How to open a bank account in Thailand with a student visa

In the article “How to open a bank account in Pattaya”, I said that a foreigner can easily open a bank account in Thai banks. For this, by and large, only one document is needed – a Certificate of Residence – details about this document are just below.

Also, as a mandatory addition, you need to buy accident insurance. It only costs a few thousand baht.

But if you are a student visa holder, you can save a few thousand baht!

See also: How to get an Education visa in Pattaya

How to open a bank account in Thailand without buying accident insurance

Student visa holders do not need to buy compulsory insurance, but they do need to bring to the bank a letter from the school where they study.

To receive a letter, contact your school, explain that you need it to present to the bank.

The school will quickly and free of charge prepare a letter for you stating that you are studying at this educational institution.

With this letter, as well as your international passport and Certificate of Residence, apply to a Thai bank to open a bank account.

This method has been tested and works in Pattaya and Hua Hin. In Bangkok, when I tried to open a bank account with a student visa, I was refused. Be that as it may, if something did not work out for you at the first bank, just contact any other bank or another division of the same bank – in Thailand, the rules differ both in different banks and in specific divisions.

How to transfer money to a bank account in Thailand from abroad

The fastest and cheapest way to fund a bank account in Thailand from abroad is the PaySend international money transfer service – download this application for your phone or go to the official website: https://paysend.com/

This service does not require verification and allows you to easily send international money transfers with no commission or with a flat commission of $1, regardless of the transfer amount. When sent to the card number, the money is credited instantly, and when sent to bank details the money is credited within 1-3 business days.

To make a transfer from abroad without commission in PaySend, specify the invite code: 0d8425

Certificate of Residence for opening a bank account

For details, see the article How to get a certificate of residence in Pattaya, what is it and why is it needed.

Note that in one of the banks they opened a bank account for me without this certificate, but subject to the mandatory purchase of insurance.

Also note that certificates of residence are targeted, that is, they indicate what this certificate is issued for. If you receive a Certificate of Residence to open a bank account in Pattaya, then you need to specify the name of the bank. It didn't matter to me which bank to open a bank account with, so I went to the nearest bank's office and asked if they could open an account for foreigners. I was confirmed this possibility and I applied to the Immigration Office for a certificate for the place of residence, where I entered the name of this bank. And then I returned to the bank with the received Certificate of Residence.

See also: Where in Pattaya to extend a visa and get a certificate of residence. How to get to the Immigration Police in Pattaya

If you are just going to come to Pattaya, then before settling in, study the issue of the TM.30 form, as it will be needed to obtain a Certificate of Residence.