Job Discussion Forums

carluk · Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Posts: 7

I am moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand in Nov. for 1 year & need any suggestions as to which banks are good & which to avoid. I've heard that Bangkok Bank is good, but is there a branch in Chiang Mai?

JosephP · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 445

I've done business with Thai Farmers' Bank, Bangkok Bank, and Siam Commercial Bank. The best for me was Siam Commercial. Your mileage may vary...

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

I think most of them here are much of a muchness (i.e. same same!).

What Visa will you be on?

carluk · Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Posts: 7

I'll be travelling on a non immigrant, multiple entry visa

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

You should be okay to open an account then, but you might find you have to try a couple of banks before they let you!

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

Bangkok Bank is very popular with Thais, I don't know why. I think they like the lotus flower logo, or something.

Siam Commercial Bank has the most experience with international money transfers and other liquidity issues. Therefore, many foregners use them.

Thai Farmer's Bank has the best English language support and has a reputation of being "jai dee" with the Thais ("good hearted", perhaps more exactly, "free with money").

The Bank of Ayuthaya has the most branches and ATMs. However, transaction fees between banks are usually a whopping 2 baht, if they exist at all, and as such this limits the usefulness of many branches and ATMs.

All of these banks are reliable. You'll want two bank accounts as bank cards take a long time to arrive -- and if you lose a card, or if an ATM eats it, you'll be carrying around that stupid bank book and trying to hide piles of baht around your apartment, possibly for months, until your new card finally arrives.