Be Careful at the bank
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Re: Be Careful at the bank
The banks here are all crazy. I opened my SCB account in 2005 (I think). I got a new passport in 2015. The bank still uses my mailing address at Yensabai Condo. I haven't stayed there for many years. So. I tried to go into the SCB at Tuk Com and update the info. No luck. They wanted my old passport/number. I didn't have. I had opened the account in Jomtien and they said I would have to go there to make the changes. So I said the heck with it. Maybe on my next trip I'll bring the old passport and make the effort again to change. They make things so difficult.
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Re: Be Careful at the bank
When I opened my account at the Yellow Bank six years ago, I had a cute gay boy who spoke good English who was a great help with the paperwork. Each time I would visit, I would teasingly flirt with him, reducing him and the girls either side of him to a fit of the giggles. Then there was a staff change and all of them went elsewhere to be replaced by unhelpful grumpies who barely understood what a letter for Immigration stating my bank balance was. Needless to say, I avoid the place until it's time for my visa renewal. It's just not fun anymore.
Re: Be Careful at the bank
Incidentally have Thai banks been asking anyone for documentation to comply with FATCA legislation? (Maybe Fatwa might be more appropriate given the reach of the US tax system).
I had to fill in a form for a bank account in another ASEAN country, including where I was tax resident.
I had to fill in a form for a bank account in another ASEAN country, including where I was tax resident.
- mahjongguy
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Re: Be Careful at the bank
USA citizens must fill in and sign an IRS W-9 form. So, be sure you know your SS number when you go to open an account, or get a new bankbook or ATM card.
Re: Be Careful at the bank
Are you sure about that? I've never been asked to do that or is that a form I have to get from the IRS?mahjongguy wrote:USA citizens must fill in and sign an IRS W-9 form. So, be sure you know your SS number when you go to open an account, or get a new bankbook or ATM card.
- mahjongguy
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Re: Be Careful at the bank
My local branch of Bangkok Bank provided the blank W-9 form. Just entered my SS number and signed it. It took one minute and was trivial compared to all the other paperwork required to open my third account there. That's in their system now so I doubt I'll be asked again.
Re: Be Careful at the bank
The banks supply the form and it's easy to fill out (so long as you know your name, address, and SSN). This all started a couple of years ago when the various Thai banks starting signing agreements with US Treasury to provide information to the US Treasury regarding US citizen accounts, annual interest earned, etc. From reports I get from other western friends (Canadian and British, for example), the banks are making them sign the forms too....although they don't have to answer any additional questions if they answer the first question (Are you a US citizen?) in the negative.RichLB wrote:Are you sure about that? I've never been asked to do that or is that a form I have to get from the IRS?mahjongguy wrote:USA citizens must fill in and sign an IRS W-9 form. So, be sure you know your SS number when you go to open an account, or get a new bankbook or ATM card.
As to what triggers the questionnaire, opening a new account (even by an existing customer) will do it although I've heard a few say that making any change (e.g., getting a new ATM card, "rolling over" an existing term account) triggered the questionnaire for them. In any event, it's no big deal or hassle.