You must be a legal resident of Thailand to open a bank account. This means either a retirement VISA or a work permit. A few banks prefer not to do business with foreigners.

Documents needed for an account – This will vary from bank to bank. Documents often requested are the following: Passport, Certificate of Residency (available from Immigration Office). The Visa preferred is Retirement Visa, however, a Work Permit Visa is also acceptable.

Currency Rate  – The currency rate for your cash/Traveler’s check will often depend on how many banks/kiosks you go to for comparison.

ATM – Be cautious. Protect your PIN number from prying eyes. Your U.S. bank ATM card can draw baht money in Thailand. Your Thai bank ATM card, however, may be blocked if trying to use in the USA. Ask your Thai bank if you need to “unblock” your ATM card  for use in USA.

Checks – Do not bring cashier checks or personal checks. They will not be cashed at banks. If you have an account with Bangkok Bank, they will cash with a charge of 200 baht for processing from the Treasury Dept or Social Security. It still may take 30-45 days until the amount  is deposited in your account.

Direct Deposit – You will need a Bangkok Bank Internet Account with their Bualuang Online Bank. Social Security/Treasury checks can then be deposited to the Bangkok Bank’s New York office and routed to your checking account in Pattaya. The process takes 1-2 days. The cost is 0.25% and charge from a minimum 200 baht up to 500 baht. See
www.bangkokbank.com/Online+Banking/For+Personal/Banking/Default.htm