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The Tourist Bank Account Is Dead.

Here’s how to open a Thai bank account in 2026.

Updated October 2026·6 steps·Rules from the banks and the Bank of Thailand
[HERO PHOTO] Scanning a QR code at a street-food stall

No long-stay visa,
no Thai bank account.

A few years ago, you could walk into a Phuket branch with a passport and walk out with an account. Not anymore.

Since 2024, the Bank of Thailand has made banks crack down on “mule accounts” used by scammers, and banks can now refuse new accounts (Bank of Thailand). Here’s who still qualifies, what to bring, and how to get it done.

Not financial or legal advice. Every bank, and often every branch, applies its own rules. Call ahead.
First question

Who Can Open an Account?

YesNon-Immigrant visasWork (B), retirement or marriage (O), study (ED) and LTR, with supporting papers like a work permit or school letter.
AskDepends on the bankMost banks don’t publish a visa list. They tell foreigners to contact a branch.
NoTourists and DTVKasikorn states it won’t open accounts for tourist visas, visa on arrival, visa-exempt entry or the DTV (Kasikorn).
Why bother

Thailand Runs on QR Codes

Street food, taxis, laundry, your landlord: everyone scans PromptPay. Without a Thai account, you’re stuck with cash and foreign card fees. Foreigners link PromptPay to a Thai mobile number, not a passport (Krungsri).

Step by step

Six Steps to Your Account

01

Sort Your Long-Stay Visa

Everything starts here

Banks want a non-immigrant visa and the papers behind it. Read 60 Days Is Dead first.

02

Get a Thai SIM in Your Name

You’ll need it for PromptPay

Your Thai mobile number becomes your PromptPay ID and your banking app login.

03

Get Proof of Address

Banks may ask for more

Banks reserve the right to ask for extra documents. A Certificate of Residence from Phuket Immigration, or your lease, covers most requests.

Where Phuket Immigration OfficeHours Mon–Fri [VERIFY ON GOOGLE MAPS]Google Maps ↗
04

Call the Branch First

Same bank, different answers

Ask exactly which documents they need for your visa type. Bangkok Bank, for one, tells foreigners to contact a branch directly (Bangkok Bank).

05

Go in Person

Originals and copies

Accounts are opened at the branch, in person. Bring originals plus signed copies of everything.

06

Set Up the App and PromptPay

Before you leave the branch

Ask the staff to activate mobile banking and link PromptPay to your Thai number while you’re there.

Checklist

What to Bring

1Original passport
2Your non-immigrant visa
3Work permit, school letter or other supporting papers
4Proof of address
5A Thai mobile number

Which Bank?

The branch matters as much as the bank
Kasikorn (K-Bank)Clearest rulesNo minimum deposit

Lists every non-immigrant visa as eligible, and says plainly that tourist and DTV holders can’t open an account.

Kasikorn savings ↗
Bangkok BankWidest networkFrom ฿500

Open at any branch in Thailand, in person. Foreigners are asked to contact the branch for the document list.

Bangkok Bank FAQ ↗
KrungsriSolid all-rounderFrom ฿500

Non-Thai customers with a baht account can link PromptPay to their mobile number.

Krungsri PromptPay ↗
Plan B

Not Eligible Yet?

Multicurrency cardUse one with no foreign transaction fees
Carry cashFor markets and small shops
Ask firstYour landlord may accept international transfers

Questions, answered

Can tourists open a bank account in Thailand in 2026?+

In practice, no. Kasikorn states it won’t open accounts for tourist visas, visa on arrival or visa-exempt entry, and other banks ask foreigners to check with a branch.

Can I open a Thai bank account with a DTV?+

Kasikorn says no. Other banks don’t publish a rule, so ask the branch before you go.

What documents do I need?+

Your passport, a non-immigrant visa and supporting papers such as a work permit. Banks may also ask for proof of address and a Thai phone number.

Can foreigners use PromptPay?+

Yes, with a Thai bank account. Non-Thais link PromptPay to a Thai mobile number.

Skip the back-and-forth

Right bank. Right branch. Right papers.

Phukether Concierge prepares your paperwork, books your appointment and takes you there.

Talk to Concierge