The most common banking question from new Phuket expats: "My employer/pension/family needs my bank details — what do I give them?" Thailand doesn't use IBAN numbers, the banking terminology is different, and getting the details wrong means a delayed or returned transfer. This guide gives you the exact codes and instructions for every major Thai bank used in Phuket.
Does Thailand Use IBAN?
No. Thailand is not part of the IBAN system, which is used primarily in Europe and some other regions. Thai bank accounts use standard account numbers (10–12 digits, depending on the bank) combined with a SWIFT/BIC code for international identification.
When someone asks for your "IBAN" and you have a Thai bank account, the correct answer is: "Thailand doesn't use IBAN. Here is my SWIFT code and account number." Most international banking systems now accept this — the IBAN field can often be left blank or populated with the account number if required.
SWIFT/BIC Codes for Phuket's Main Banks
KBank is the most expat-friendly Thai bank in Phuket and is recommended for most expats. The Yaowarat Road branch in Phuket Town is most experienced with foreigner accounts and Non-OA banking documentation.
Bangkok Bank has excellent US and international wire transfer infrastructure. Used by many retirees for Non-OA fund deposits. Good for receiving US dollar transfers. Phangnga Road branch in Phuket Town is the main expat branch.
SCB has multiple branches in Phuket (Central Festival, Chalong, Phuket Town). Good ATM network. Popular with younger expats and digital nomads for its SCB Easy mobile banking app.
Krungsri (owned by MUFG Japan) has good service and is recommended for Japanese expats due to the group connection. Strong ATM presence at Central Festival Phuket.
How to Provide Your Thai Bank Details for an International Transfer
When your home-country bank, employer or pension provider asks for your "bank details," provide this information:
| Field | What to Enter (KBank example) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Name | Kasikorn Bank PCL | Full legal name |
| SWIFT/BIC Code | KASITHBK | 8 characters |
| Account Number | Your 10-digit KBank number | Without dashes |
| Account Name | Your full name as on passport | Must match exactly |
| Branch | Yaowarat Branch, Phuket | Helps routing |
| Bank Address | 1/12 Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town 83000 Thailand | For wire forms |
| IBAN | N/A — Thailand does not use IBAN | Leave blank or enter account number if forced |
| Routing Number | N/A — US routing numbers not applicable | US senders: use SWIFT only |
| Currency | THB (Thai Baht) recommended | USD/EUR possible but THB avoids bank conversion fees |
International Transfer Costs Compared
| Transfer Method | Fees (approx.) | Exchange Rate | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 0.4–0.6% | Real mid-market rate | Same day / next day | Most expats — best all-round |
| Bank SWIFT wire | ฿500–2,000 flat + 1–2.5% spread | Poor bank rate | 1–3 business days | Large one-off transfers only |
| Revolut | 0% weekdays (up to limit), 0.5% above | Real rate (weekday) | Same day | Smaller frequent transfers |
| Western Union / MoneyGram | ฿500–2,500 | Below market rate | 1–2 days | Not recommended for expats |
| Crypto (USDT → THB) | 0.1–0.5% | Near market rate | Minutes | Tech-savvy users; compliance risk |
Receiving Your Pension or Salary in Thailand
For expats receiving regular income transfers (pension, salary, freelance payments), the process is the same as any international wire — your payer sends to SWIFT + account number. Key points for regular transfers:
- Use the branch-level SWIFT code if your bank has one, otherwise the standard 8-character code is fine — Thai banks route internally
- Request transfers in THB if possible — this avoids the bank's FX conversion spread on the Thai side
- Keep records of international transfers for Thai tax purposes — since 2024, foreign income remitted in the same year it's earned is potentially taxable for Thai tax residents
- KBank's FET (Foreign Exchange Transaction) certificate is required for property purchases above ฿1M from overseas funds — request it when transferring large amounts at KBank Yaowarat Road
PromptPay — Thai Domestic Instant Transfers
PromptPay is Thailand's instant domestic transfer system, linked to your Thai ID number, tax ID, passport number (for foreigners) or mobile phone number. All four major banks support PromptPay. To use it:
- Register your mobile number with KBank at any branch or via the KBank Mobile app
- Once registered, anyone can send you THB instantly for free by entering your mobile number
- PromptPay transfers are free and instant 24/7 — use it for rent payments, splitting bills with other expats, and any Thai baht domestic transactions
- The ฿25,000/day limit for PromptPay via mobile app can be increased at branch level if needed (relevant for rent payments)
The Non-OA ฿800,000 Bank Deposit — Key Transfer Details
For Non-OA retirement visa holders who must maintain ฿800,000 in a Thai bank, the transfer of this initial lump sum requires care:
- Transfer to your Thai bank account using SWIFT as described above
- Instruct your sending bank to include the reference "PERSONAL SAVINGS TRANSFER" or similar — this helps with Thai customs/foreign exchange documentation
- At KBank Yaowarat Road, request a bank letter confirming the balance (charged approximately ฿200 per letter) — this is the document Immigration accepts for visa renewal
- The ฿800,000 must be in your account a minimum of 2–3 months before your Non-OA renewal date and remain deposited until after the extension is stamped
- For Non-OA applications outside Thailand (at a Thai consulate), you typically need a bank statement showing ฿800,000, not a Thai bank letter