How to open a bank account in Thailand: The Easy Way 2025

Thailand is an understandably super popular travel destination from the UK with beautiful beaches, vibrant cities and friendly people. But what if you're a frequent visitor or even planning a move to Thailand, and you're looking for a bank account in Thailand?

While getting a local Thai bank account can be relatively simple if you have a non-immigrant visa and reside in the country already, opening a bank account in Thailand from the UK can be a complex process.

This article will help you understand how to open an account on arrival, and also as a non-resident, looking at options and costs from major Thai banks and specialist solutions, such as Wise or Revolut. More on that later, read on.

Key points: Online bank account opening

What documents do I need?

As we've seen, Thai banks usually only allow resident foreigners with full legal documents to open an account. You'll need to visit a branch to present your paperwork, and to hand over your minimum deposit if one is needed for the specific account you select. The exact documents needed will vary depending on the bank you pick, but you may be asked to come along prepared with the following:

Save the paperwork with alternative solutions like Wise or Revolut

Opening an account with a Thai bank is not such a difficult process for established Thai residents who have legal documents and can either manage the language, or take along a translator. However, if you're in Thailand as a tourist or visitor, or if you can't provide the paperwork needed, you'll need an alternative.

That's where alternative solutions like Wise or Revolut can help. You can open your account in the UK, using your normal UK proof of ID like your passport, and a proof of UK address like a utility bill. You'll get access to a multi-currency account which you can manage online and with your phone, which can hold many foreign currencies, including THB.

Add a balance in GBP and convert to THB in the app, or leave your money in pounds and spend when you travel - the card will manage the conversion for you, with great exchange rates and low, fair fees.

How to open a Thailand bank account as a foreigner

Thai banks require you to visit in person to open your account, and as a foreigner you'll need to pay special attention to the paperwork your preferred bank will accept.

Most standard accounts like current accounts need you to bring along your passport and your visa, as well as any other proof of your reason for being in the country, like a work permit or study pass. In the branch a member of staff will guide you through the process of opening your account - if you can't speak Thai it's worth calling in advance to check if English language services are available, or taking along a friend to translate, just in case.

What do I need to know before opening a bank account in Thailand?

Be sure to check in advance which documents your bank will accept as a foreign applicant, as these will be different to a Thai national making an account application. Usually you'll use your passport as your proof of identity, and then you can provide other legal documentation to show you're legally in the country, and can stay for the long term - tourist visas won't be accepted in most cases.

Best account in Thailand for foreigners 

Let's look at some examples so you can get an idea of your options for opening an account in Thailand as a foreigner. We've picked out two specialist providers which you can get set up before you leave the UK, to manage your money in THB and GBP side by side - Wise and revolut.

Then we've also taken 2 of the most popular banks in Thailand for foreigners, Kasikorn Bank and Krungsri Bank with a look at their services for foreign applicants. Here's an overview - and we have more on each option right after.

*Details correct at time of writing - 5th May 2025

As you can see, Thai banks usually don't have the option to open your account before you're already in Thailand with all your paperwork in order. This is not necessarily a problem if you can manage without an account for a while on arrival - but in most cases, whether you're visiting or moving there, you'll want to be able to hold, manage and spend baht immediately when you land. Wise and Revolut can be a good alternative here. Let's look a little closer.

Wise Account

Open your Wise Account from the UK to get access to THB account services, alongside ways to hold 40+ currencies, and receive payments in 20+ currencies. You can send payments to 140+ countries and also order your Wise card to spend in 150+ countries including Thailand.

The Wise Account can be a great solution if you want to be able to hold and exchange THB but you're not planning on moving there. You can add money in GBP to your account and convert to THB to make payments or for card spending when you're in Thailand - this locks in the exchange rate and avoids unexpected fees.

Plus you have peace of mind that Wise uses the mid-market rate for currency conversion so there are no hidden fees to worry about - just low, transparent conversion charges you can see before you transact.

• Open from the UK – hold THB and send payments easily to Thailand and elsewhere, without needing a Thai address or visa

• Spend THB conveniently – get a Wise card to spend money online and in person in THB, with no fee to spend a currency you hold in your account

• Mid-market currency exchange – hold 40+ currencies and convert between them with the mid-market rate and low, transparent fees

How to open an account with Wise

You can open a Wise account with a proof of ID and address in the UK, to get instant access to multi-currency features to manage your money in THB and other currencies:

1. Download the Wise app, or open the Wise desktop site

2. Register with your email address, or an Apple, Google or FaceBook account

3. Follow the prompts to enter your personal details

4. Upload your ID documents for verification

5. Once your account is verified, tap Open in the app homepage

6. Select Currency Balance and tap THB to open your THB currency balance

7. Top up your balance in GBP and you can convert to THB in the app if you would like to

Learn more: How to open a Wise Account in the UK

Revolut Account

Revolut in the UK has 5 different personal account plans which have monthly fees from 0 GBP to 45 GBP, so you can choose the account which best suits your needs. The no or low monthly fee options have few no-fee transactions included, but offer flexible card services with fair usage fees once you exhaust the no fee transactions - or you can go for a higher tier account with more features, more no fee transactions and higher monthly costs. All accounts support THB for holding and spending.

You can use your account to send payments to and from Thailand if you like, with variable fees which you're shown in the account. Account plans also offer some weekday no fee currency exchange which uses the Revolut exchange rate with no extra fees - but there are additional costs to exchange at weekends and once your no fee limit is exhausted.

• Hold and exchange THB – add money in GBP and convert to THB in the app easily to spend or send later

• Select different account tiers – 5 different account types cover everything from occasional use to professional requirements

• Use your Revolut card around the world – spend in THB and many other currencies with your linked card - cards available depend on the account tier selected

How to open an account with Revolut

You can open an account with Revolut to hold THB, even from the UK, using UK ID and address documents:

1. Download the Revolut app

2. Follow the prompts to enter your personal details

3. Upload your ID documents for verification

4. Once your account is verified, follow prompts to top up your balance in GBP and convert to THB as required

Kasikorn Bank Current Account

If you have a Thai non-immigrant visa, such as a work permit, you can open a Kasikorn Bank Current Account on arrival in Thailand, to get chequing services and low cost transfer options to the UK. There are also other account types, but this is the option recommended for day to day money management once you arrive in Thailand. Debit cards are available on application, and you can also use the bank's ATM network to make deposits if you would like to.

When it's time to send payments to the UK from Thailand there are 2 options - a low cost ‘Transfer via KBank Partner' which uses local payment networks and means the recipients gets all the transferred amount in the end, or a SWIFT payment. SWIFT payments are available to a larger range of countries compared to partner transfers, but fees are high and intermediary fees can mean the recipient gets less than you expect in the end.

• Deposit funds easily – send money to your account electronically or deposit cash at an ATM or in a branch

• Pay with cheques – cheques provided for day to day transactions, which can only be deposited or cashed by the named individual for security

• Transfer to the UK and other countries – different international payment options are available including local network transfers to the UK

How to open an account with Kasikorn Bank

To open an account in Thailand with Kasikorn Bank you must be over 20 years old, and you'll need to then visit a branch and take along:

• Passport

• Non-Immigrant Visa

• Supporting documents such as work permit for working in Thailand

Krungsri Bank Current Account

You can open a Krungsri Bank Current Account with no opening fee, but a minimum deposit of 10,000 THB is needed. Account opening is in branch only, so this account is available for people who are moving to Thailand rather than UK residents looking to have a THB account as a non resident. Accounts are intended for day to day use and offer secure chequing services which allow you to pay in and withdraw in a branch.

It's helpful to know you can use this account for direct debits if you live in Thailand and need ways to pay ongoing bills. Plus, there are options to send payments back to the UK using SWIFT for 350 THB plus any applicable currency conversion or third party charges. As the transfers are processed through SWIFT you'll need to check if intermediary fees apply, as these can mean the recipient gets less than expected in the end.

• Chequing features – day to day account with a cheque book for deposits, payments and withdrawals

• Direct debits – easy ways to set and forget ongoing payments if you're a Thai resident

• SWIFT transfers – send money to the UK and around the world with SWIFT payments available for a 350 THB fee

How to open an account with Krungsri Bank

You'll need to be a Thai resident to open an account in Thailand with Krungsri Bank, and can get started by visiting your local branch. There are helpful tools on the bank's website which include a branch finder and the application forms which you'll be asked to complete, so you can get them filled in ahead of time if you would like to.

What is a Thai bank account needed for?

You'll find a bank account is needed when you live in Thailand for getting paid, paying rent, and setting up utilities. And even if you're not moving to Thailand, having a way to manage your money in THB makes sense if you're travelling or a frequent visitor there. Here are some times your Thai account could come in handy:

• Use your Thai bank account to receive payments such as your salary or pension for spending later

• Get a linked debit card to spend your THB balance with no conversion or foreign transaction fees

• Use your Thai account to send payments to the UK and other countries easily

• Save in THB for future use, and to hedge against currency fluctuations

Benefits of opening a bank account in Thailand

You may be thinking of opening a bank account in Thailand if you're moving there to live, study or work, but it can also be useful for people who transact in THB for whatever reason, such as travel or online shopping. Here are some of the benefits of opening a bank account in Thailand:

• No need to convert to and from THB and GBP if you don't want to, cutting down on FX fees

• Receive payments in THB from others if you ever need to

• Spend with no foreign transaction fee, online and in person when you travel to Thailand

• Access other financial services in Thailand like credit cards and loans if you're approved

Can I open a Thai bank account before arrival?

You can not usually open a Thai bank account before arrival. You'll need to present yourself - and your documents - in a branch to get your account set up. If it's important to have access to THB account tools before you travel, consider online alternative providers, such as Wise and Revolut instead. You can open your account in the UK and hold a THB balance easily even without a Thai address or visa.

Can I open a bank account online?

Thai banks do not advertise the option to open an account online, although once you have an account you can usually manage it online or through the bank's app. If you need a fully digital application, verification and onboarding process, check out online providers such as Wise and Revolut as a simple solution.

Can I open a bank account in Thailand only with my passport?

No. You can not normally open an account without additional residency documents for Thailand including a visa and proof of your reason for being in the country, such as a work permit. You may also need a minimum opening deposit amount.

How long does it take to open a bank account in Thailand?

Once you are in the bank branch in Thailand the service team should be able to help you open your account on the spot as long as you have all the required paperwork. Ask before you get started, so you know how long the process will take based on your specific requirements.

What are the types of bank accounts in Thailand?

Different banks offer their own products which may not all be available to foreigners or non residents. However, generally you'll find options including a current account, and various different deposit account options. Deposit accounts can include instant access and fixed term products, as well as ways to save in foreign currencies, for investors.

How to choose a Thai bank account as a foreigner

We've featured 2 major Thai banks in this guide, which both offer information online in English - making them a great place to start your research into which bank to select. You'll ultimately have to weigh up a lot of factors which may vary based on your situation and needs. If you don't speak Thai, look out for branches near you with English speaking staff, and if you'll need to use ATMs and branch services it makes sense to select a bank which has a large presence wherever you live or work.

Beyond that you'll need to weigh up the account products and costs which can vary a lot. Compare the options you like with Thai banks against a specialist alternative like Wise, to see which is the easiest and most flexible given your own unique situation.

How much does it cost to open a bank account in Thailand? 

Usually opening an account in Thailand is free of charge. However, there may be a minimum deposit to pay in when you open your account. Once you have your account there may be ongoing fees, or dormancy costs if you leave your account and don't transact for a while.

Compare the options and costs with Thai banks against alternative digital solutions like Wise and Revolut to pick the best combination of cost and convenience.

Is it possible to open a fee-free account in Thailand?

Even if you choose a Thai bank account with no minimum  balance and no ongoing fees, it's pretty much inevitable that you'll run into transaction fees when you use your account. These fees may look very different to the costs you pay when you're in the UK, so be sure to read the terms and conditions document carefully looking out for the charges for transactions you make frequently especially.

Tips for sending money between the UK and Thailand

If you're moving to Thailand the chances are that you'll need to make international transfers to and from GBP and THB. Here are a few tips to keep down the costs involved - which can stack up quickly if you're not careful:

• Compare the exchange rate you're offered against the rate you find on Google to see if a markup has been added

• International transfer fees can vary depending on whether or not you're sending with SWIFT or a local payment partner

• Don't forget that third party fees may be deducted as the payment is processed, and can mean your recipient gets less than you expect

• Using a specialist international money transfer company might get you a better exchange rate and a lower overall fee compared to your bank

Conclusion: Open a bank account online Thailand

It's not usually that difficult to open a bank account in Thailand if you're a legal long term resident there, but you'll need to visit a branch to get started. If you're not a Thai resident - or if you want a simpler way to set up your account and manage your money - you might prefer an account from a specialist international money transfer company like Wise or Revolut.

Wise and Revolut let you set up an account from the UK, to hold THB and send payments around the world. Plus you can get a linked debit card to spend in GBP, THB and many other countries, with great exchange rates and low or no fees.

Open a Thai bank account online FAQs 

Can a foreigner non-resident open an account in Thailand?

You can open an account to hold and manage THB with a digital service like Wise or Revolut as a non-resident of Thailand. However, to open a Thai bank account you'll usually have to be a long term resident and visit a bank in person to show your documents.

How much do I need to open a bank account in Thailand?

Usually you can open a Thai bank account with no specific fee, but a deposit might be needed which can be in the region of 10,000 THB for a current account. Look at low cost digital services like Wise or Revolut if you want a THB account with no minimum deposit to worry about.

Can I open a Thailand bank account online?

To open an account which can hold, send and spend THB online you'll likely need to choose a provider like Wise or Revolut. Banks generally require you to go in person to a branch to open your account, although you can then normally transact online once everything has been verified and approved.

How to apply for a bank account online in Thailand?

To open your account with a bank in Thailand you need to visit the branch. Call ahead to check eligibility and document requirements, to make sure you don't make a wasted trip.

Can I open a bank account in Thailand before landing?

You can not usually open a Thai bank account unless you're already in the country with a valid long term non immigrant visa. If you would prefer to open an account which can hold, send and spend THB before you leave the UK you may prefer a provider like Wise or Revolut which offer THB account services to UK residents.