Finance Foreign Nationals Face Account Bans in Bangkok Bank Crackdown

bbbb1952 · May 29

Catch 22 how can you get a long term visa without a bank account and how can you get a bank account without long term visa it's going to drive a lot of people away like the snow birds

koele2 · May 29

Just look for Chinese and Russian nationals with account over 10 million baht and do more due diligence. And if they are criminals, seize the money and treat it like a brown envelope. Most of the people with big money here are crooks anyway. Foreign and domestic. Leave the rest of us alone.

brewsterbudgen · May 29

18 minutes ago, technoronin said:

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.

Ordinary tourists do not need a bank account. Can tourists open bank accounts in other countries? I'm sure they couldn't in the UK.

kiwikeith · May 29

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

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.

My card would not work at Huahin hospital the other day even though I entered the correct pin.

I then tried 2 ATMS and said wrong pin

Then went to Bangkok Bank, lady cleaned card and went outside with me and I tried card machine said wrong pin and swallowed card.

I then went inside they issued new card, she said enter old pin if you want if you get it correct we don't charge you, I got it right, I never forget pin, then she said you want to change pin, I said yes.

They spent 1 hour copying my passport and checking visa I had to sign lots of copies and papers, had the wife with me,

Another bloke beside me was going through the same thing, His card stopped as well.

They were more interested in his passport.

I have had my account 18 years and I have to think this was a checkup.

ryandb · May 29

7 hours ago, Peabody said:

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

I don't think anyone applied for a DTV just for a Thai bank account, I certainly didn't.

mancub · May 29

A government initiative to combat another problem that has escalated due to their own, and that of their employees and police force and Thai people's embracement of corruption.

K2938 · May 29

8 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

My card would not work at Huahin hospital the other day even though I entered the correct pin

How long ago was this?

save the frogs · May 29

11 hours ago, technoronin said:

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.

Whichever country you choose to retire to, don't forget to learn how to read.

iaminwa · May 29

Yep, Thailand has long avoided the mandatory bank reporting that other banks around the world now require CRS( Common Reporting Standard). It was only a matter of time bfeore they were put under pressure to come into line, and report foreign account holders.

I knew something was happening when Thai Baht was banned from P2P Trading on Bybit.

Nid_Noi · May 29

9 hours ago, webfact said:

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

In the first paragraph is mentioned that property owners will still be able to have a bank account. What about the tourist who wants to buy a property?

I suppose all the real-estate professionals will press the government and banks to make exceptions for tourists who have the intention of being house or condo owners.

I don’t see any possibility to buy a property, pay the land lease and the associated transaction taxes, pay utilities and other maintenance expenses without a bank account.

I have a bank account in the US as well as in an European country without any property and residence in either country. I do have financial investments in both countries and report these foreign accounts when filing my income tax. Never had any problem as long as you follow the rules.

This is going to hurt the local business as we know most of them avoid debit and credit card and prefer cash.

Paying 220 baths per ATM withdrawal with a foreign card is a non-sense on top of carrying 30,000 baths in your purse.

Many long-term renters (3 to 6 months) may look elsewhere for their winter retreat.

Cliffo · May 29

It is due to Thailand now being required to adhere to international banking rules and laws. Nothing more, nothing less. I may be affected by this as I don't have a residency visa, but am married to a Thai.

kaneko86 · May 29

And if you marry a Thai national and want to apply for a spouse visa you need the Thai bank account first with 400.000 baht seasoned for 3 months in it. How are you supposed to open this account if you need the spouse visa first? Amazing Thailand...

FritsSikkink · May 29

9 hours ago, connda said:

Really, how much money do digital nomads bring into Thailand in the way of revenue? I'm mean really -

Get a proper visa then

kaneko86 · May 29

53 minutes ago, technoronin said:

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.

You surely will be. I found the locals to be much friendlier there but the price/quality of accommodation and food sucks + bad transportation and infrastructure... I love vacationing there but I wouldn't want to live there long time.

Aussie999 · May 29

Here's the problem, correct me if I'm wrong, for many non O visas you need to show funds, in a Thai bank, but, according to this article, Bank of Bangkok won't allow you to open an account, unless you already have the visa... Catch 22

Hakuna Matata · May 29

9 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.

Oh, let's relocate to Bali, Indonesia?

jippytum · May 29

Funny how Bangkok bank allow dummy deposits via agents to allow foreigners to obtain o visas without funds.

petedk · May 29

I am a British citizen but haven't lived in England for 40 years, but go there at least once a year and recently I received a check for 90,000 GBP, but could I open a bank account in England? No.

I lived in Denmark for 20 years and have children there and go there 1 or 2 times a year, but when I came to Thailand I was forced to close my "convenience" bank account in Denmark and transfer all the money to Thailand. I then opened a sterling account with a Thai bank where I could deposit my check.

Why should tourists and short term stayers in Thailand need a bank account?

webfact · May 29

UPDATE:

Bangkok Bank Bars Tourists from Accounts in Fraud Crackdown

Picture courtesy of China Daily

Thailand tourists face banking barriers as Bangkok Bank shuts them out amid fraud fears.

Thailand’s tourists and short-term visitors are hitting a banking brick wall, with Bangkok Bank axing account services for those without long-term visas. In a bid to ward off international cybercriminals, the bank, Thailand’s largest, has stopped tourists from opening deposit accounts, applying for credit cards, and using mobile services.

The crackdown, launched in January, targets fraud from “mule” accounts but has left digital nomads, seasonal workers, and remote professionals locked out of essential banking services. The changes have spurred confusion and frustration among these groups trying to navigate without everyday financial tools.

A Bangkok Bank representative confirmed to TASS news agency, “The policy applies to all tourists, regardless of nationality.” This decision also impacts holders of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), allowing up to 180-day stays but categorising them as tourists.

Social media platforms have become hotbeds for reports, mainly from Russians, of account freezes or restricted access without prior notice. Although Bangkok Bank states not all accounts are terminating, some users must now verify identities with biometric scans.

The Bangkok Community Help Foundation warned via Facebook about potential expansion of these measures to other nationalities. The revised rules mean only foreigners with long-term visas, Thai spouses, or real estate in Thailand can open accounts. Eligible groups include retirees, students, and those with work-related visas.

Travellers and expat account holders are encouraged to verify their eligibility and reach out to branches with concerns. Increased fraud awareness comes on the heels of a Pattaya scandal where non-bank staff assisted in “mule” account creation for scam rings.

Daranee Saeju, Bank of Thailand assistant governor for financial consumer protection, stresses banks’ compliance with central bank guidelines is crucial. Stricter future measures will include cross-referencing account holders with the Anti-Money Laundering Office’s watchlist and imposing limits on transactions.

Whilst these tighter fraud-prevention strategies aim to protect, critics argue they unfairly impact legitimate visitors. The clampdown places them in financial uncertainty, complicating their time in Thailand.

This significant policy shift in Thailand’s banking sector reflects an urgent need to combat cyber fraud but raises questions about access for thousands potentially left in financial limbo.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-29

BritManToo · May 29

46 minutes ago, kaneko86 said:

And if you marry a Thai national and want to apply for a spouse visa you need the Thai bank account first with 400.000 baht seasoned for 3 months in it. How are you supposed to open this account if you need the spouse visa first? Amazing Thailand...

Foreigners with a Thai spouse can open an account with Bangkok Bank, it says in the OP.

"The revised rules mean only foreigners with long-term visas, Thai spouses, or real estate in Thailand can open accounts."

sandyf · May 29

1 hour ago, JAS21 said:

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

When I started it was the Thai Military Bank and only have had one small problem.

In 2014 I goy an email from the bank that my details were inconsistent with bank policy and if not amended I would lose access to online banking. It was to do with the address, which was the Apex Hotel from when I opened the account in 2000. A trip to the bank and problem solved.

People on this forum are always whinging about lack of standard in Thailand but as soon as they do something to tighten up on regulation abuse the whinging starts. They only want change where it suits their agenda.

How many of tha advanced economies allow tourists to open bank accounts and how many allow people to arrive without a visa and stay for years on end.

BritManToo · May 29

7 minutes ago, sandyf said:

How many of tha advanced economies allow tourists to open bank accounts and how many allow people to arrive without a visa and stay for years on end.

In the UK you can arrive in a rubber dingy and stay forever.

In the USA you can walk over the Mexican/Canadian border and stay forever.

In the EU you can arrive on foot or by boat and stay forever.

Dart12 · May 29

1 hour ago, TigerandDog said:

That exception being they will not open accounts for Americans because of the mandatory reporting back to the IRS.

Please share a reputable link that this is occurring.

Googling it says this is not the case.

Red Phoenix · May 29

1 hour ago, bbbb1952 said:

Catch 22 how can you get a long term visa without a bank account and how can you get a bank account without long term visa it's going to drive a lot of people away like the snow birds

I agree that it would make the easy road of applying for a Non Imm O Visa at your local Imm Office more difficult as that requires meeting the financial requirements which involves having a personal Thai bank-account.

But it has not been made completely impossile as you can of course apply for the 90-day Non Imm O (e)Visa when in your home-country. And on arrival in Thailand you could then open a personal Thai bank-account and transfer the required funds (800K or 400K depending whether you apply for reason of retirement or for reason of Marriage). Such that by the expiry date of your Permission to stay that border-immigration provided you with on entry with that 90-day Non Imm O Visa, the funds have been seasoned for 2 months allowing you to apply at your local Imm Office for a 1-year extension of stay.

Dart12 · May 29

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Ordinary tourists do not need a bank account. Can tourists open bank accounts in other countries? I'm sure they couldn't in the UK.

yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in both USA and UK . Not an issue to do.

10baht · May 29

8 hours ago, Peabody said:

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

I don;t think so...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.

alw22 · May 29

20 minutes ago, petedk said:

Why should tourists and short term stayers in Thailand need a bank account?

Why not allow it? No one absolutely "needs" a bank account, but it makes a lot of things a whole lot easier. Why ban something without a good reason?

If you're concerned about crime, then increase actual targeted investigations. Don't make the lives of regular people more difficult because you're too lazy to do proper police work. Actual criminals will always find ways to use local bank accounts, so these bans just affect regular people.

sandyf · May 29

38 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Here's the problem, correct me if I'm wrong, for many non O visas you need to show funds, in a Thai bank, but, according to this article, Bank of Bangkok won't allow you to open an account, unless you already have the visa... Catch 22

The writing has been on the wall for over a decade, item 2 on this email from the bank in 2014.

At the time the forum view was the bank were wrong and nothing would change.

Cabradelmar · May 29

Thailand has lost control of it's immigration and they are just now starting to figure it out.

sandyf · May 29

21 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

In the UK you can arrive in a rubber dingy and stay forever.

In the USA you can walk over the Mexican/Canadian border and stay forever.

In the EU you can arrive on foot or by boat and stay forever.

Apologies. For those that choose to ignotre context I will amend.

How many of tha advanced economies allow tourists to open bank accounts and how many allow people to arrive through normal channels without a visa and stay for years on end.

Referring to illegal migration is an unnecessary distraction.

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