“Love Thailand, Care for the World” is the 2026 Children’s Day slogan, reflecting what some adults hope for Thai children. However, in real life, mastering financial skills is a crucial foundation for planning a better life.
Certainly, today’s children can’t rely on just putting money in a piggy bank. Many wonder how their money can grow, whether through earning interest or investing to increase wealth.
Thairath Money offers guidance on what saving and investment options are available for children under 12, 15, and 18 years old.
First, Bank deposits. These teach children the concept of "liquidity," meaning money can be withdrawn when needed, and "interest," which is the additional return earned on deposited funds.
Nattakrit Laotaveesap, Head of Wealth Advisory at Tisco Bank. He summarized key conditions to Thairath Money: children are minors who have not reached legal age, so account opening rules vary by age group, including:
For those under 15 years old, most transactions require parental consent or accounts must be opened "for minors" (for example, an account named "Mr. Ruay Samer for Minor, Miss Lamsam").
Additionally, digital savings accounts are available for those aged 7 and above. With an ID card, some account types can be opened independently but require guardian verification via an app, such as the Young Smart eSavings from BAAC.
Nowadays, many banks offer accounts specifically for children. These often provide higher interest rates than regular savings accounts and sometimes include special gifts on Children’s Day. These accounts are directly in the child’s name, usually requiring parents to accompany the child to the branch for account opening, such as:
- Krungthai Bank (KTB) The Krungthai Kids Savings offers interest plus bonuses totaling double (0.50% per year) if the deposit balance exceeds the previous month’s withdrawal. Opening the account and depositing at least 2,000 baht between 10 Jan - 31 Mar 2026 includes a "Nong Wayu" eco-friendly piggy bank gift.
- Government Housing Bank (GHB) The “Save” savings account offers up to 1.65% annual interest. Opening an account on Saturday, 10 Jan 2026 includes a free cute silicone water bottle with strap for the first 500 accounts (one per account).
From data collected from several banks, children aged 12 and above with SmartCard ID can usually open bank accounts and get 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 such as K-eSavings, K-ePocket (new), fixed deposits, CRYBABY debit card, JOURNEY debit card, etc.
- Krungsri Bank (BAY) allows opening general and online savings accounts, debit cards, Krungsri Boarding Card, and mobile banking app usage.
For those aged 15 and above, they can open savings accounts in their own names at branches or online. Another advantage is they can apply for the Government Savings Retirement Fund (GSRF) in their own name, a highly valuable long-term saving method as the government contributes up to 50-100% free of charge. The state’s matching funds are paid out at age 60; early withdrawal yields only the principal and interest from personal contributions.
Many see savings lottery tickets as worthwhile because they earn interest and offer chances to win big prizes. Banks like Government Savings Bank (GSB), Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), and Government Housing Bank sell to children aged 7 and above. BAAC also offers a "Kwan" lottery series for children aged 7 to 18, providing additional prize chances.
A tip is to check the annual interest rate on the ticket. If funds are limited, buying tickets in smaller amounts over time may diversify numbers and increase winning chances. If parents provide a lump sum, consider the minimum amount needed to start winning to calculate the minimum expected return.
This is a common question.
1. Stock portfolios
Brokerages require individuals to be at least 20 years old to open a trading account in their own name. Younger investors may need to trade through a parent’s account initially.
2. Mutual fund accounts
Normally, opening a mutual fund account solely in one’s own name requires being 20 years old. However, many banks allow accounts to be opened "in the guardian’s name for the minor," such as:
- Kasikorn Asset Management Company requires individuals to be at least 20 years old to open an investment account, but those aged 12 to 20 can open joint accounts with parents. Under-12s need guardians to open accounts at branches with required documents and risk assessments.
- Krungsri Bank requires minors under 20 to open accounts in "guardian’s name for minor" form, except those 17 or older and married (legally adult) can open accounts in their own name. Account opening is branch-only.
It's positive that children are becoming interested in managing their money and investing in stocks. However, it is crucial to teach them about risks, especially in mutual funds or stocks with volatile principal. Parents should act as "mentors" to select suitable assets ensuring steady growth of their children’s savings 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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