What banks usually ask for
- Passport with a non-immigrant visa or extension. Accounts on a visa-exempt stay are increasingly refused.
- Proof of address: a residence certificate, lease or utility bill.
- A Thai phone number in your name.
- Sometimes a work permit, a letter from your embassy, or a reference from a Thai account holder.
Which banks
Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn (KBank), SCB and Krungsri are the most used by foreigners in Pattaya. Policies differ from branch to branch, so if one branch says no, another may say yes. Branches in shopping malls open at weekends.
Once it's open
- Set up the mobile banking app; Thai QR payments (PromptPay) are accepted almost everywhere.
- Keep the bank book updated: immigration reads it for retirement and marriage extensions.
- For property purchases, ask how the bank issues the foreign-exchange record before you send money.