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“We know it can be frustrating to have to explain
yourself every time you visit the bank, so we have
produced this guide to help make it easier for you to
get the most out of the products and services offered
by Bangkok Bank.”
As a foreigner in Thailand, we want to make it easy for you to manage your
finances.
This guide contains useful information that will help save you time, such as the
types of documents that are required to open an account and how to apply for
our products and services.
A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Services
Understanding is Everything
“We know it can be frustrating to have to explain
yourself every time you visit the bank, so we have
produced this guide to help make it easier for you to
get the most out of the products and services offered
by Bangkok Bank.”
As a foreigner in Thailand, we want to make it easy for you to manage your
finances.
This guide contains useful information that will help save you time, such as the
types of documents that are required to open an account and how to apply for
our products and services.
A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Services
Understanding is Everything
CONTENTS
Opening an account
6
Quick guide to products and services
7
Accounts at Bangkok Bank
8
Debit and credit cards
9
Convenient ways to bank with us
10
International funds transfer
13
Domestic funds transfer
16
Paying bills
17
Buying a home
18
Investments
19
Insurance
21
Retiring in Thailand
22
Safe banking in Thailand
24
Contact information
26
Whether your stay here is temporary or permanent
Page
Bangkok Bank is the largest commercial bank in Thailand with assets of over USD 32 billion and is one of the largest regional banks in Southeast Asia. Our deposit and customer base is the largest in Thailand with over 16 million accounts and we operate a nationwide network of over 895 branches, 250 business centers and 5,900 ATMs.
Bangkok Bank’s international branch network is the largest among the Thai banks and spans 13 countries, and we have relationships with over 1,500 correspondent banks around the world.
Bangkok Bank is rated Baa1 by Moody’s investment service as of May 2009 and BBB by Standard and Poor’s as of May 31, 2009.
At Bangkok Bank, we have a wide range of products and services to meet your banking and financial needs.
No matter where you are in Thailand or what you are doing, you can always be sure that your financial matters will be taken care of by Thailand’s leading bank.
Your Trust, Our Commitment
CONTENTS
Opening an account
6
Quick guide to products and services
7
Accounts at Bangkok Bank
8
Debit and credit cards
9
Convenient ways to bank with us
10
International funds transfer
13
Domestic funds transfer
16
Paying bills
17
Buying a home
18
Investments
19
Insurance
21
Retiring in Thailand
22
Safe banking in Thailand
24
Contact information
26
Whether your stay here is temporary or permanent
Page
Bangkok Bank is the largest commercial bank in Thailand with assets of over USD 32 billion and is one of the largest regional banks in Southeast Asia. Our deposit and customer base is the largest in Thailand with over 16 million accounts and we operate a nationwide network of over 895 branches, 250 business centers and 5,900 ATMs.
Bangkok Bank’s international branch network is the largest among the Thai banks and spans 13 countries, and we have relationships with over 1,500 correspondent banks around the world.
Bangkok Bank is rated Baa1 by Moody’s investment service as of May 2009 and BBB by Standard and Poor’s as of May 31, 2009.
At Bangkok Bank, we have a wide range of products and services to meet your banking and financial needs.
No matter where you are in Thailand or what you are doing, you can always be sure that your financial matters will be taken care of by Thailand’s leading bank.
Your Trust, Our Commitment
IMMIGRATION THAILAND RE-ENTRY PERMIT Number Valid Until Number of Persons Number of Entries Rength of Stay Until Place of Issue
Date of Issue Category
Immigration Officer
Opening an account
At Bangkok Bank, we’ve had a lot of experience helping foreigners do their banking. We can open a savings account for people who are permanent residents, or who have a valid work permit, long-stay visa or tourist visa, at any of our branches nationwide.
The documents required when opening a basic savings account are as follows:
Foreigners who are permanent residents in Thailand
A person who has completed the residency application process and received Thai identity and House Registration document.
• Passport or alien certificate or certificate of residency • Copy of house registration document
Foreigners with a work permit
A person who has received permission to work in Thailand and received a work permit.
• Passport • Work permit
Long-stay Foreigners or Tourists
Long-stay foreigners include all Non-Immigrant visas (except Non-Immigrant visa types MT, S and LA) plus Diplomatic, Official, Courtesy and Special Entry visas.
Tourists include the following visa types: Tourist, Transit, Visa on Arrival, Exemption Visa, Non–Immigrant MT and S.
• Passport
• One of the following:
a. Certified copy of passport from embassy; or
b. A reference letter of recommendation from your home bank addressed to Bangkok Bank or a SWIFT message sent to Bangkok Bank via the SWIFT financial messaging network (your home bank must be a bank which is acceptable to Bangkok Bank); or
c. A reference letter of recommendation from a person or organization acceptable to Bangkok Bank, such as a reputable company, an embassy or an international organization located in Thailand; or d. Driving license with photo and address
Copies of standard forms (a-c) may be downloaded from www.bangkokbank.com/webforms or ask at one of our branches.
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A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Service
Products & Services
PermanentResidents1 Foreigners with work permit1 Long-stay Foreigners1 Tourists 1
Savings account & Be1st debit card √ √ √ √2
Fixed deposit account √ √ √ √ Sinmathaya deposit √ √ √
Cheque / current account √ √ √
Foreign currency deposit account √ √ √ √ Bills of exchange √
Telephone banking (Bualuang Phone) √ √ √ √ Internet banking (Bualuang iBanking) √ √ √
International funds transfer via
Bualuang iBanking3 √ √ √
Credit card (conditions apply) √ √4 √4
Bualuang home loan
(conditions apply) √ Non-resident baht account (NRBA)
Fixed account (Min. 6 months) √ √ √ Non-Resident baht account (NRBA)
Savings account √ √ √
Mutual Fund investments √ √ √ √ Direct Deposit from US to Thailand
via US ACH system √ √ √ √ Share Trading (Introducing Agent) √ √ √
Insurance (Bancassurance) √ √ √ √
1. Description of customer types is shown on the previous page.
2. The maximum limit for daily cash withdrawals and funds transfers from electronic channels is Bt 50,000 and the daily limit for spending is Bt 50,000.
3. Evidence of income and other documents may be required in order to comply with Bank of Thailand regulations.
4. Evidence of income and a deposit account required. Customers may be required to deposit collateral. Credit card approval is solely at the bank’s discretion.
Terms & conditions of products and services are subject to change at the bank’s discretion. Thirty days prior notice will be given at the branch.
Quick guide to products and services
Accounts at Bangkok Bank
Savings accounts
A Bangkok Bank savings account is the first step to accessing our products and services. The account is passbook-based and typically customers also apply for a Be1st debit card that can be used at ATMs and to make purchases.
You can use your savings account to:
• Access telephone banking services on Bualuang Phone
• Make bill payments via ATMs, telephone banking, internet banking • Arrange direct debit and standing orders
• Make international and domestic funds transfers
A savings account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Bt 500. Interest is calculated daily and will be credited to your account at end of June and end of December each year. Accounts which become dormant with a balance below Bt 2,000 will attract a monthly service charge.
Current accounts
With a minimum deposit of Bt 10,000 you can open a Bangkok Bank current account and be issued with a cheque book of personalized cheques. Note: While cheques can be a useful way to pay bills where there is an established relationship, very few retailers in Thailand accept cheques. It is also an offence in Thailand to write cheques without sufficient clear funds. To avoid this Bangkok Bank offers an overdraft protection service.
Available for foreigners who are permanent residents and people with a work permit or long-stay visa.
Fixed-term deposits
Make your money work for you with a Bangkok Bank fixed-deposit account. All you need is a minimum deposit of Bt 2,000 to receive competitive rates for terms of 3 months or up to three years. Deposits to fixed accounts may be made via Cash Deposit Machine, Internet Banking, ATM and Phone Banking. Tax is automatically deducted from interest paid to customers.
Foreign currency deposit accounts
With a foreign currency deposit account, you can hold your funds in any of nine currencies: USD,GBP, JPY, SGD, HKD, AUD, EUR, CAD and CHF. This enables you to manage your foreign currency payments and income more effectively by minimizing risks from fluctuations in foreign currency. A foreign currency deposit account can be a savings, fixed deposit or current account. The initial deposit for opening any of these accounts is USD 5,000 or an equivalent amount in another currency.
Non-resident baht accounts
9
A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Service
Debit and credit cards
Be1
st
Visa debit cards
Bangkok Bank issues Be1st Visa debit cards that can be used at ATMs to
withdraw cash in Thailand and overseas, and for making purchases with funds that are drawn directly from your savings or current account. You can set daily transaction limits on your card for spending and withdrawals from ATMs, and it’s also possible to link multiple accounts, mutual funds and fixed accounts to your card – talk to your branch about these options. Be1st Visa debit cards issued since October 2008 carry the 3-digit CVV number
on the back of the card and can be used on eBay and PayPal. In Bangkok, Be1st
debit cards - BTS are also available with an electronic wallet for riding on the BTS Sky Train.
Cards issued to tourist visa holders have a maximum limit of Bt 50,000 for cash withdrawal from ATMs and Bt 50,000 for card spending usage per day.
Be1
st
Smart Visa debit cards
Be 1st Smart Visa debit cards carry an EMV chip and represent the highest level
of card security. They can be used at designated Bangkok Bank ATMs and most VISA shops – usage internationally may be limited by the availability of chip reading ATMs.
Credit cards
Bangkok Bank offers VISA, MasterCard and American Express cards that are accepted around the world. Our credit cards feature chip technology, contactless payment and BTS Sky Train travel card options, and provide added confidence when shopping online through our additional Bualuang iPay security password (see below).
A Bangkok Bank credit card will allow you to take advantage of regular retail promotions, prize draws,discounts and loyalty programs, as well as savings on foreign exchange fees that are charged when you use foreign-issued credit cards. For more information about credit cards please contact a marketing officer at one of our branches.
Bualuang iPay with Verified by VISA
Bualuang iPay uses Verified by VISA to provide you with additional security and confidence when using your VISA credit card or Be1st debit card to shop online. Verified by VISA uses a password inquiry system that reduces
the risk of someone else fraudulently using your card to make purchases online, and gives you the confidence that the online merchant you are purchasing from is authorized by VISA International.
Credit card holders can register for Bualuang iPay on Bangkok Bank’s website www.bangkokbank.com while Be1st debit card holders can register by calling Bualuang Phone on 1333 or +662 645 5555.
Lost or stolen cards
Convenient ways to bank with us
Bangkok Bank offers a full range of modern and convenient banking channels to allow you to do your banking where and when it is most convenient for you.
ATMs
Bangkok Bank has a nationwide network of over 5,900 ATMs. There’s more to ATMs than just making cash withdrawals as you can also:
• Check your account balance
• Transfer funds to your own accounts or accounts at other banks in Thailand
• Pay over 100 types of bills, including topping up your mobile phone. You can pay bills by scanning the barcodes under the barcode readers attached to most of our ATMs
• Buy and sell mutual fund units
Note: Most transactions using Bangkok Bank’s ATMs in the region where your Bangkok Bank card was issued are provided free of charge.
Cash Deposit Machines and Express Deposit Boxes
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A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Service
Telephone Banking – Bualuang Phone 1333
Bangkok Bank’s telephone banking service, Bualuang Phone, provides a full English-language option and is available 24/7 by dialing 1333 or +662 645 5555. With your PIN and Be1st card number you can check your
account balance, cancel lost or stolen cards, pay bills, buy and sell mutual fund units and transfer funds between your accounts. No registration is required to use Bualuang Phone; however, if you want to transfer funds to third-party accounts, you will need to register this at a Bangkok Bank branch.
Internet Banking – Bualuang iBanking:
www.bangkokbank.com/ibanking
Bangkok Bank’s internet banking service, Bualuang iBanking, provides a full English-language option, is easy to set up and use, and allows you to do all of your day-to-day banking at your own convenience without having to visit a bank branch.
With Bualuang iBanking, you can check your accounts and account history, pay bills, buy and sell mutual fund units, transfer funds to your accounts or to third-party accounts at other Thai banks, and make international funds transfers. Registration for the international funds transfer service is separate to Bualuang iBanking and requires a letter from your employer, indicating your income in Thailand to satisfy Bank of Thailand requirements.
Bualuang iBanking is highly secure and uses SSL and 128-bit encryption – a global encryption standard. The service requires Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 (Update Service Pack) and can be used with Firefox by downloading the ‘User Agent’ add on.
Bualuang iBanking is also available via internet browser on a mobile phone. The key services provided are account history, funds transfer and bill payment. The url is www.bangkokbank.com/ibanking/mobile. Use your existing Bualuang iBanking user ID and password.
To register for Bualuang iBanking you will need to have a savings or current account with Bangkok Bank. If you don’t have an account with us, simply apply at your nearest branch in Thailand, and while you are there you can apply for our Bualuang iBanking and International Funds Transfer via Bualuang iBanking services.
Bualuang iBanking uses a mobile phone number (Thai phone number only) as part of the customer authentication process when making certain transactions. Be sure to update your mobile phone number with the bank.
Internet banking is available for foreign customers (except tourists). Please provide the bank with recent documentation giving addresses both in Thailand (not a hotel address or P.O. box) and overseas.
Branch banking
There will always be a time when nothing other than across-the-counter, face-to-face banking will do, and most of our branches in Thailand have English-speaking staff on hand to help you. Bangkok Bank has more than 890 branches nationwide, including around 84 micro branches which are opened for extended hours and are conveniently located in department stores, malls and shopping centers across the country (micro branches feature a reduced range of services and are not always able to accept large-value transactions).
• Standard branch opening hours are 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Monday to Friday • Micro branches are open for extended hours up to seven days a week • All branches provide 24/7 self-service facilities
• Foreign exchange booths are available in convenient locations
Priority banking – Bualuang Exclusive
Bualuang Exclusive is a priority banking service provided to valued customers who meet certain asset requirements. The benefits available to Bualuang Exclusive customers include:
• Access to Bualuang Exclusive Suite
• Advice and support from a dedicated Bualuang Exclusive officer • Priority notice about new investment opportunities
• Privileged access to the Bualuang Phone Exclusive service • Preferential parking spaces
13
A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Service
International funds
transfer
As a foreigner in Thailand, there will come a time when you will need to make an international funds transfer, whether for day-to-day expenses, to fund a purchase or investment, or to repatriate funds overseas. Our international payment network of over 1,500 foreign banks worldwide enables us to send and receive funds transfers from abroad quickly and directly into your Bangkok Bank account.
Receiving Funds from Abroad
Via SWIFT
A SWIFT transfer, also referred to as a telegraphic transfer, is the most common way to make an international funds transfer and is one of the fastest and most secure ways to receive funds directly into your Bangkok Bank account.
To send funds to your Bangkok Bank account from overseas, you will need to provide the following details to your bank overseas: your account name and account number as it appears on the passbook, and your bank name and address in Thailand as well as its SWIFT code. Bangkok Bank’s SWIFT code is ‘BKKBTHBK’. Notes:
1. When making a SWIFT transfer, you should specify the reason for the transfer in your funds transfer instruction. Doing so means that we can complete the required documentation with the Thai authorities and don’t need to contact you again to enquire about the purpose of the transfer, saving time for both parties.
2. To check if your funds have been credited to your account, the following options are available:
• Bualuang call center at 1333 or +662 645 5555 • Bualuang iBanking
• Sign up to receive an SMS Remittance Alert
3. The SMS Remittance Alert is a free service for Bangkok Bank account holders. To sign up for the service, contact Bualuang Phone on 1333 or +662 645 5555 any day between 6.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. To access the automatic system, press **721*. Please have your ATM card/Be1st card
Transferring Funds to purchase a condominium in Thailand
If you want to purchase a condominium, you can instruct your bank abroad to transfer your foreign currency funds directly to your Bangkok Bank account. You must stipulate the reason for transferring funds in your transfer instruction.
Upon receiving the transfer funds in your account with Bangkok Bank you can request any of our branches that provide international services to issue a ‘Foreign Exchange Transaction Form’ for amounts of USD 20,000 and over. For lesser amounts or funds transfers from abroad in Thai baht, the bank will issue the confirmation letter of International Inwards Funds Transfer instead, together with a credit advice. Both the Foreign Exchange Transaction Form and the confirmation letter of International Inwards Funds Transfer are acceptable to the Land Department when registering the ownership of a condominium.
Fund transfers from the United States
Holders of US bank accounts transferring funds to recipients with a Bangkok Bank account in Thailand can save up to USD 20 on fees for international fund transfers by transferring funds from the United States to Thailand via the US Automated Clearing House system (US ACH) and Bangkok Bank’s New York branch. By stipulating the 9-digit routing number for Bangkok Bank’s New York branch (026008691) in your transfer instruction, the funds will be transferred via the US ACH system directly to the receiver’s Bangkok Bank account in Thailand, for a lower fee than most other international wire transfer services.
Maximum Transfer Amounts
There are no limits on the amounts you can transfer into Thailand, however to comply with Bank of Thailand regulations we ask you to instruct the sending bank to specify the reason for the transfer in your funds transfer instruction. Bangkok Bank will report the purpose of your funds transfer to the Bank of Thailand on your behalf.
Sending Funds Abroad
Via SWIFT
With over 1,500 partner banks around the world and our own international branch network, we can ensure that your funds get directly to where they are going at a much lower cost.
When sending funds to a bank account overseas via SWIFT, you will need to provide the bank with the details of the recipient, i.e. recipient account name, account number and address as well as the recipient’s bank name and address. With SWIFT transfers, your funds will be deposited directly into the recipient’s account quickly and efficiently.
You will also need to bring your passport along with a document that shows the source of money in your account, i.e. Credit Advice or a confirmation letter of your income from your employer to meet Bank of Thailand requirements.
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A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Service
International Funds Transfer Service via Bualuang iBanking:
Another great way to transfer money overseas is via internet banking or Bualuang iBanking. The service requires a one-time registration set-up at the branch and then transfers can be made on demand at your own convenience. The documents required for setting up this service are your passport and a letter confirming your income from your employer. (The confirmation letter of your income must be updated annually at year end.)
Western Union Money Transfer Service
An easy option for sending or receiving international funds for those that do not have a bank account or require urgent funds within minutes is Western Union. Bangkok Bank provides a Western Union Money Transfer Service at our booths and branches across the nation with Western Union signage.
International Bank Draft
An international bank draft is a cost-effective way to send money abroad to friends and family overseas, or to make overseas purchases. Buy a draft at any Bangkok Bank branch with remittance services and post it to the recipient of your choice at your convenience. This option takes longer and most drafts will take time to be cleared before the recipient can take receipt of the funds.
Maximum Transfer Amounts
The maximum amount you can transfer out of Thailand is determined by the Bank of Thailand and depends on the source of THB funds and the supporting documents you can provide. The most common reasons for foreigners to transfer funds offshore is to repatriate income or proceeds from the sale of a condominium in which case you will need to provide a letter stating your income or a sales contract issued by the Land Department and ownership title documents. The maximum amount that a foreigner can repatriate overseas in a year can not exceed their annual earnings (less tax and living expenses in Thailand) or the selling price of the condominium.
Fees
International funds transfers incur fees that are deducted from the transferred funds. We are often asked why the sum received was less than the sum sent; this is because of the fees charged for the transaction by the sending and receiving banks.
Bangkok Bank’s fee when receiving international funds is 0.25% of the transfer amount, with a minimum of Bt 200 and a maximum of Bt 500. Bangkok Bank will deduct the fee from the transfer amount before crediting funds to the beneficiary’s account.
For sending fees abroad, our fee is Bt 400 per transaction. If you send the funds abroad via Bualuang iBanking the fee is lower at only Bt 300 per transaction.
Notifications
Domestic funds transfer
Transferring funds within Thailand is very straightforward and there are a number of services to choose from.
Self-service transfers
Self-service banking channels are a cost effective and convenient option to transfer funds:
• ATMs: transfer funds to your own accounts or accounts at other banks in Thailand.
• Phone banking (Bualuang Phone): transfer funds between your Bangkok Bank accounts
• Internet banking (Bualuang iBanking): transfer funds to your own accounts or accounts at other banks in Thailand.
We recommend Bualuang iBanking as the most convenient option.
Bahtnet – when transferring large sums to other banks
When it comes to transferring large sums, the fastest, safest and most reliable way to transfer funds within Thailand is via Bahtnet, a system owned and operated by the Bank of Thailand. Bahtnet is available over the counter at Bangkok Bank branches and lets you transfer your funds to other accounts at designated banks on the same day. You can transfer any amount from your Bangkok Bank account via Bahtnet at any Bangkok Bank branch. You can even transfer funds without having a bank account but the amount will be limited to Bt 200,000. The fee for this service is a Bt 150 charge to the sender and other banks’ charges are to the recipient.
Interbank – when the sender doesn’t have a Bangkok
Bank account
If you don’t have a Bangkok Bank account, you can still transfer money via our interbank transfer service so long as the recipient has an account at the receiving bank. This is a handy service for travelers in Thailand and is provided over the counter at Bangkok Bank branches. Fees range from Bt 50 to Bt 120 and the maximum funds transfer amount is Bt 100,000.
Online Money Transfer – when neither party has a bank account
Bangkok Bank’s Online Money Transfer service is recommended when neither the sender nor the recipient has a bank account in Thailand. To send money, go to a Bangkok Bank branch and fill in the form outlining the recipient’s details. You will be given a reference number which you give to your recipient who then takes the number and their identification into a Bangkok Bank branch to pick up the funds. Fees range from Bt 30 to Bt 120 and the maximum funds transfer is Bt 100,000.
Fees
17
A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Service
Paying bills
You can pay a wide range of bills through Bangkok Bank’s bill payments service, including telephone and internet providers, utilities companies, insurance companies and car leasing agencies. You can even top up your pre-paid mobile phone.
Self service
The most convenient way to pay bills is via Bangkok Bank’s ATM network, Bualuang Phone telephone banking and Bualuang iBanking internet banking service. Making bill payments at an ATM is very easy to complete so long as you have your bill with you. To do this, select the ‘other services’ option on the ATM screen,
then select ‘bill payments’, identify the type of bill you wish to pay and then follow the instructions which are clearly laid out on the screen. You will need to input a reference number which is printed on the bill statement. You can also pay bills by scanning the barcode on your bills via most of our ATMs.
You can call Bualuang Phone on 1333 or +662 645 5555 to pay your bills quickly and simply. Have your PIN and Be1st card number handy, select the English option when prompted and follow the instructions to make your
payments.
With Bualuang iBanking, you can pay your bills online and you can even set bill payments to occur in advance – it couldn’t be easier. You will need to register for Bualuang iBanking but once this is completed you can use it to pay your bills without having to visit the bank again. To find out more about the service and to download an application form, visit www.bangkokbank.com/ibanking.
Direct debit
You can set up a direct debit service which is a very useful and reliable way of paying for recurring bills such as telephone and electricity expenses. Bills are paid automatically on the payment date, so you don’t have to worry about late payment fees. A direct debit can be set up for anyone with a savings or current account.
Standing order
A standing order is another option for making recurring payments and is suitable for paying bills such as to your landlord who you might want to pay automatically, but to whom you don’t want to give the authority to direct debit your account each month. A standing order can be set up for anyone with a savings or current account.
Cheques
Personalized cheques are a useful way of covering bills where you have an established relationship with the person you are paying. However, very few retailers in Thailand accept cheques.
Over the counter
Buying a home
One of the most commonly asked questions we get from foreigners is how to buy property in Thailand. In general, Thai law prohibits foreigners from owning land in Thailand, however, there are viable alternatives that allow foreigners to purchase a home.
Condominiums and Apartments
The most common and straight forward way for foreigners to buy a home in Thailand is to purchase a condominium or an apartment without land title, as there is no land purchase associated with these. The only restriction on purchasing a condominium is that the total foreign ownership in the condominium block cannot exceed 49 percent. This requirement is generally managed by the condominium developer or sales team.
Leasehold Agreement
Another option is to purchase a leasehold agreement for all types of titled land. Leases cover a maximum period of 30 years and can be renewed once.
Thai spouse
If you are married to a Thai, then you have the option of acting as a guarantor for a mortgage loan taken out in your spouse’s name, provided that (1) you are a permanent resident or you have a work permit and have worked and stayed in Thailand consecutively for more than one year; and (2) your spouse is the owner of the property.
Transferring funds for a property purchase
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A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Service
Investments
Many foreigners working and living in Thailand repatriate funds back to their home country to make investments or repay loans. Often overlooked is the opportunity to invest surplus funds in Thailand at rates of return that may be more attractive than those available offshore.
Mutual Funds
Bangkok Bank’s mutual funds are provided by our award-winning subsidiary BBL Asset Management Limited and offer a range of choices including fixed income, equity, mixed, retirement funds and funds that invest overseas.
As well as providing the opportunity to earn higher returns than a normal savings account, mutual funds can also provide tax benefits for foreigners paying income tax in Thailand. Bangkok Bank offers several Retirement Mutual Funds and Long-Term Equity Funds that provide maximum tax deductions of 15 percent of total annual income and not more than Bt 500,000 per fund per year.
You can link open-end funds to your Bangkok Bank Be1st debit card so they can be traded via ATM or
purchased and sold at an ATM, or via Bualuang Phone telephone banking service. Selected funds can also be linked to our internet banking service, Bualuang iBanking, where standing, recurring instructions can also be established. A dollar-cost averaging service is also available.
To begin your investment in any mutual fund, please consult with one of our licensed staff (at every branch) – an Investor Contact – who can assist with a risk assessment profile and who has information about each of the funds available. When subscribing to a fund you will receive a passbook which can be used to record transactions.
Once you have opened the fund you can buy and sell units at any Bangkok Bank branch or via ATM or call center (link the fund to your ATM card) or Bualuang iBanking (register your fund for access via ibanking). You can also update your passbook at a Passbook Update machine in any branch.
Share trading
Bangkok Bank’s ‘Introducing Agent’ service enables customers to open a securities trading account to trade stocks via Bualuang Securities PCL, our capital markets arm, which offers a full range of equity investment options and internet and mobile phone trading services.
To open a securities trading account, you will need to have a savings or current account with Bangkok Bank and bring along the same documentation required for investing in mutual funds.
Bonds
Foreigners who are permanent residents can buy and sell government bonds and corporate debentures at any Bangkok Bank branch nationwide, except micro branches, making it easy to invest in Thailand’s bond market.
Government bonds offer a very secure investment with reasonable returns while normally corporate debentures offer higher returns but carry higher risk. Bond holders receive regular interest payments and you can choose to have these paid automatically into your account or to be paid as a cheque.
Bangkok Bank does not provide a secondary market for every type of bond or debenture. Normally we provide a secondary market for every Government Saving Bond and some debentures which are sold on the primary market.
Bills of Exchange
For foreigners who are permanent residents Bills of Exchange offer a secure investment with higher returns than normal fixed-term deposits with similar maturities.
Bills of Exchange are not transferrable but can be redeemed by Bangkok Bank prior to maturity and can also be pledged as collateral for loans.
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A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Service
Insurance
If something were to happen to you in Thailand, would your existing insurance policy from your home country provide cover? If you don’t have any insurance, how would you or your family cope financially? At Bangkok Bank, we find that many of our foreign customers understand the value of being insured, but remain exposed to sudden loss or financial setbacks by having only limited cover.
Bangkok Bank offers a range of personal insurance policies including Gain 1st life insurance, Cancer Protection Insurance 1st, PA 1st personal
accident and Home 1st home loan Insurance.
Gain 1
st
life insurance and savings
Products in the Gain 1st range provide life insurance cover for 10-15
years as well as a convenient way to save with a lump sum payment at the end of the term and yearly cash returns for some products. The premiums for Gain 1st can also be counted as deductions from
personal income tax up to Bt 100,000.
Cancer Protection Insurance 1
st
Cancer Protection Insurance 1st provides cover for illness due to
cancer, including non-invasive cancer in situ. A lump sum of 100 percent of the sum insured is paid promptly when you produce a medical certificate confirming that you have been diagnosed with cancer in any stage. Premiums start at just Bt 3.01 per day.
PA 1
st
personal accident insurance
It goes without saying that insuring yourself for personal accidents – traffic accidents, for example – will bring peace of mind should you ever be hospitalized or face permanent disability. Bangkok Bank’s PA 1st personal accident insurance covers medical expenses and
provides a lump sum payment for death or disability in Thailand and overseas.
Bangkok Bank also provides group accident insurance for business owners to insure employees through its Group PA 1st policy.
Home 1
st
mortgage insurance
Mortgage insurance is not compulsory in Thailand but it certainly is prudent, and is offered by Bangkok Bank through its Home 1st products.
Thailand is becoming a popular retirement destination for foreigners looking favorably on the climate, low cost of living, and high quality healthcare services. You might be asking yourself - how do I join them and retire in Thailand to spend my golden years basking in the sunshine?
If you are over the age of 50 and can bring the equivalent of Bt 800,000 or more in foreign currency into the country, or have a monthly income of Bt 65,000 or a combination of saving and annual income totaling not less than Bt 800,000, you can apply to the Thai government for a Non-Immigrant OA visa or O visa, otherwise known as a retirement visa.
As part of the government’s application process for the retirement visa, you will need to show evidence that the funds have been deposited into a bank account in Thailand in your name. Bangkok Bank can help you open a bank account to transfer in the funds even if you are still waiting for your retirement visa or haven’t started the application process. For more information, see Opening an Account on page 6.
Opening a savings account with Bangkok Bank will make paying bills and transferring funds extremely convenient. It will also enable you to use a Be1st debit card.
You can use your savings account to send and receive funds from abroad, but you may also find it convenient to open a foreign currency deposit account if you have income in a foreign currency or wish to hold your funds in foreign currencies. For more information, see Accounts at Bangkok Bank on page 8.
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A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Service
Direct Deposit Service
If you are currently receiving payments such as pensions, annuities or payroll from US government agencies, you can use our direct deposit service and arrange for your payments to be directly deposited into your account at Bangkok Bank in Thailand via Bangkok Bank’s New York branch instead of receiving United States Treasury cheques; thus, eliminating the risk of losing pay cheques and receiving funds faster. Moreover, your funds will be converted to Thai baht using the bank’s buying TT rate which is better than the rate for buying foreign cheques or buying at the sight bill rate.
To apply for this service, you need to do the followings:
1. Download the Direct Deposit Sign-up Form (SF1199A) from the website www.socialsecurity.gov/online. Complete the form to sign up for Direct Deposit with your relevant US government agency.
2. Open a savings account at any Bangkok Bank branch excluding micro branches. If you already have an account with Bangkok Bank, you can use your existing bank account for this service. Complete a Direct Deposit Service Application form.
3. Submit all forms to Bangkok Bank with the following supporting documents:
• Identification Card/Government Official ID Card/Passport together with a customer identification document such as your Social Security Card, Annuitant ID Card etc.
• A document from the relevant agency giving evidence of your right to receive the payments. 4. After verifying your documents, Bangkok Bank will submit your application to the government agency
asking them to approve your request for receiving the funds via direct deposit.
5. After the request to receive direct deposit is approved by the government agency, your welfare payment will be electronically deposited to your Bangkok Bank account.
If you use a direct deposit service to receive funds from a US Government Agency, you must appear in person at a Bangkok Bank branch to withdraw the funds.
Safe banking in Thailand
Foreigners in Thailand need to be just as vigilant with their finances as they would be at home. Despite the generosity and friendliness of the Thai people, there are times when you need to be wary of strangers, particularly around ATM machines and people who approach you and offer to ‘help’ with your transactions. Check all your receipts and statements for unusual activity and don’t leave any of your information lying around. Even at home, if you have visitors or domestic help, cards and PINs are vulnerable and should be locked in a safe or kept with you at all times.
You should also avoid doing your online banking on public computers in internet cafes. If any of your bank cards become lost or stolen, or if you suspect you have been the victim of fraud, call Bangkok Bank immediately on 1333 or +662 638 4999 to cancel your card or put a hold on your accounts. You will be liable for all transactions unless you have already notified the bank – this may be different to your expectations of banks in your home country.
Taking a few simple and common sense precautions will make all
the difference to protecting your finances:
1. Memorize your PIN, never write it down, and never share your PIN or internet banking password with another person. Not your family, not your friends, and absolutely never with a stranger.
2. Never hand your bank card over to a stranger for any reason and be extremely wary of anyone who approaches you when you are using an ATM.
3. Protect your PIN when using an ATM. Shield the key pad with your hand or body when you are entering your PIN and if the next person in the queue is standing too close to you, don’t be embarrassed about asking them to step back.
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A Guide to Bangkok Bank Products & Service 5. When you have completed your ATM transaction, collect your transaction slip and dispose of it securely. 6. When shopping, keep your credit or debit card in sight at all times when a transaction is being processed. If the retailer takes your card to a different counter or vendor for processing, then go with them.
7. Always check the value of the transaction printed on credit card receipts before signing. In some restaurants, your receipt will have a space for you to write in a tip for staff. If you do not intend to tip, be sure to put a line through the tip section and write the final total in the appropriate section.
Note : The bank reserves the right to amend the rate of fees, charges and expenses described in this guide, and such amendment will be publicly announced at the bank’s branches 30 days prior to the effective date of the amendment.
