It's been mentioned on another thread that the Krung Thai Bank are offerring free medical insurance as a perk - so a couple of questions: -
1. The KTB hasn't been mentioned on this thread - is that because they are not "Falang Friendly", more difficult to open an account with or simply not highly recommended.
2. Do other banks such as the Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn offer similar perks for opening an account.
Ta in advance....
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
KTB very friendly to Ferang, I opened an account with a Friend at the branch opposite Soi 80 on the main rd. I use the branch on the Pala u rd weekly and they can't do enough to help you.
Enjoying 'Retirement'....So many jobs to do, I don't know how I ever had time to work!
Lucky you in Hua Hin. Was in Phuket over Christmas - have 2 bank accounts with Siam Bank one opened 8 years ago, other opened 2 years ago. Wanted to open another account and was told it was not possible unless I had a retirement visa! Even though I have an apartment and 2 bank accounts they held their ground and wouldn't give me another bank account. said that the rules had changed and been tightened up.
magsandbilly wrote:Lucky you in Hua Hin. Was in Phuket over Christmas - have 2 bank accounts with Siam Bank one opened 8 years ago, other opened 2 years ago. Wanted to open another account and was told it was not possible unless I had a retirement visa! Even though I have an apartment and 2 bank accounts they held their ground and wouldn't give me another bank account. said that the rules had changed and been tightened up.
You must have a lot of money if two bank accounts aren't enough, I struggle to keep just one afloat
Today I went into the Bangkok Bank branch just north of Market Village to open a basic savings account. I am here on double entry tourist visa and looking at switching over to the retirement type of visa (I qualify). I did my research on their website, which has excellent instructions. So basically needed my passport, another form of ID (Aussie drivers licence), proof of residence here and also proof of residence back in Oz. Got served eventually by a young lady with limited English. Basically she said that the rules have changed this year and that I need further information from either Employers here (I am retired), info from a Sponsor (whatever that means) or a letter from Thai Immigration stating I am permitted to live here. I tried to explain to her that their website did not mention any of this as being a requirement unless it was relevant, where she and a colleague told me that it hadn't been updated and the rules had changed. All too hard sometimes. I might try their other branch further north or try another bank altogether..cheers.
Just a thought. Why not try all the banks inside Market Village on 3rd floor? Might be lucky with one of them. Or will they not open accounts for farangs? Anyone know?
Thanks guys. I will try other banks. The only reason I went with Bangkok Bank was the info I had read about it on An American in Bangkok's site. He has been here a while and has several accounts with various banks, suggesting that this was the better one of the bunch. Their website is also pretty easy to understand. Well, so I thought
JAGfx wrote:Thanks guys. I will try other banks. The only reason I went with Bangkok Bank was the info I had read about it on An American in Bangkok's site. He has been here a while and has several accounts with various banks, suggesting that this was the better one of the bunch. Their website is also pretty easy to understand. Well, so I thought
Historically, many people (me included) have found Kasikorn to be easy to open an account even on a 30 day visa exemption, but whether they've been affected by any recent clampdowns, only a visit will determine.
