How to open a Thai bank account?

if you're on a tourist visa, scb (siam commercial) is pretty chill about it, just say you want to open a savings account for travel funds. try the branch at siam paragon, they deal with tourists all the time. you'll need a condo rental agreement or a hotel letter confirming your address, and bring a few thousand baht for the minimum deposit. some branches can be picky about the 12-month visa thing but scb is usually the easiest.

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kasikorn is actually the easiest if you dont have a work permit yet, just go to a main branch like the one on ratchadamri road. they accepted my passport and a letter from my embassy saying i lived here, no work permit needed. the minimum deposit is usually 500 baht for a savings account. just avoid the small mall branches, theyre more strict because the managers are less experienced with foreigners

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one thing nobody mentioned is that some banks will want a certificate of residence from immigration, especially if you're on a long stay visa like a retirement or marriage visa. it's a simple form you fill out at your local immigration office, costs like 300 baht, and saves you the headache of arguing with a teller who's never seen a foreigner before. also if you're in a pinch, try a branch in a less central area like Bang Na or Nonthaburi, they're less crowded and might be more chill about the requirements.

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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