INFORMATION FOR LONG TERM EXPATS WANTING TO OPEN A THAI BANK ACCOUNT AND NO LONGER HAVE A SECOND PHOTO ID FROM THEIR HOME COUNTRY

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) regulates Thai banking practices.  In the latter part of 2025 BOT issued instructions for Thai banks to strengthen their Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.  As a result, most if not all banks instituted a requirement for foreigners to open a bank account to provide a second photo ID from their home country. 

We have received several reports from long term Expat residents whose country does not issue a national ID card and no longer have a valid driving license or other photo ID that Thai bank branches in Pattaya are refusing to open an account - even 2nd accounts where they already have an account.

We used Gemini AI to provide information on how a long term Expat can be able to open a Thai bank account. The following information was provided. There is no guarantee that this guidance will result in opening a Thai bank account, but may be worth trying.

We appreciate reports on your experience whether successful or not. Please send your report to info@pcec.club.