–60-day stamp): Not eligible
- Tourists (visa-on-arrival or 30–60-day stamp): Not eligible
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- Retirement, marriage, or work visas: Sometimes accepted, depending on the bank
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- Education visa (officially called the Non-Immigrant ED Visa): Some banks may still allow
- Education visa (officially called the Non-Immigrant ED Visa): Some banks may still allow
So, if you’re just visiting for a few weeks or even a couple of months, don’t expect to open a bank account anymore. Banks now ask for proof of long-term residency, school enrollment, or work sponsorship – and often in Thai.
So who can open a bank account in Thailand now?
Here are the types of visas that may allow you to open a Thai bank account:
| Visa Type | Bank Account Eligibility |
| Tourist Visa including DTV (Visa Exempt / TR) | Not eligible |
| Non-Immigrant ED (Education) | Sometimes accepted |
| Non-Immigrant O (Marriage) | Often accepted |
| Non-Immigrant B (Work) | Accepted with contract |
| Retirement Visa | Accepted with proof |
Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED): Your Best Bet in 2025
If you’re enrolled in a Thai university, language school, or approved program, you may be eligible for a Non-Immigrant ED visa – commonly called a student visa.
This visa sometimes allows foreigners to open bank accounts in Thailand. But it’s not guaranteed.
Banks May Still Refuse You Unless:
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- You have a letter from your school in Thai
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- You visit the right bank branch (not all locations accept foreigners)
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- You go with a Thai-speaking assistant
- You go with a Thai-speaking assistant
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- You provide a local address and phone number
Some banks like Bangkok Bank, Krungsri, or SCB may still help students – but it depends on the location and staff.
Can You Open a Thai Bank Account Online?
As of 2025, most Thai banks do not allow foreigners to open accounts online.
You’ll need to go in person with:
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- Your passport
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- Your visa paperwork
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- Possibly a letter from your school, employer, or embassy
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- A Thai phone number
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- Local address (often with proof like a lease)
So no – there’s no quick digital shortcut for foreigners anymore.
What If You Get Rejected?
If you walk into a Thai bank without the right visa or documents, they will turn you away.
And even if you do have the right visa, it often comes down to:
- Which branch you visit
- Which officer is helping you
- How confident and prepared you look
What If You Have a Student Visa?
If you are studying in Thailand and have a Non-Immigrant ED Visa, some banks may consider letting you open an account.
But here’s the catch:
- The process varies by location
- Some branches still refuse, even if head office policy allows it
- You’ll often need letters from your school and a Thai speaker to help
It’s not impossible – but it’s no longer easy.
So… What Can You Do?
If you really need a Thai bank account – for rent, online purchases, food delivery apps, or just to stop paying international fees – there are only two smart moves:
- Try the banks with a proper visa (like the education or long-stay one), and prepare all the papers
- Get help from someone who knows the system and speaks Thai
That’s where we come in.
Summary: Can Foreigners Open a Bank Account in Thailand in 2025?
| Situation | Can Open Account? |
| Tourist visa / DTV / Visa-exempt (30–60 day) | No |
| Long-stay visa (Marriage, Work, Retirement) | Yes, usually |
| Student visa (Non-Immigrant ED) | Sometimes |
| No Thai speaker / support | Risky |
| With help (Thai Nexus) | Yes |
Questions? Let’s Talk.
If you’re not sure which visa you need, or where to go to open your account, just contact Thai Nexus for guidance. We’re based in Hua Hin, speak Thai, and we’ve helped many people avoid the stress of going to five banks and hearing “No”.
FAQs
Can I open a bank account in Thailand as a tourist in 2025?
No, you can’t. In 2025, Thai banks have stopped allowing tourists to open bank accounts. Whether you’re on a 30-day visa exemption, tourist visa, or even the 180-day Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), banks will say no. These new rules were introduced to prevent scams and money laundering. Only long-term visa holders are eligible now.
Which Thai visa do I need to open a bank account in 2025?
You must have a long-term visa. Accepted types include:
- Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B)
- Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED)
- Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A or O-X)
- Marriage Visa (Non-Immigrant O)
- Long-Term Resident Visa or Thai Elite Visa
Tourist visas and short-term entries are not accepted by Thai banks anymore.
Can I open a Thai bank account with a student visa?
Yes. If you have a valid student visa (Non-Immigrant ED), Thai banks usually allow you to open an account. You should bring your passport, visa, and a letter from your school confirming enrollment. Proof of address in Thailand helps too.
Why did the Thai bank reject my account application?
Common reasons:
- You’re on a tourist visa
- Missing documents like address proof or visa copy
- Staff didn’t understand your visa
- The branch is strict or unfamiliar with foreign accounts
- They suspect risk under new anti-fraud policies
Try another branch, or check which document was missing.
What documents do I need to open a Thai bank account as a foreigner?
Bring these:
- Passport (valid)
- Long-term Thai visa (ED, B, O, etc.)
- Proof of Thai address (rental contract, utility bill, etc.)
- Thai SIM card/phone number
- Letter from school/employer/embassy (if needed)
- Work permit (if applicable)
- Optional: Thai driving license or residence certificate
Which Thai bank is best or easiest for foreigners?
Most foreigner-friendly banks are:
- Bangkok Bank: Wide network, solid for long-stay foreigners, but no more tourist accounts.
- Kasikorn Bank (KBank): Modern app, helpful in cities, supports students and workers.
- Siam Commercial Bank (SCB): Big bank, decent English support, depends on branch.
Each bank follows the same visa rules now. Your experience may vary by branch.
Can digital nomads open bank accounts in Thailand?
Only if you hold a proper long-term visa. Short-term digital nomads on tourist stamps are not eligible. If you’re on a Thai Elite visa or a long-term resident program, you can try.
Can I open a Thai bank account online in 2025?
Not really. Most banks still require you to visit in person. You must bring all documents to the branch. A Thai phone number is needed for mobile banking.
Do all bank branches in Thailand follow the same rules?
Yes, but some are more familiar with foreigners. Tourist areas and big cities may be more helpful. But all must follow the law: no account without a valid long-term visa.
What if I own property in Thailand but have no visa?
Property ownership might help, but most banks still require a visa. Owning a condo alone doesn’t guarantee approval. Some banks make exceptions if you show proof of ownership and intent to stay long-term.
Can Thai Nexus help me open a bank account in Thailand?
If you have a valid visa (like student, work, or retirement), yes. We know which branches still accept foreigners and what documents you need. If you’re unsure, we can guide you before you go to the bank.
