Finance Foreign Nationals Face Account Bans in Bangkok Bank Crackdown

[DonniePeverley]

Bloke in my condo was telling me his app been locked. Turns out his account is set to be closed. He used the DTV had an agent open his account. Now has to fill in reports to try and get his money out. 

 

I've always said do not put in large volumes into a bank account here if you are doing through 'illegal routes

[cjinchiangrai]

2 hours ago, kiwikeith said:

 

I may be wrong but I think you can open an account if you are married to a Thai at BK Bank, this is one of the conditions to open an account now, you would probably need a letter from Thai immigration and your marriage certificate in Thai  and take the Thai wife with you, BK bank are always nice to us and very understanding, otherwise how will people get money into an account, surely immigration would help with this. ???

And you still can with an O visa, not a TR.

[jayboy]

14 minutes ago, Red Phoenix said:

Transferring money from your UK Bank-account directly to your Thai bank-account is a slow, expensive and non-transparent method.

 

No it's not.I regularly transfer funds from my UK to my Thai bank using the UK app on my phone. Occasionally the process takes place the same day, though more often funds received the following day.Rates are competitive and the Thai bank calls me to confirm exchange rate.I can't actually see how the process could be improved

[CHdiver]

2 hours ago, new2here said:

’d wonder if they will want to see if the then-status still holds true today?

No, they don't. Because they already know. 2 years ago I needed a new Card. I had a new passport by then, they made copies of it, so they know. Just had a Tourist Visa. So if they want, they could block me. Time will tell. When I am not in Thailand, I do not keep a lot of money in it anyway. So no big deal. 

[Dart12]

8 hours ago, sandyf said:

May come as a surprise but foreigners and tourists are not the same thing.

Correct. 

Not all foreigners are tourists, but all tourists are foreigners....

And foreigners can open accounts without even being in these  countries (bank per bank basis).

And yes, tourists can open accounts in these countries as well.

[Dart12]

4 hours ago, TigerandDog said:

ttb (formerly TMB) Bank REFUSE to open accounts for Americans. No link to this, it's THEIR policy because THEY don't want to do all the paperwork involved in the mandatory reporting the IRS demands for Americans outside the USA.

We were talking about Bangkok Bank. And I had no problems getting an account as a US citizen

[brewsterbudgen]

44 minutes ago, Red Phoenix said:

Transferring money from your UK Bank-account directly to your Thai bank-account is a slow, expensive and non-transparent method.

 

 

I regularly transfer money from my UK Lloyds account to my Bangkok Bank online, and it usually goes through in 2 working days.

[Dart12]

1 hour ago, Puccini said:

 

Does that include ordinary tourists?

 

I am asking because the post to which you replied was about "ordinary tourists"

Yes.  You do not even need to be in US  to get an account (on a bank to bank basis).

[rigeback]

19 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

 

 

 

[rigeback]

Well, it could only happen to this bank because its so corrupt.

After returning to Thailand after 22 years I had to re activate my Bangkok bank account which had 35K Balance, I was charged 9K for not updating the book and didn't get any interest since the new balance in the new book was only 26K. When I complained the woman said if I had any problems she would call security!

My other accounts had no problem updating the book balances without issuing a fine. 

It could be associated to the fact that the Bangkok back account was opened in Pattaya but I later read that the Bangkok bank is the only bank in Thailand that requires you to update the book every month, how primitive in the day and age of technology, 

 

[Red Phoenix]

1 hour ago, jayboy said:

 

No it's not.I regularly transfer funds from my UK to my Thai bank using the UK app on my phone. Occasionally the process takes place the same day, though more often funds received the following day.Rates are competitive and the Thai bank calls me to confirm exchange rate.I can't actually see how the process could be improved

Check how much you would receive using WISE, then do your regular transfer from your UK Bank and see how much you receive on your Thai bank-account.  I am pretty sure that with WISE you would receive more as the exchange rate of WISE is the actual mid-rate (and thus you cannot get a better rate) and you only pay an approx 0.7% fee for the transfer service. 

 

[Red Phoenix]

48 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 

I regularly transfer money from my UK Lloyds account to my Bangkok Bank online, and it usually goes through in 2 working days.

When I do my WISE transfer at a time when both my European and Thai bank are open, I receive the transferred funds often in less than a minute on my Thai bank-account. 

But I do not care so much about the speed.  Far more important for me is that I know before clicking GO exactly how much THB I will receive on my Thai bank-account.  And that amount is always larger than making use of the so-called 'direct' bank transfer of my European bank where they use the bank exchange-rate and not the mid-exchange rate.  

But of course you are free to pay more for a slower and less transparent service.

[Russel]

2 hours ago, K2938 said:

To check I just topped up my mobile phone from the bank account.  This still worked, so I guess all is still working.  Maybe you want to do the same....

Currently I don't using this account I just monitoring it and I'll call the bank  in case of problems. I'll back to Thailand on the next December

[Bday Prang]

2 hours ago, rigeback said:

Well, it could only happen to this bank because its so corrupt.

After returning to Thailand after 22 years I had to re activate my Bangkok bank account which had 35K Balance, I was charged 9K for not updating the book and didn't get any interest since the new balance in the new book was only 26K. When I complained the woman said if I had any problems she would call security!

My other accounts had no problem updating the book balances without issuing a fine. 

It could be associated to the fact that the Bangkok back account was opened in Pattaya but I later read that the Bangkok bank is the only bank in Thailand that requires you to update the book every month, how primitive in the day and age of technology, 

 

The only time I get my book updated is once a year when I do my extension and I have never had a problem. Although admittedly I did not open it in pattaya

[NickyLouie]

Went today to verify my account, they wanted lots of documents for the mobile app to work which I don't really use anymore as Bkk Bank is not my default bank any longer. 

 

Anyway seems they are well ready with the needed paperwork to keep your account active and you'll need your passport showing a long term visa and some type of documentation where you live i.e. yellow house book and PINK ID CARD ....... 

[mangkut70]

4 hours ago, rigeback said:

... I was charged 9K for not updating the book

 

... I later read that the Bangkok bank is the only bank in Thailand that requires you to update the book every month,

 

 

For the last few years I only managed to visit Thailand once a year and updated the BKK bank book also just once a year. Never had any issues.

[Everyman]

16 hours ago, NanLaew said:

 

So you think Bangkok Bank has a lot of dodgy accounts?

 

It was a branch of SCB in Pattaya where the four employees were found to be involved with improperly setting up accounts for foreigners who did not qualify.

 

 

That's quite a blinkered view. Just as some Thai bank employees may be dishonest, I would suggest the amount of dishonest foreigners living in Thailand is far, far higher.

 

 

Why does a bona fide tourist need a bank account in any country where he doesn't live?

 

To avoid the 250 baht ATM fee. Is this a serious question? Did you just wake up with a hangover ?

[George FmplesdaCosteedback]

A misleading headline. I expect better from the POST.

[K2938]

7 hours ago, NickyLouie said:

Went today to verify my account, they wanted lots of documents for the mobile app to work which I don't really use anymore as Bkk Bank is not my default bank any longer. 

 

Anyway seems they are well ready with the needed paperwork to keep your account active and you'll need your passport showing a long term visa and some type of documentation where you live i.e. yellow house book and PINK ID CARD ....... 

Did you go because something was not working or just like that?

 

[mohinga]

Bit of a tangent; but I couldn't find forums specifically for 'banking' or 'crypto'. I became aware of this article on reddit (r/Thailand) where there was a poster trying to find out why his account was frozen. Among the reasons posited was "crypto trading". What is the current legal state of "crypto" in the kingdom? e.g. If I were to manage to get a retirement visa, would I be able to sell some bitcoin on a Thai exchange and have the funds transferred to a local bank? 

[NanLaew]

3 hours ago, Everyman said:

 

To avoid the 250 baht ATM fee. Is this a serious question? Did you just wake up with a hangover ?

 

It's 220 baht and that's a fee that obviously troubles the "resident tourist" on a pension.

[NanLaew]

11 hours ago, Red Phoenix said:

When I do my WISE transfer at a time when both my European and Thai bank are open, I receive the transferred funds often in less than a minute on my Thai bank-account. 

But I do not care so much about the speed.  Far more important for me is that I know before clicking GO exactly how much THB I will receive on my Thai bank-account.  And that amount is always larger than making use of the so-called 'direct' bank transfer of my European bank where they use the bank exchange-rate and not the mid-exchange rate.  

But of course you are free to pay more for a slower and less transparent service.

 

We have to assume that your Thai bank account isn't with Bangkok Bank.

[Red Phoenix]

30 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

 

We have to assume that your Thai bank account isn't with Bangkok Bank.

Yes, that's correct.  My Thai bank-account is with Kasikorn Bank, and when sending funds using WISE to a friend that has a Bangkok Bank account, the funds arrive approx 1 day later than mine.  

[ravip]

12 hours ago, rigeback said:

Well, it could only happen to this bank because its so corrupt.

After returning to Thailand after 22 years I had to re activate my Bangkok bank account which had 35K Balance, I was charged 9K for not updating the book and didn't get any interest since the new balance in the new book was only 26K. When I complained the woman said if I had any problems she would call security!

My other accounts had no problem updating the book balances without issuing a fine. 

It could be associated to the fact that the Bangkok back account was opened in Pattaya but I later read that the Bangkok bank is the only bank in Thailand that requires you to update the book every month, how primitive in the day and age of technology, 

 

only bank in Thailand that requires you to update the book every month,

 

I've had an account with Bangkok Bank since 2016 (with tourist visa) and never heard of this requirement. For many months, I have not updated the book and nothing has happened.

 

Once, they sent a letter, saying due to inactivity that the account will be put in to 'dormant" state - but my TGF transferred 500 Bahts and it was ok.

 

Now, every couple of months, I top-up my AIS SIM in multiples of 10 Bahts to extend its life - both, bank account and my SIM had been happy, since.

 

I hope this will continue...

[NanLaew]

3 minutes ago, Red Phoenix said:

Yes, that's correct.  My Thai bank-account is with Kasikorn Bank, and when sending funds using WISE to a friend that has a Bangkok Bank account, the funds arrive approx 1 day later than mine.  

 

Yes, that change has happened within the past few weeks. Prior to that, Bangkok Bank was pretty much instantaneous as well.

 

There's some debate on other threads on how there's probably been a change in corresponding banks or the payment processor.

[ignis]

Maye not just Bangkok Bank. My Bangkok Bank I opened in 1999

 

Got a letter yesterday from SCB saying my account has been inactive and from June 2025 a fee will be changed per month to keep it open 1

Used SCB for App and online payments but there was a sudden problem Sept last year they stopped working, even the Bank staff could not get it to work on my phone,  since got another phone Android 13 still the same + Bank Staff cannot get my account to work = not used

 

 

[K2938]

11 minutes ago, mohinga said:

Bit of a tangent; but I couldn't find forums specifically for 'banking' or 'crypto'. I became aware of this article on reddit (r/Thailand) where there was a poster trying to find out why his account was frozen. Among the reasons posited was "crypto trading". What is the current legal state of "crypto" in the kingdom? e.g. If I were to manage to get a retirement visa, would I be able to sell some bitcoin on a Thai exchange and have the funds transferred to a local bank? 

Would not do it.  Could lead to account block based on reports I read

[sandyf]

19 hours ago, Espanol said:

 

 

All the countries in Western Europe: France, Germany, Spain, Holland, Belgium,... even give them accommodation, free healthcare, and an allowance. And they don't even need a passport.

 

 

Always those that want to distort the context.

[sandyf]

14 hours ago, Lorry said:

In Europe, it is absolutely legal to walk across the border and claim asylum because of persecution.

And if you unfortunately lost your passport,  they don't know which country to send you back to.

Another that wants to distort the context.

The thread is about banking regulations and it's effect on visa processing.

[sandyf]

13 hours ago, Dart12 said:

Correct. 

Not all foreigners are tourists, but all tourists are foreigners....

And foreigners can open accounts without even being in these  countries (bank per bank basis).

And yes, tourists can open accounts in these countries as well.

First 2 points totally irrelevant.

Thread is about tourists and most advanced economies require a utility bill to open an account, something not normally available to tourists.

Thailand is only trying to do what other countries have tried, but you seem to think the other countries have failed.