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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 28 May 2025
Foreign Nationals Face Account Bans in Bangkok Bank Crackdown BANGKOK – Bangkok Bank has tightened account-opening rules for foreign nationals in Thailand, raising concerns among tourists and expats without long-term visas. This move is part of a broader effort by Thai authorities to crack down on financial fraud and the misuse of "mule" accounts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1362091-foreign-nationals-face-account-bans-in-bangkok-bank-crackdown/ -
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Finance Foreign Nationals Face Account Bans in Bangkok Bank Crackdown
BANGKOK – Bangkok Bank has tightened account-opening rules for foreign nationals in Thailand, raising concerns among tourists and expats without long-term visas. This move is part of a broader effort by Thai authorities to crack down on financial fraud and the misuse of "mule" accounts. As the country's largest bank by assets, Bangkok Bank now requires foreigners to meet stricter eligibility criteria to open deposit accounts, apply for credit cards, or use mobile banking services. Effective since January, these new conditions aim to bolster national cybersecurity efforts and prevent criminal syndicates from exploiting the banking system. In practical terms, tourists, including those on the newly introduced Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), are now prohibited from opening accounts with Bangkok Bank. Only foreigners with long-term visas, property ownership, or Thai spouses qualify under the updated requirements. A Blow to Short-Term Visitors This policy shift marks a significant change for travellers who have relied on local bank accounts for convenience during extended stays. It adds a layer of complexity for digital nomads and seasonal expats without permanent residency or work permits. A Bangkok Bank spokesperson confirmed to Russia’s TASS news agency that the policy applies to all tourists, regardless of nationality. It includes DTV holders, who are technically classified as tourists despite being allowed to stay for up to 180 days. Social media posts, especially from Russian nationals, suggest the bank has started freezing accounts or restricting access for those who don’t meet the criteria. While some users report being locked out, the bank clarifies that not all blocked accounts are closed. In some cases, customers must visit a branch to verify their identity, including biometric scans. Ripples Across the Foreign Community The Bangkok Community Help Foundation, a local non-profit, has received reports of account issues affecting foreigners. “There are also rumours that the bank may apply similar measures to all nationalities who don’t meet the new criteria, raising serious concerns across Thailand’s diverse foreign resident and traveller communities,” the group stated on its Facebook page. Expats and travellers with existing accounts are urged to check their status and contact the bank if in doubt. This policy shift raises fears that other Thai banks may follow suit, imposing strict measures in response to rising fraud concerns. Central Bank Sets the Tone These changes come amid pressure from the Bank of Thailand, requiring financial institutions to enhance identity verification and due diligence processes. Recently, the central bank highlighted a case in Pattaya where four bank staff, not from Bangkok Bank, were implicated in opening mule accounts for call centre scams. Daranee Saeju, assistant governor for financial consumer protection, confirmed that new digital fraud guidelines are being developed. These will require banks to screen customer names against the Anti-Money Laundering Office’s database, assess individual risk profiles, and enforce stricter transaction limits as necessary. “If the process does not comply with central bank regulations, banks must take immediate corrective action,” Ms. Daranee said. What Foreigners Need to Know Currently, Bangkok Bank stipulates that only those with long-term residence, such as retirees, foreign workers, or individuals married to Thai nationals, can open new accounts. These individuals typically hold work permits or non-immigrant visas issued for employment, study, or family reasons. The message to tourists is straightforward: if you're here for a short stay, don’t expect to open a local account. If you already have one, it’s advisable to verify your continued eligibility. Though well-intentioned, this financial crackdown represents a sudden and disruptive development for many in Thailand’s foreign community, potentially complicating financial management in the Land of Smiles. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-29 -
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“Worse Than Watergate?”: Jake Tapper Confronts Biden Health Cover-Up Scandal
wow someone working for cnn speaking out against the dems? Great job... i am surprised they hired this guy... I googled him and found this: -
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Crime Couple Scammed in Second-Hand Car Purchase Fiasco
It was a green Toyota Rocco pickup truck, 2025 model, for 640,000 baht with only 2,000 kilometers and new price is 1.1 million baht https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/4749287/ Thank you, I stand corrected if the excellent Google translate version of the Thai-language Daily News article can be relied upon! Perhaps you're a Thai language reader , though, and didn't need Translate. -
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UK Defined Benefits pension, early retirement
The thread below alludes to the fact that projected inflation could be a factor in figures fluctuating. Can't pretend to understand it fully I'm afraid. I don't know whether this would be a factor on a month to month quotation basis which you are experiencing? Will be very interested to hear the outcome when you get to the bottom of it. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6562161/db-pension-quotation-value-keeps-decreasing-each-year -
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Updates and events in the War in Ukraine 2025
Ukraine triggered chaos and panic in Moscow as dozens of attack drones swarmed around the Russian capital. Strikes hit a key Putin microchip plant in Zelenograd district, with explosions igniting a drone-making plant, another defence plant in Dubna, as well as a key nuclear research base in Moscow region. There was major disruption at Moscow's major airports, which were forced to close amid the drone attacks, leading to huge flight delays. Ukraine swarms panicked Russia with drones after Putin threatens Trump with WW3
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