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 2025-05-28

 

 

So at the moment it is just Bangkok Bank. That was the favorite Bank for all Agents to open Accounts. Looks like they have a lot of dodgy accounts. My account is with SCB, opened many years ago with a WP. Now just a tourist. However no funny numbers of money going in or out. So I guess I may be safe there. Passport up to date with the bank and my phone number is registerd with bank and phone company. So lets see if they widen the restriction to other Banks or not.

Find a different place to live if you want to be a long-term stay on a short-term visa. This obviously isn't the place anymore. Really, how much money do digital nomads bring into Thailand in the way of revenue?  I'm mean really - Thailand is a land of some really schizophrenic people who on one hand want the money that business relationship with foreigners brings into Thai banks, but on the other hand, the country is one of the most nationalistic, xenophobia places on the planet Earth and look like they are on the verge of dismanteling Thai bank's earning potential out of sheer dislike of foreigners.  I honestly don't think Thailand has a clue as to want they want other than to not to have to deal with non-Thais. Yeah - they will throw the baby out with the bath water.

 

Well, even though I'm married I guess I should probably check my BKK account to see if this f****** is going to bleed over to those of us who actually are on long-term visa for no other reason than I personally realize that Thailand hates all non-Thais.  Every last one of us.

Farang Mule accounts?......A Mules azz......

 

The huge a vast majority of mule accounts involved in scams that make the news, are opened by Thais for Thai scammers or opened by Thais for the Chinese or some other foreigners scammers....

 

I cant recall the last time I heard of a farang opening a mule account in their own name for the purpose of running a scam.....Its so rare it almost does not happen..
 

Even though about 99% of the mule account scams involve Thais.......Lets crack down on the farangs.........lol

 

So in truth the purpose of all this has almost zero to do with finding or stopping the real mule account openers...

Well, this is a rug pull for those who thought they might get a bank account with their 5-year, Big$$ DTV.

Things have changed a lot over the last few years, I think. We—customers, travelers, expats, tourists now have more options. Not long ago, it was absolutely necessary to have a "real" local bank account if you stayed long-term, and it surely was very useful for tourists visiting regularly. But now, I would say 90% of the usual transactions an expat needs can be managed with Wise (or a similar provider), covering basically everything related to payments—and paying is what we do most of the time anyway. 😛

A Wise card connected to Apple Pay, Grab, etc., goes a long way. (Getting cash at an ATM, however, is another story; there will be fees.)

Only if you earn money in Thailand and receive THB would you really need a local bank account, I guess. (Sadly, Wise does not provide a local bank account number to receive Thai Baht.)

For genuine tourists, apps like Wise combined with a card should be absolutely sufficient.

 

Just wondering: Are there other countries in the region where it was/is possible to open a bank account as a tourist? I always thought this possibility was quite amazing.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

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.

 

Bash the foreigners to punish the actions of a few Thai bank staff, that's retarded.

But agents can still open accounts most likely, so anyone dodgy will just use an agent

3 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

But agents can still open accounts most likely, so anyone dodgy will just use an agent

 

Use agents and risk account freeze when HQ initiates  the purge 

 

 

4 hours ago, connda said:

Find a different place to live if you want to be a long-term stay on a short-term visa. This obviously isn't the place anymore. Really, how much money do digital nomads bring into Thailand in the way of revenue?  I'm mean really - Thailand is a land of some really schizophrenic people who on one hand want the money that business relationship with foreigners brings into Thai banks, but on the other hand, the country is one of the most nationalistic, xenophobia places on the planet Earth and look like they are on the verge of dismanteling Thai bank's earning potential out of sheer dislike of foreigners.  I honestly don't think Thailand has a clue as to want they want other than to not to have to deal with non-Thais. Yeah - they will throw the baby out with the bath water.

 

Well, even though I'm married I guess I should probably check my BKK account to see if this f**kery is going to bleed over to those of us who actually are on long-term visa for no other reason than I personally realize that Thailand hates all non-Thais.  Every last one of us.

Yep. Hope you havent burned your bridges back home

And they want foreign investment  here anyone investing here should have a big think about it

So it is now impossible for new retirees to convert to a NON-O visa in country. Got it.

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

But agents can still open accounts most likely, so anyone dodgy will just use an agent

 

I doubt that will work anymore, if it’s even worth the risk. And if it’s still possible it will be a lot more expensive.

7 hours ago, webfact said:

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.

Happened to me last month, no explanation, phone app just stopped working.

Bank staff didn't know why either, it all started working again after I did the facial recognition.

Originally thought it was because phone number not in my name, but that wasn't it.

4 hours ago, mangkut70 said:

I would say 90% of the usual transactions an expat needs can be managed with Wise (or a similar provider), covering basically everything related to payments—and paying is what we do most of the time anyway. 😛

90% of my payments are made using QR codes.

Can't do that with a western bank account.

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

But agents can still open accounts most likely, so anyone dodgy will just use an agent

Doubtful... have you actually tried or just speculating 🤔 

18 minutes ago, petermik said:

Doubtful... have you actually tried or just speculating

Just speculating, but usually where there is enough money, there is a way.. Might just not be worth it any longer for the average guy

Hasn't it been this case for years with Bangkok Bank.

Bangkok Bank do I need to say anything more

Catch 22 for some, can't get long term visa without funds in the bank- Can't open the account without the visa ?

 

..... the left hand stopping the right hand again in Thailand.

8 hours ago, connda said:

Find a different place to live if you want to be a long-term stay on a short-term visa. This obviously isn't the place anymore. Really, how much money do digital nomads bring into Thailand in the way of revenue?  I'm mean really - Thailand is a land of some really schizophrenic people who on one hand want the money that business relationship with foreigners brings into Thai banks, but on the other hand, the country is one of the most nationalistic, xenophobia places on the planet Earth and look like they are on the verge of dismanteling Thai bank's earning potential out of sheer dislike of foreigners.  I honestly don't think Thailand has a clue as to want they want other than to not to have to deal with non-Thais. Yeah - they will throw the baby out with the bath water.

 

Well, even though I'm married I guess I should probably check my BKK account to see if this f**kery is going to bleed over to those of us who actually are on long-term visa for no other reason than I personally realize that Thailand hates all non-Thais.  Every last one of us.

 

8 hours ago, connda said:

Find a different place to live if you want to be a long-term stay on a short-term visa. This obviously isn't the place anymore. Really, how much money do digital nomads bring into Thailand in the way of revenue?  I'm mean really - Thailand is a land of some really schizophrenic people who on one hand want the money that business relationship with foreigners brings into Thai banks, but on the other hand, the country is one of the most nationalistic, xenophobia places on the planet Earth and look like they are on the verge of dismanteling Thai bank's earning potential out of sheer dislike of foreigners.  I honestly don't think Thailand has a clue as to want they want other than to not to have to deal with non-Thais. Yeah - they will throw the baby out with the bath water.

 

Well, even though I'm married I guess I should probably check my BKK account to see if this f**kery is going to bleed over to those of us who actually are on long-term visa for no other reason than I personally realize that Thailand hates all non-Thais.  Every last one of us.

I think you got it wrong a bit!  The crackdown comes from and they don't want to say it!  I don't know in Bangkok, but what I do know at the branch here in Pattaya BB, one of the branches I have a account and it is a very small one but it was packed with Chinese National with Thai agents helping from the moment they opened 10am until they closed 5pm, Mon-Fri.

 

Recently in the news and I was there the day the police raided the bank sitting waiting for my Q.  I don't speak Mandarin 100% but as an Chinese American born and raised with many family members still in HK and mainland China, I listen, watch majority very young  not retirement age, how some of them dress and handle themselves for me my experience some were Triads. These accounts were being opened basically to laundry money.  At this branch it had been going on for some time it was rocket science as to why they were there.

 

 

19 hours ago, connda said:

Well, even though I'm married I guess I should probably check my BKK account to see if this f**kery is going to bleed over to those of us who actually are on long-term visa for no other reason than I personally realize that Thailand hates all non-Thais.  Every last one of us.

 

It's not xenophobia. It's strictly business.

And it states that marriage and retirement visa holders won't be affected.

You're exaggerating. 

 

I’ve two accounts with BB …not had any problem so far.

 

I’ve also had an account with CIMB Thai for many years … wanted to open a joint account with my wife …no can do …this was more than a year ago now

 

Have Non O visa…here since 2007…don’t work………….

1 minute ago, JAS21 said:

I’ve two accounts with BB …not had any problem so far.

 

I’ve also had an account with CIMB Thai for many years … wanted to open a joint account with my wife …no can do …this was more than a year ago now

 

Have Non O visa…here since 2007…don’t work………….

It only affects "tourists", not people who are living here.

15 minutes ago, arick said:

Bangkok Bank do I need to say anything more

Well, yes!  I've been a Bangkok Bank account holder for 20 years and have never had any issues.  

8 hours ago, CHdiver said:

So at the moment it is just Bangkok Bank. That was the favorite Bank for all Agents to open Accounts. Looks like they have a lot of dodgy accounts. My account is with SCB, opened many years ago with a WP. Now just a tourist. However no funny numbers of money going in or out. So I guess I may be safe there. Passport up to date with the bank and my phone number is registerd with bank and phone company. So lets see if they widen the restriction to other Banks or not.

It's not a restriction. It's reverting to the rules/requirements that have been in place for the 12 years that I've been in Thailand. BKK bank took it upon themselves to relax/expand on those restrictions and now it's coming back to bite them and everyone impacted in the bum.  My bank has never wavered from and still strictly adheres to the rules/restrictions, with one exception, that are referred to in the article. That exception being they will not open accounts for Americans because of the mandatory reporting back to the IRS.

7 hours ago, redwood1 said:

Farang Mule accounts?......A Mules azz......

 

The huge a vast majority of mule accounts involved in scams that make the news, are opened by Thais for Thai scammers or opened by Thais for the Chinese or some other foreigners scammers....

 

I cant recall the last time I heard of a farang opening a mule account in their own name for the purpose of running a scam.....Its so rare it almost does not happen..
 

Even though about 99% of the mule account scams involve Thais.......Lets crack down on the farangs.........lol

 

So in truth the purpose of all this has almost zero to do with finding or stopping the real mule account openers...

where in the article does it say "farangs"? It doesn't, it says "foreigners", and it doesn't make any accusations about "farangs" opening mule accounts. You actually blew your opening sentence out of the water when you correctly referenced those that do open mule accounts. Great job contradicting yourself in your post.

Yet another change that makes Thailand more of a hassle for regular tourists.  Are they trying to chase tourist traffic to other countries?  This is after complaining about tourist numbers being down.  I was planning on getting a retirement visa this summer, but maybe I should just look for a different country to retire to.  I'm sure I would be welcome in The Philippines.

8 hours ago, connda said:

Find a different place to live if you want to be a long-term stay on a short-term visa. This obviously isn't the place anymore. Really, how much money do digital nomads bring into Thailand in the way of revenue?  I'm mean really - Thailand is a land of some really schizophrenic people who on one hand want the money that business relationship with foreigners brings into Thai banks, but on the other hand, the country is one of the most nationalistic, xenophobia places on the planet Earth and look like they are on the verge of dismanteling Thai bank's earning potential out of sheer dislike of foreigners.  I honestly don't think Thailand has a clue as to want they want other than to not to have to deal with non-Thais. Yeah - they will throw the baby out with the bath water.

 

Well, even though I'm married I guess I should probably check my BKK account to see if this f**kery is going to bleed over to those of us who actually are on long-term visa for no other reason than I personally realize that Thailand hates all non-Thais.  Every last one of us.

It's not a problem, provided that the account was actually opened by you, your passport details match the account information, and your phone number is registered under your own name

3 hours ago, Everyman said:

 

I doubt that will work anymore, if it’s even worth the risk. And if it’s still possible it will be a lot more expensive.

agents are charging 20,000, 30,000 THB to open an account. Crazy prices.