Finance Foreign Nationals Face Account Bans in Bangkok Bank Crackdown

[bigginhill]

I have had accounts with Bangkok Bank for 20 yrs odd, but I have been out of the country for a while. I am currently abroad, and locked out of my accounts. Luckily, it seems the direct debits are going through, as I get a text message when the payment is made, but I can't access the account in any way to pay other bills. They (Bangkok Bank) insist I have to go in to the branch for a photo verification. I proposed that I could go in to the London Branch in person for the photo, but was told it was not an option, as it is a commercial branch only. However, to make transactions, the London Branch accepts a certified copy of a passport (https://www.bangkokbank.com/-/media/files/personal/other-services/transferrring-intothailand/identityverification.pdf). I proposed this option, but it was also denied. I don't see why this is ok as a verification for the London Branch, but not for Thailand. So, basically, it seems that not only do I have to wait till I get back to Thailand to reactivate the account, but, as I understand from a YT video, I will also have to have a long-term visa. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZq4c0J5miE) before they will activate it. 

 

[brewsterbudgen]

3 hours ago, bigginhill said:

I have had accounts with Bangkok Bank for 20 yrs odd, but I have been out of the country for a while. I am currently abroad, and locked out of my accounts. Luckily, it seems the direct debits are going through, as I get a text message when the payment is made, but I can't access the account in any way to pay other bills. They (Bangkok Bank) insist I have to go in to the branch for a photo verification. I proposed that I could go in to the London Branch in person for the photo, but was told it was not an option, as it is a commercial branch only. However, to make transactions, the London Branch accepts a certified copy of a passport (https://www.bangkokbank.com/-/media/files/personal/other-services/transferrring-intothailand/identityverification.pdf). I proposed this option, but it was also denied. I don't see why this is ok as a verification for the London Branch, but not for Thailand. So, basically, it seems that not only do I have to wait till I get back to Thailand to reactivate the account, but, as I understand from a YT video, I will also have to have a long-term visa. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZq4c0J5miE) before they will activate it. 

 

The photo ID verification requirement is fairly new.  Mine is only used for transactions over 100,000 baht, but the photo had to be added to my account in my local BB branch.  

[KhunBENQ]

23 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

The photo ID verification requirement is fairly new.  Mine is only used for transactions over 100,000 baht, but the photo had to be added to my account in my local BB branch.  

Good that BB could do it.

Neither SCB nor Kasikorn, for Thai people only.

Mobile banking limited to 50k per transaction.

Kasikorn still has website banking. Have to check how it differs.

SCB closed website. I closed accounts.