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Posted

I wanted to open a new bank account at Bangkok Bank this week.  For the record, I have had several accounts at BKK Bank for 10 years.  Understanding that the rules are tighter now for foreigners to open bank accounts and to save time, I contacted someone I know who works at the bank and forwarded the documents I thought they might need to open a new account. 

 

I called to confirm that the documents were ok, and I was told that they had new rules starting this week and that foreigners also have to submit a photo ID showing the foreigner's home address.  I informed them that I had an expired driver's license from my home country, but since I have lived in Thailand over 10 years there is no way I could provide a current unexpired  ID from my home country.  Could they use the expired license as proof.

 

I was told no.  The photo ID has to be current.  No exceptions.  I was told that even if you have lived in Thailand for 20 years, you can't get a new bank account without a current photo ID from your home country showing your current home country address.

 

Can anyone tell me how I can get a current photo  ID showing my current address in my home country when I haven't lived in that country for 10 years?

 

Although I was a bit upset after this phone call, I realized that there must be something I'm not getting here.  A workaround?  Any help?  I could use another bank, but I'm not in a position to move everything around at this point in time.

 

Everyone have a great day!

 

 

Posted

Bangkok Bank used to be be a great bank, friendly to foreigners, but that's the past.

 

I'll have to see how I can open UBS accounts for my wife.

  • Like 1
Posted

Maybe something was lost in translation. The requirement for secondary ID isn't new; for foreigners living in Thailand longterm, it's quite common that you can show a Thai driving license instead of a driving license or ID card from your home country.

Posted

Interesting. My home ID has lapsed as well, but I have a Yellow Book. I could get one I suppose but I don't feel like going home to do it.

  • Agree 1
Posted
6 minutes ago, Caldera said:

Maybe something was lost in translation. The requirement for secondary ID isn't new; for foreigners living in Thailand longterm, it's quite common that you can show a Thai driving license instead of a driving license or ID card from your home country.

Not the same issue at all.

Posted
14 minutes ago, Caldera said:

Maybe something was lost in translation. The requirement for secondary ID isn't new; for foreigners living in Thailand longterm, it's quite common that you can show a Thai driving license instead of a driving license or ID card from your home country.

I have a Thai driver's license and an expired DL from my home country.  I have known this bank employee for 10 years.  I sent over a copy of my Passport, visa, Thai driver's license and the proof of residency paper I have in my PP. 

 I asked over and over and this person insisted that I needed a current un-expired  ID from my home country.  No exceptions.   Going to the other branch in a few days.  There are only two branches near me.  

Quite puzzling

Posted
15 minutes ago, Tarteso said:

The embassy doesn't have the authority to renew your ID? Just a question..

Passports yes but licenses are more localised, even in Thailand.

Posted
10 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Passports.

Some like the German Embassy also renew ID Cards.

Posted
23 minutes ago, Peter Crow said:

Bangkok Bank used to be be a great bank, friendly to foreigners, but that's the past.

 

I'll have to see how I can open UBS accounts for my wife.

Driving people to open accounts with different banks. 

  • Like 1
Posted
3 minutes ago, LivingNThailand said:

I have a Thai driver's license and an expired DL from my home country.  I have known this person for 10 years.  I sent over a copy of my Passport, visa, Thai driver's license and the proof of residency paper I have in my PP. 

 I asked over and over and this person insisted that I needed an ID from my home country.  No exceptions.   Going to the other branch in a few days.  There are only two branches near me.  

Quite puzzling

Is it 

 

a) a valid ID form your home country?

 

or

 

b) a valid ID form your home country shoving your address in that country?

 

or

 

c) a valid ID form your home country shoving your address in Thailand, or any other country?

 

?

Posted
Just now, MarkBR said:

Driving people to open accounts with different banks. 

 

I did, opened an account with Kasikorn, and two month later they that I couldn't use more than 50,000 of my money in any given day...

 

Useles IMO.

  • Like 1
Posted
43 minutes ago, LivingNThailand said:

I was told no.  The photo ID has to be current.  No exceptions. 

Did you ask if a COR was sufficient proof of address? 

Posted
15 minutes ago, LivingNThailand said:

I have a Thai driver's license and an expired DL from my home country.  I have known this bank employee for 10 years.  I sent over a copy of my Passport, visa, Thai driver's license and the proof of residency paper I have in my PP. 

 I asked over and over and this person insisted that I needed a current un-expired  ID from my home country.  No exceptions.   Going to the other branch in a few days.  There are only two branches near me.  

Quite puzzling

 

That an expired ID cannot be used for anything goes without saying. I see your dilemma though.

 

I have unexpired ID from my home country, but it also wouldn't be acceptable under the rules you state, as it doesn't include my home country address. As secondary ID for opening bank accounts and TrueMoney, I used my Thai driving license which (unsurprisingly) has my Thai address.

 

The only current home country document that I have that includes my home country address is an election-related letter, so no "ID" as such.

Posted
10 minutes ago, Peter Crow said:

b) a valid ID form your home country shoving your address in that country?

I was told I need a valid photo ID from my home country showing my home country address?  I asked at least four times.   Like a current driver's license from my home country with my home country address.   So very weird.  

Posted
11 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

Try the another branch.

that's the plan.  I think this person was "too busy" and didn't want to deal with me.  Even though I have known this person for 10 years.  Kind of sad.  I'll go in 2-3 days and update

Posted
8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Did you ask if a COR was sufficient proof of address? 

I told this person I could get one if needed. I think I will try the other branch.  It just doesn't make any sense.....but sometimes it just doesn't, does it.

Posted
11 minutes ago, LivingNThailand said:

why are they in hot water?  Aren't they all?  

 

Obviously because of mule accounts, money laundering and they were the go to bank for agents 

  • Like 1
Posted
2 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Obviously because of mule accounts, money laundering and they were the go to bank for agents 

What happened to the sad emoji.   Very sad.   

 

Posted
32 minutes ago, LivingNThailand said:

I was told I need a valid photo ID from my home country showing my home country address?  I asked at least four times.   Like a current driver's license from my home country with my home country address.   So very weird.  

Yep, also what is your visa  type, are you married to a Thai?

Posted
4 minutes ago, Peter Crow said:

Yep, also what is your visa  type, are you married to a Thai?

Retired.  for 10 years.  Haven't been back to "home country" for 10 years.   I pointed that out.  But I was told too bad....  I am laughing now.   What a farce.

Posted
3 minutes ago, LivingNThailand said:

Retired.  for 10 years.  Haven't been back to "home country" for 10 years.  

Well, if that's policy now, it sucks. We should all rethink our banking and possibly rely more on non Thai resources. A hell of a headache though. I have a joint account, FCD, credits card here...

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