Internet Banking

[suej]

Does anyone know of a bank in Hua Hin which has internet banking facility? We are going to set up a Thai bank account soon and as we use internet banking at home(uk) it would make life easier with regard to moving money. Any ideas?

[Gin tonic - no lime]

Hi suej

I set up an acount with Siam Commercial Bank on Phetchkasem Road last January. I was led to believe that I would be able to do exactly what you are wanting to do with the money transters. I have an SBC Easy bank card, but when I asked at my TD Canada Trust branch to have the accounts linked, they said it was not possible....

I don't have any trouble accessing my own bank account (with my Canadian bank card) from any of the ATM machines in Hua Hin, so I guess it isn't so bad to get a decent sum out, and drop it into the Thai bank. I am not sure if any of the other banks in HH can accomodate this electronic service, it would be rather nice as you commented ! It might save the 2 quid service charge for each withdrawal....

Maybe Buksida (the technical guru) can shed some more light on the situation?

Cheers

[suej]

Thanks for info. Lets hope some one can shed some light.

[lomuamart]

I don't have an account here, but have internet banking facilities through Barclays in the UK.
Last year I wanted to transfer money over to a Bangkok Bank account, but Barclays told me that it wasn't possible to do it internationally for security reasons.
Might be worthwhile checking with your UK bank first that they allow international transfers.

[suej]

THANKS FOR HELP. GUESS WHICH BANK WE ARE WITH IN UK!! I THINK WE MAY HAVE A FEW PROBLEMS WITH THIS. I'LL HAVE A CHAT WITH THE BANK BEFORE WE GO OUT NEXT MONTH. THERE MUST BE A WAY ROUND IT. WHY IS NOTHING STRAIGHT FORWARD??

[PeteC]

Any bank in the world where you have an account you can walk in and initiate an electronic wire transfer to any other bank in the world. It will cost you the equiv of about USD 26.00. At least in this way you can get the money from A to B in the first place. I also know that if you have an account with HSBC, you can initiate transfers over the internet to any other account/bank/3rd party account in the world. The receiving bank does not have to be an HSBC facility. Pete

[lomuamart]

As Pete says, you can arrange an international transfer through Barclays, but it was costing 20 pounds a time last year and they wouldn't guarantee that the funds were received in less than 8 days (working days). You might be able to set up a standing order/direct debit transfer like that.
I've been reading that there's a big stink in the UK at the moment about how long it's taking banks to clear/transfer funds. They're bowing to pressure, but don't expect anything positive to happen for a couple of years.

[Gin tonic - no lime]

true prcscct BUT in the case of Thailand (and this is from personal experience more than once) the time taken for the funds to "actually" arrive in the Thai bank account can be up to 5 DAYS When I complained to TD Canada Trust, I was given some vague answer and dismissed. Now this is my money that is actually on deposit in Canada, I feel with the push of a button, it should instantly appear in the Thai account. I have read on other forums that it is the Thai banks that are "holding" the funds before putting them in your account, the only reason can be is that this is another way to rip off the farang..!!!
I also know that Western Union guarantee that money sent form Canada is available in Thailand within 15 minutes

[PeteC]

I have read on other forums that it is the Thai banks that are "holding" the funds before putting them in your account....

This is true. I know some unfortunate few here in Sin City where it took the better part of 20 days even with daily trips to the local branch to complain. One checked with the bank HQ in BKK who confirmed the funds were received long ago so the conclusion was it is a branch "problem"? Either way behind on their book keeping or, they are hoping you get drunk and run over by a baht bus eliminating forever the need to post the funds to your account? Pete

[buksida]

Yes the banks hold the money to collect the interest on it. I often get cheques from overseas, they take 30 DAYS to clear in Thai banks

With regards to internet banking as far as I'm aware you can only get it if you have a corporate or company bank account.

[caller]

Funds transferred from Lloyds TSB to the Bangkok Bank are cleared in 4 days. Lloyds charge £20, BB 600 baht.

[kaokalok]

@gin tonic
right,western union is able to send the money in 5 to 15 minutes from ev erywhere in the world ,but the rate is less than a ordinary bank.

[2dandan]

Didn't take long to get off post.

I'm in the same position as the original poster and I have an account with the Bangkok Bank. I can instruct payment from the Bank counter when I'm in Thailand, but cannot do it by telephone or internet banking when I'm in the UK.

The Bangkok Bank requires a residency or work visa to set up their internet or phone banking.

We all know about the cost of individual money transfers between banks, ask the Bank and they'll tell you, so don't go back there.

Does anybody have the answer to the original post and/or how do I pay ad hoc bills using a Thai Bank, while I'm in the UK. :cheers:

[suej]

Thanks ! I'm glad we're not the only ones in the same boat. We're inb HH in a couple of weeks may find some answers while we are there. I'll let you know. We just need an account so we can pay our service bill etc
Going window shopping for furniture so we know where to go at Xmas when house should!!! be ready.

[niceday]

Do Bangkok bank have a branch in London.
I saw that somewhere.
Thai Banks suck and online banking is a right mess over here. All good promises and then trouble to get them to get it working and limits when you need to use it.
But with patience