Banking in Thailand

[2dandan]

I am in the process of buying a house in Thailand, which I intend to use as a holiday home. As such I will spend most of my time outwith the country.

I opened a Bank account 2 weeks ago with the Bangkok Bank and this Bank account allows me to pay bills etc, BUT ONLY if I present myself in person at the Bank.

I thought after getting the Bank account, I could register for Internet or phone Banking, but the Bank web site makes it clear that I cannot do this without registering at the Bank with a residents permit etc.

I obviously don't have this document.

I need the facility to instruct the Bank from the UK.

I have emailed the Bank several times requesting info, but they have failed to reply.

Can any of you guys assist with info and is this possible.

[tomyam]

Originally Posted by 2dandan

I am in the process of buying a house in Thailand, which I intend to use as a holiday home. As such I will spend most of my time outwith the country.

I opened a Bank account 2 weeks ago with the Bangkok Bank and this Bank account allows me to pay bills etc, BUT ONLY if I present myself in person at the Bank.

I thought after getting the Bank account, I could register for Internet or phone Banking, but the Bank web site makes it clear that I cannot do this without registering at the Bank with a residents permit etc.

I obviously don't have this document.

I need the facility to instruct the Bank from the UK.

I have emailed the Bank several times requesting info, but they have failed to reply.

Can any of you guys assist with info and is this possible.

hi 2dandan.

bangkok bank have a branch in london which I use to transfer money to my account in thailand , they offer the same rate of exchange as in thailand and their charges are much cheaper than uk banks..

Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited
61 St. Mary Axe
London
EC3A 8BY

tel 0207 929 4422

hope this helps

tomyam

[stevem]

You will find the banks are starting to enforce the work permit rule more and more, not as easy and straight forward as it used to be.

[2dandan]

Tomyam,

Thanks for that info.

I had previously emailed the London Branch using the link on their web site but they failed to respond.

However, I'll give them a telephone to see if I can get proper information from them that way.

I'll update this thread with any further info when I get it

[LivinLOS]

Go into the Kasikorn Bank, used to be known as the Thai Farmer Bank... They will still offer you internet Banking without a WP from Patong Branch.

Also dependiong on your age explain your retired and cannot have a WP.. Thier own rules tend to confuse them but when you point out obvipous inconsistancies it can help.