The Major Thai Banks
Five banks dominate Thailand's retail banking. Bangkok Bank (BBL) is the largest and most foreigner-friendly, with English service in most central branches. Kasikornbank (KBank) operates the popular K-Plus mobile app and has slick branches. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) was founded by royal decree in 1907 and runs the SCB Easy app.
Krungthai Bank (KTB) is state-owned and handles most government payments. Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) is owned by Mitsubishi UFJ and has strong Japanese-friendly services. Each has thousands of ATMs and similar fee structures.
Documents Required
Standard requirements include your passport, valid long-stay visa (Non-Immigrant B, O, retirement, ED, or LTR), and proof of Thai address. Address proof can be a condo lease, work permit, embassy letter, or yellow tabien baan.
Some branches request a Thai phone number (any prepaid SIM works) and minimum deposit of ฿500-฿1,000. Bring multiple passport-size photos. Different branches enforce rules differently, if rejected at one branch, try another. Branches inside major shopping malls (EmQuartier, ICONSIAM) tend to be more flexible.
Best Bank for Foreigners
Bangkok Bank wins for accessibility: most branches accept foreigners, English service is consistent, and they have a New York branch enabling easier USD transfers. Kasikornbank wins for technology: K-Plus is the best mobile banking app in Thailand with biometric login, instant PromptPay, and bilingual interface.
Many expats hold both: Bangkok Bank for receiving international wires and Kasikornbank for daily transactions and bill payments. SCB has improved significantly and works well as an alternative.
Mobile Banking Apps
K-Plus (Kasikornbank) supports English fully, biometric login, QR/PromptPay payments, and bill pay for utilities, taxes, and credit cards. SCB Easy and Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking offer similar features with somewhat less polish.
Setup requires visiting a branch with your bankbook and ATM card. The bank registers your phone for OTP and links your debit card. PromptPay (linked to your phone number or Thai ID) enables instant free transfers between any Thai banks, fundamental for daily life.
International Transfers
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the cheapest way to send money to Thailand, typically delivering THB to your Thai account within minutes for fees under 1%. Revolut and OFX work similarly. Avoid Western Union and bank wires for routine transfers, the fees and FX markups are 3-5%.
For receiving USD wires, Bangkok Bank's New York branch lets you wire domestically in the US to a NY routing number, which BBL converts and credits to your Thai account at favorable rates with low fees. Useful for retirees and those receiving US-based income.