Banks in Thailand: a guide for expats and travellers

Planning a move to Thailand? Whether it’s a permanent move, an extended work contract or a long retirement in the sunshine, understanding local banking options is a practical early step.

Thailand offers a broad range of banking options for expats and travellers, and the right fit depends on your situation.

This guide covers the top 10 Thai banks, including what each one offers and who it tends to suit. Plus, all the info that foreigners need to know about opening an account.

We’ll also show you a smart alternative to a bank account from the money services provider Wise - the Wise account. It’s not a bank account but offers some similar features, and your money is safeguarded.

You can register for a Wise account online in minutes and start managing your money in GBP, THB and dozens of other currencies. There are no monthly fees and Wise carries out all foreign currency exchanges at the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a low, transparent fee.

➡️ Learn more about the Wise account

Note: Eligibility is subject to verification of customer’s identity.

Overview of banking in Thailand

Thailand has a well-developed banking sector, home to a mix of large domestic institutions and a small number of significant foreign-owned players.

Key international names include Singapore-owned UOB and Malaysian-owned CIMB, both of which have a notable presence in the country.

All banks in Thailand - domestic and foreign-owned - operate under the oversight of the central bank, the Bank of Thailand.

Thai banks charge fees across various services, including account maintenance, debit cards, withdrawals at Thai ATMs, and international transfers.

These fees can add up, particularly if you're regularly sending money between Thailand and the UK, so it's worth comparing the full cost before opening an account.

If you're planning a longer stay, it's also worth understanding your tax position as a UK expat.

Can foreigners open a bank account in Thailand?

Yes - foreigners can open a bank account in Thailand, but there are some important conditions to be aware of before you head to a branch.

Most Thai banks require you to hold a long-term, non-immigrant visa before they'll open a standard current account.¹

If you're in Thailand on a tourist visa or short-term entry stamp, most banks will restrict you to a basic non-resident savings account rather than a full current account.

A common question is whether all branches apply the same policies. They often don't. Practices can vary between individual branches, and the experience tends to be smoother if staff at your chosen branch speak English.

UOB, Bangkok Bank, and Kasikorn Bank are among the banks most commonly cited as straightforward for foreign applicants, though there are no guarantees across every branch.

Top 10 banks in Thailand

Here is a snapshot of the 10 largest and most widely used banks in Thailand, ranked by approximate total assets. You'll find individual profiles for each bank below.

Bangkok Bank

Founded in 1944, Bangkok Bank has built one of the largest branch and ATM networks in the country, along with a meaningful international presence spanning multiple markets. It serves both personal and business customers, and its long track record with foreign nationals makes it one of the more familiar names for new arrivals.

Its most popular everyday product is the e-Savings Account, which you can open online. It lets you make payments, transfers, and manage your money through mobile banking.

For businesses, Bangkok Bank offers accounts, commercial cards, merchant and payment services, SME loans, and a wide range of financial services.

Krungthai Bank

Founded in 1966, Krungthai Bank is a state-owned institution with one of the widest branch networks in Thailand, including a presence in rural areas with limited local banking facilities. It also has some overseas operations.

Krungthai Bank serves both retail and business customers, with products including a Savings Account. The account pays interest on your balance and lets you set up direct debits for regular bills.

There are also tailored services for SMEs and corporate clients, including accounts, cards, loans, and more.

Kasikorn Bank

Established in 1945, Kasikorn Bank - commonly known as KBank - was originally called Thai Farmers Bank and initially focused on supporting the agricultural sector.

Today, it provides a full range of personal, corporate, and trade banking services, and is consistently recognised for the quality of its digital banking platform.

For everyday banking, the KBank Savings Account is a popular choice. It's available to both residents and foreigners, covering everything you need for daily transactions.

Businesses can choose from accounts, loans, payment and collection services, international trade solutions, insurance, and commercial cards.

Siam Commercial Bank

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is one of the oldest banks in Thailand, with roots dating back to 1907 when it was founded by Royal Charter. It was registered as a public company in 1993.

The bank offers accounts and services for both individuals and businesses, including its popular General Savings Account. This covers everyday banking - deposits, transfers, and withdrawals - all managed through the SCB EASY app.

Business customers can access credit facilities, investments, capital markets, cash management, and trade finance services.

Government Savings Bank (GSB)

Government Savings Bank (GSB) is a state-owned, specialist savings bank founded in 1913 by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). It was originally called the Savings Office, established specifically to promote the habit of long-term saving among Thai citizens.

Today, GSB remains a savings specialist, with products such as a Savings Account for everyday use. It pays interest on your balance while allowing flexible access to your money.

GSB's focus is retail savings, and it does not offer much in the way of business banking services (except for business loans).

Krungsri Bank

Krungsri Bank, also known as the Bank of Ayudhya, is a major Thai bank founded in 1945. Since 2013, it has been majority-owned by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), one of the largest banking groups in Japan. That ownership gives it particularly strong ties to regional and international business networks.

The bank has an extensive branch and ATM network, and offers a full suite of services to retail and corporate customers alike.

A popular everyday account is the Mee Tae Dai Savings Account, which offers withdrawals, transfers, and deposits while calculating interest daily and paying it to your account monthly..

The bank also offers loans, cash management, trade services, and wealth management solutions for businesses.

TMBThanachart Bank (ttb)

TMBThanachart Bank (ttb) was founded in 1957 as the Thai Military Bank by Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, originally to provide financial services to military personnel. It became a full commercial bank in 1973, and merged with Thanachart Bank in 2019, creating one of Thailand's larger banking institutions.

ttb offers personal and business banking with a range of accounts to choose from. This includes the TTB All Free Deposit Account, a flexible solution for withdrawals, payments, and deposits that can be linked to a debit card.

ttb has credit facilities and accounts for SMEs, and a similar range of services for larger businesses.

United Overseas Bank (UOB)

United Overseas Bank (UOB) is one of the largest foreign-owned banks in Thailand. It is part of Singapore's UOB Group and significantly increased its Thai presence when it acquired the local operations of Citibank in 2013.

UOB is well regarded for its English-language support and experience with international customers. Among its most popular products is the UOB ONE Account, which offers unlimited deposits and withdrawals as well as savings interest.

For businesses, UOB provides cash management, savings, loans, trade finance, and global market solutions.

CIMB Thai Bank

CIMB Thai Bank is a subsidiary of CIMB Group, one of Southeast Asia's largest banking groups and Malaysia's second-largest financial services provider. In recent years, CIMB Thai has largely transitioned to a digital-first model.

For everyday banking, the Speed Savings Account is a flexible option with unlimited withdrawals and savings interest.

CIMB Thai also offers deposits, trade finance, and cash management services for businesses.

LH Bank

Land & Houses Bank (LH Bank) is a retail bank founded in 2004 by the real estate developers of the same name. It initially provided financial services only to property customers before expanding to all personal banking customers in 2011.

Its Digital Savings Account lets you deposit, withdraw, and spend while earning interest on your balance, with everything managed through a mobile app.

LH Bank also offers dedicated solutions for SMEs and larger business customers, including cash management services and business loans.

Online bank accounts and money management alternatives in Thailand

A traditional bank account isn’t your only option for managing money in Thailand. Digital accounts and financial apps can be a practical alternative, particularly if you want to get set up quickly or manage spending alongside a local account.

Two of the most widely used options in Thailand are:

• TMRW - a digital banking app from UOB, with an account and debit card.
• LINE BK - a Thai social banking platform connecting the LINE messaging app with a digital bank, offering savings accounts, debit cards, and a credit line.

For a broader look at how money works on the ground - including currency exchange tips and card acceptance - see our guide to money and banks in Thailand.

Wise – An international alternative to a bank account in Thailand

If you're an expat looking for an international account with multiple benefits, then consider checking out the Wise account.

With the Wise account you can manage your money in 40+ currencies and send international payments worldwide to 140+ countries for low, transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates. You’ll also get dedicated support and volume discounts when sending large amounts. On a £50,000 transfer, you could save up to £1,000 with Wise vs your bank.

There’s even a Wise card you can get for a one-time cost of £7 for spending in countries. This clever card automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a low, transparent conversion fee – or it’s free if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

✅ Sign up with Wise for free

**Investments are not guaranteed, and your capital is at risk.

Wise is an Electronic Money Institution (EMI), so features like Interest and Stocks may be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). For standard cash balances, we safeguard your funds to meet regulatory obligations.

In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets, the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 839689).

We do not provide investment advice, and taxes may apply. If unsure, seek qualified financial advice. Full fund information is available on our website.

Frequently asked questions about banks in Thailand

What is the best bank in Thailand?

There is no single answer - it depends on your circumstances.

For foreign nationals looking for a relatively straightforward account-opening experience, UOB and Bangkok Bank are among the more accessible options. For strong digital banking and a well-regarded mobile app, Kasikorn Bank is a popular choice.

If you need access to government-related services or coverage in rural areas, Krungthai Bank has the widest reach. If you're still weighing up the pros and cons of living in Thailand, your choice of bank may depend on where you plan to settle.

What banks can foreigners use in Thailand?

Most major Thai banks will open accounts for foreigners who hold a long-term, non-immigrant visa. UOB, Bangkok Bank, and Kasikorn Bank are among the banks more commonly reported to be accessible for foreign applicants, though practices may vary between branches. It is always a good idea to contact your chosen branch directly before visiting.

Which international banks are in Thailand?

Several international banking groups have a presence in Thailand. UOB (Singapore) and CIMB (Malaysia) are among the largest foreign-owned institutions in the country.

Krungsri Bank (Bank of Ayudhya) is majority-owned by MUFG, Japan's largest banking group. HSBC and Standard Chartered also operate in Thailand, though their retail offerings are limited - both primarily serve corporate and high-net-worth clients rather than everyday personal banking customers.

Key takeaways

• Thailand has a highly developed banking sector, consisting of large domestic institutions and a small number of significant foreign-owned players, all under the oversight of the Bank of Thailand.
• Most Thai banks require foreigners to hold a long-term, non-immigrant visa to open a standard current account, while those on tourist visas or short-term entry stamps are generally restricted to basic non-resident savings accounts.
• Account policies and experiences can vary significantly between individual bank branches, though UOB, Bangkok Bank, and Kasikorn Bank are commonly cited as the most straightforward for foreign applicants.
• Traditional banking alternatives in the country include digital platforms like TMRW by UOB and LINE BK, which connects the local LINE messaging app with a digital bank.
• While international money management can often lead to high exchange rate markups and account complexity, a Wise account solves this pain point by allowing travellers and expats to hold multiple currencies and spend abroad with no monthly fees and mid-market exchange rates with low, transparent fees.

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Sources used:

1. Kasikorn Bank - Open a Bank Account
2. Bangkok Bank - Form 56-1 One Report / Annual Report and Sustainability Report
3. Krungthai Bank - Financial Highlight
4. Kasikorn Bank - Statement of Assets and Liabilities
5. SCB - Summary Statement of Assets and Liabilities
6. Government Savings Bank - Annual Report 2024
7. Krungsri Bank - Financial Summary
8. ttb - Financial Summary
9. UOB - Summary Statement of Assets and Liabilities (As of 31 December 2025)
10. CIMB Thai - Investor Highlights
11. LH Bank - Land and Houses Financial Business Group reveals its outstanding performance in 2025, posting a net profit of THB 2,885.8 million

Sources last checked 10-Jun-2026