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I do not live in any of those locations so cannot recommend a branch but if you stick with Bangkok Bank, Siam Commercial or Kasikorn Bank you should be okay. Some branches may refuse if you don't have a work permit. The law I believe states you must have a long stay visa.  If refused ask to speak with manager or try another branch.

I live in Surat Thani and work as a teacher.  I was told that I couldn't open a bank account in Thailand without a work permit.  And they did ask for it when I opened my account.  I use Siam Commercial which has been fine, the others the prior respondent suggested are good as well.

Becareful what kind of account you open.  At Bangkok Bank for instance their most basic account only allows you to access ATMs in a limited range, before they start charging fees.  (Even within Thailand.)

Michael

What city are you planning on retiring to? Some banks require that you physically be in the bank for larger transactions, such as international money transfer. This could be difficult if you open an account in Bangkok but then choose to live in Chiang Mai.

In Bangkok the Kasikorn Bank on Soi 33 seems to be the most farang friendly. I hope you don't mind the blog spam but I made a video about this subject for my site. Opening a Thai Bank Account thai-faq.com/thai-faqs/banking-tips-before-you-move-to-thailand

Not sure which city yet.  Wife has family in Mukdahan, but I think I'd be happier in Chiang Mai. (I gotta have good internet for my online MMO's).

Just a few more weeks till were there, can't wait.

Kiniyeow wrote:

Wife has family in Mukdahan, but I think I'd be happier in Chiang Mai. (I gotta have good internet for my online MMO's).

Live where you will be happy and not wife's home town just to make her happy.  I tried it and found to be boring so moved to Bangkok.

"I will be in Thailand in early March of this year and will want to open a bank account in Thailand as I know this will be just the first step in obtaining a retirement visa."


To here you need to be working or on a non-immigrant visa e.g. O Visa, NOT a tourist visa or visa exempt entry.

When I originally landed in Thailand the Bangkok Bank in Prachuap were more than happy to open an account for me based on my visa class(they checked my passport). Its very basic, passbook plus ATM card on which I get a very small amount of interest and get charged an annual fee(small). However the ATM card gives me lots of options for things like paying bills and transferring money.

So best advice is arrive with a multi-entry visa, even for a short visit,O would be fine as you have a Thai wife.

Hello thetefldon,

Nice article May be you can also share some of the information on our site. Or you can also help us by writing some guides about Thailand which will be surely very useful to our members.

Thanks you in advance for all your future contribution.

Regards

Hi Yud, thanks, yes I would be happy to contribute although it might cause me a slight conflict of interest if you get my drift.

I am also aware of duplicate content penalties which I have no wish to incur.

That said I will see what I can come up with.

Once again thanks for your reply

regards

Mike