How to Open a Bank Account in Thailand (2025 Guide for Foreigners)

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:

• • You have a valid passport

• • You plan to stay for a few months

• • 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:

• • Tourists (visa-on-arrival or 30–60-day stamp): Not eligible
    

• • Retirement, marriage, or work visas: Sometimes accepted, depending on the bank

• • 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:

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:

• • You have a letter from your school in Thai

• • You visit the right bank branch (not all locations accept foreigners)

• • You go with a Thai-speaking assistant
    

• • 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:

• • Your passport

• • Your visa paperwork

• • Possibly a letter from your school, employer, or embassy

• • A Thai phone number

• • 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:

1. Try the banks with a proper visa (like the education or long-stay one), and prepare all the papers
2. 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?

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”.