Rich the Robin

Morning all, Following on from the Bangkok Bank saga (account freezing), I thought it prudent to open a new account as a backup. Approached Krungsri on recommendations (from Thai and Falang friends) and despite having necessary paperwork, was told that they would have to send my passport to head office for ‘security checks’ which might take two months plus to complete. Wasn't prepared to continue (I couldn’t because I need to extend my visa soon) but would have felt uncomfortable doing that anyway. Anyone have similar experiences recently (Pattaya area)? Anyone opened a new account with them or other banks on same day without the need to give up PP, first born, etc? ta

Morning all, Just reposting this under new thread - thanks for the earlier responses. 'Off the back of my (and many others) nightmare experience with having my Bangkok Bank account frozen for identity verification, I wondered if the experienced amongst us would think 1- having had my docs approved I'm unlikely to experience this again with BB (although I am aware they seem to cause unwanted difficulties when it comes time for visa extensions especially if an agent is to be used) and 2 - whether a change of bank would be recommended. I am in Pattaya area and will, for my upcoming visa extension be using an agent although the plan for future extensions will be to go down the DIY/non agent route. I am aware that it seems to be increasingly problematic to manage a visa extension through an agent in Pattaya area if you bank with BB. Is there a more 'foreigner friendly' bank I can go to where using an agent is a more smooth process. A couple of alternatives have been suggested to me. I'd be grateful for your thoughts. ta'

Morning all, Off the back of my (and many others) nightmare experience with having my Bangkok Bank account frozen for identity verification, I wondered if the experienced amongst us would think 1- having had my docs approved I'm unlikely to experience this again with BB (although I am aware they seem to cause unwanted difficulties when it comes time for visa extensions especially if an agent is to be used) and 2 - whether a change of bank would be recommended. I am in Pattaya area and will, for my upcoming visa extension be using an agent although the plan for future extensions will be to go down the DIY/non agent route. I am aware that it seems to be increasingly problematic to manage a visa extension through an agent in Pattaya area if you bank with BB. Is there a more 'foreigner friendly' bank I can go to where using an agent is a more smooth process. A couple of alternatives have been suggested to me. I'd be grateful for your thoughts. ta

Ok. 4 1/2hrs at bank later. I took passport, bank book, Thai debit card & UK driving licence card. I would normally have been there for opening but hedged my bets regarding the SIM registration and got to bank at 10 as AIS didn’t open till 11. Queue was so long (serving tkt no 8, me no 39) so i went and got SIM registration. Wasnt asked for Thai debit card or UK licence. Didn’t take my condo agreement (for reasons I mentioned earlier) and despite them not mentioning it in their email as a requirement, the bank do want it so back in tomorrow. Lady said, subject to rental agreement, she will ask head office to speed up lifting of suspension (as condo rent expires 26/08) but weekend coming up. She mentioned usually takes up to 7 days for you to access your dough after approval of docs.

Yes. That’s the way I understand it

I’m heading to bank tomorrow morning so I’ll have to chance my arm without it. Thanks for pointing it out. How would I go about obtaining that? Just in case I have too

I’m heading to bank tomorrow morning so I’ll have to chance my arm without it. Thanks for pointing it out. How would I go about obtaining that? Just in case I have too

M’kay!

My agent and BB did not make reference to condo agreement as far as docs were concerned but it did cross my mind. Always the way but a big spanner in the works is my contract ends at the end of this month! I spoke with the owner and we agreed an extension back in June but she’s been in hospital in Bangkok for the last 6 weeks recovering from surgery so I’m tempted to leave that out of the equation in case it causes an additional problem

Just had a reply from BB, having asked what other docs they were referring to, and the reply says that my account is indeed, temporarily suspended, pending my visit. no reference to suspension in their initial general notice. FYI

Yes, I am

Have 12 month visa, that and bank account obtained last November. I do read tales about bank accounts now and do feel I got in at the right time. Obviously subject to how this visit goes !!!!

Apologies, I can spell, was a bit rushed when posting.

Morning all, Anybody receive a text message from Bangkok Bank requesting you attend your opening branch within 30 days for identity verification ? Was your visit straightforward and other than passport/bank book & card/UK/Thai driving licence, did they require any other docs ? Thanks very much

Hi, Does anyone have any recent experience in renewing their annual visa, by agent, at Jomtien Imm? Ive been given to understand that it is no longer completed at JI but that you are now taken up to Bangkok to organise. Wondered if this applies through all Jomtien agents now and if correct, what actually happens? thanks