“Love Thailand, Care for the World” is the 2026 Children’s Day slogan, reflecting what some adults hope children will become. In reality, financial skills are a crucial foundation for planning a better life and surviving in today’s world.
Certainly, simply putting money in a piggy bank no longer meets the needs of a changing world. Many wonder how their money can grow—whether through saving to earn interest or investing for higher returns.
Thairath Money offers guidance on saving and investment options available for children under 12, 15, and 18 years old.
First, Bank deposits Introduce children to the concept of “liquidity,” meaning deposited money can be withdrawn when needed, and “interest,” the additional return earned on deposited funds. Since minors are not legally adults, account opening conditions vary by age group, including:
For those under 15 years old, most transactions require parental consent or accounts opened "for minors" (for example, an account named "Mr. Rich Sameroe for Minor, Miss Lam-Sam").
Additionally, digital savings accounts are available for children aged 7 and above. With a national ID card, some types of accounts can be opened independently but require parental identity verification via an app, such as the Young Smart eSavings from BAAC.
Currently, many banks offer special savings accounts for children. These often provide higher interest rates than regular savings accounts and sometimes offer special Children’s Day gifts. Such accounts are directly in the child’s name, usually requiring parents to visit a branch with the child to open the account, for example:
- Krungthai Bank (KTB) Krungthai Kids Savings offers interest and bonuses totaling twice the usual rate (0.50% per year) when deposits exceed withdrawals from the previous month. Opening an account and depositing at least 2,000 baht between 10 Jan and 31 Mar 2026 earns a 'Vayu' eco-friendly piggy bank.
- Government Housing Bank (GHB) The "Save" savings account offers interest up to 1.65% per year. Opening an account on Saturday, 10 Jan 2026, grants a free water bottle with a cute silicone strap to the first 500 customers (one account per gift).
Data from multiple banks show that children aged 12 and above with a SmartCard ID can usually open bank accounts and obtain debit cards in their own names, such as:
- Kiatnakin Phatra Bank (KKP) offers the KKP SAVVY savings account (ages 12 to under 15 must open at a branch).
- Kasikorn Bank (KBank) offers savings accounts and debit cards like K-eSavings, the new K-ePocket, fixed deposits, and debit cards such as CRYBABY and JOURNEY.
- Krungsri Bank (BAY) offers general and online deposit accounts, debit cards, the Krungsri Boarding Card, and Mobile Banking app access.
For children aged 15 and above, they can open savings accounts in their own name both at branches and online. Additionally, they can apply for the National Savings Fund (NSF) in their own name, a highly valuable long-term savings plan with government matching contributions up to 50-100%. This is ideal for those beginning long-term financial planning. Government contributions are received at age 60; early withdrawal returns only the principal and interest earned.
Many consider savings lottery tickets worthwhile because they earn interest plus a chance to win big prizes. The Government Savings Bank (GSB), BAAC, and GHB sell tickets to children aged 7 and above. BAAC also offers a special "Gift" series for ages 7 to 18 with extra prize opportunities. The key is to check the annual interest rate stated on the ticket. Those with limited funds can purchase tickets gradually to diversify their numbers and increase prize chances. With a lump sum from parents, one can evaluate minimum investment amounts to ensure winning prizes and calculate minimum returns. Can children open stock portfolios or mutual fund accounts?
This has been a common question.
Nattakrit Laotaweesap, Head of Wealth Advisory at Tisco Bank, explains that brokerage firms require investors to be 20 years or older to open a securities trading account in their own name. Therefore, minors may need to trade through a parent’s account if they want to try the stock market.
2. Mutual fund accounts
Normally, opening a mutual fund account solely in one’s name requires being at least 20 years old. However, many banks allow accounts opened "in a guardian’s name for the minor," for example:
-
Kasikorn Asset Management
requires age 20 or older for direct accounts, but those aged 12 to 20 can open joint accounts with a parent, requiring documents and risk assessments. For children under 12, the guardian must open the account at a branch. - Krungsri Bank
requires minors under 20 to open accounts "in guardian’s name for minor," except those aged 17 or older and married (legally adults) who may open accounts in their own name. Accounts can only be opened at branches. It is positive that children are becoming interested in their finances and some in investing in stocks. However, the more important lesson is understanding risk, especially in mutual funds and stocks where principal fluctuates. Parents should act as guides to help select assets that grow their children’s savings steadily for Children’s Day 2026. Note: Information is current as of 9 Jan 2026.
Sources: Government Savings Bank, Tisco Bank, Krungsri Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Kiatnakin Phatra Bank, Bualuang Securities.
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