17 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

 

You wrote: "It seems that there is very little understanding of what "thieves" need to drain your account."

 

It does indeed it seems after seeing the comments in this blog, it is extremely and almost impossible to drain money from another persons or company etc bank account but yet so many people think it is easy.

 

Of the billions of transactions per day via a bank and the billions of bank accounts around the world I wonder how many of the anti-tech brigade know of any real facts relating to bank security.

 

If it was not secure the whole of the world's banking systems would have collapsed decades ago.

 

 

You think so? You are not understanding just how easy it is to gain access these banks. Not long ago the Federal Reserve was hacked and they have top security. Do you really believe banks at local level can not be hacked? You are deluded.

On 8/27/2025 at 6:03 PM, bdenner said:

And the agents have to come up with a new method to get potless expat's extension over the hurdle.

800K into a bank account for 5 minutes is over, nation wide.

In my Isaan location some 70% use these agents. ALL their arses are twitching.

 

5 minutes might be over, but one day is not. Money in, and out the next day is still on. Agents have found, and always will find a solution.

On 8/29/2025 at 7:16 PM, Stiddle Mump said:

Not so true Sir. Not that you have never used an agent.

 

Take the last 12 months. if you had bought little gold bars, with your 800k. 12 months ago at 41k per baht and used an agent; 15k. You would have gold now that is worth roughly 20% more than if you had kept the dosh in the bank. At last look. you could have let the gold go for considerably over 50k a baht. You would be quite a few 000 baht to the good.

 

Buy gold bars not jewelry.

Sorry sir 800k is not my number 

And I also have a gold bullion account 

From 6 years ago 

So all is well 

👍

 

On 8/27/2025 at 4:31 PM, JoePai said:

Quite simply Pattaya is not as easy/friendly/carefree (call it what you want) as it used to be, but then where is…

A lot expats are directed towards  those agents by immigration so as to get a pay off, I know people who have had the correct paperwork, money in the bank, and still been refused, as soon as they approach an agent, all the paperwork and money are perfectly ok with immigration.

53 minutes ago, Ginner said:

A lot expats are directed towards  those agents by immigration so as to get a pay off, I know people who have had the correct paperwork, money in the bank, and still been refused, as soon as they approach an agent, all the paperwork and money are perfectly ok with immigration.

And that is why I can't see anything changing that in the near future. It's a too lucrative business for the immigration officers.

 

But some changes are already made. It's the Bangkok Bank that started these issues. The Pattaya agents are now using other banks, and even go to the immigration office in Bangkok to do the immigration procedure there instead. And that is money lost for the immigration office in Jomtien.

On 8/28/2025 at 8:08 AM, newbee2022 said:

Really?

That's great. Please explain it to me?

I think many would like to know too.

I think you are just unwittingly backing up his claim

On 8/30/2025 at 12:11 PM, StayinThailand2much said:

 

So, how does that work, if 'the foreigner' cannot open a bank account?

Why can't foreigners open a bank account?

You can open one yourself if you enter on a 90 days Non-O visa, based on retirement, marriage or such.

 

Or you can use an agent to open one together with you, if they guarantee you are on a route to a retirement visa. They still open hundreds of new accounts weekly in Pattaya, on a 60 days visa exemption that way. Just not with Bangkok Bank anymore.

4 hours ago, Stiddle Mump said:

But if ALL the farangs (in Thailand) only used cash, we might see some action.

 

In the UK, there are groups dedicated to cash only.

 

 

 

All the farangs?

 

You mean the long term annual visa extenders, their cash input means bugger all compared to the total income from visitors to Thailand, are you trying to tell me the billions of baht the 30 million(ish) tourists add to the economy is less than the few quid the older codger farangs are contributing.

 

When will self important long term farangs learn they have no influence here, the presence of influence is in only your head.

 

If Thailand had to choose between you or the tourists you would lose hands down.

 

The group the UK will also be insignificant compared to people who use modern methods to buy things.

 

Currently only 12% of transactions are in cash and are dropping 2% a year in the UK, that means in a very short time cash will almost have disappeared.

 

 

 

3 hours ago, thaibreaker said:

5 minutes might be over, but one day is not. Money in, and out the next day is still on. Agents have found, and always will find a solution.

 

But you have to have bank statements and your savings books showing at lease 800k baht stayed in your account for three months after the visa extension was granted, and for two months before you apply for the next extension. It can never fall below 400k so does the agent lend you 800k baht as well.   🙂

 

I applied for my last visa extension five days earlier than the two months expected, I saw the officer go through my bank statements and told me to come back in five days time and submit again.

 

They are strict, but that is OK as I have nothing to hide. 

 

I think the agents are there to help thick people do simple paperwork they can not do themselves, I don't think they can get away with fiddling your bank account balance, all of these stories are probably passed on from a friend to a friend to friend and then become reality. 

4 hours ago, Free the 115 said:

I think you are just unwittingly backing up his claim

Thinking is not one of your skills apparently.

9 hours ago, Stiddle Mump said:

But if ALL the farangs (in Thailand) only used cash, we might see some action.

In the UK, there are groups dedicated to cash only.

 

The people you reference are financially marginal people who have minimal economic influence. The demographic which matters, and has  driven consumer spending for the past 50+ years are those aged 18-45. The alpha, Z and Y generations are the  drivers of consumer spending and are overwhelming in favour of electronic commerce of all types. 

What a diaper full of tosh.  Who was this nonsense written for?  Wannabe expats who just stepped off of the plane?  I'm thinking so. 

6 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

But you have to have bank statements and your savings books showing at lease 800k baht stayed in your account for three months after the visa extension was granted, and for two months before you apply for the next extension. It can never fall below 400k so does the agent lend you 800k baht as well.   🙂

No, not with an agent. He/she puts in 800k one day, the bank freezes the account, then going to immigration together with you the same day, and do all needed procedure and paperwork there. The next day you show up at the bank with the agent, and the account is unfreezed, and money is taken out again, back to the agent. It's a simple procedure, but quite time consuming the day you do both.

 

I did it a few weeks ago, my friend did it on Friday/Saturday. It's not a story, it's facts. This is what agents do, but you pay a hefty fee for this service.

18 hours ago, stix40 said:

Rather waste time than money ! 

Time is free 

Money is not cheap 

Time is a valuable commodity.

It's an age thing, the two swap places later in life. It isn't only about time or money though, my epiphany came when stood in a long line on soi 5 with the sun beating on my head, beginning to feel dizzy. Another time sat outside in the baking heat. It is much improved recently, but it took 10 years and I felt we were treated very off hand. Some guys there are quite elderly. !

16 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

It was an example of how easy it is to get a visa extension, you deleted the rest of my comment.

I didn't delete anything, I simply did not quote it! What is easy in one office is not necessarily as easy in another, and if you talk of Phuket it makes more sense to be in that forum! As to Pattaya, they are quite efficient these days, but that does not move their office any closer to where I live, nor lessen traffic. 

 

Thread is about Pattaya Expats! 

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

I didn't delete anything, I simply did not quote it! What is easy in one office is not necessarily as easy in another, and if you talk of Phuket it makes more sense to be in that forum! As to Pattaya, they are quite efficient these days, but that does not move their office any closer to where I live, nor lessen traffic. 

 

Thread is about Pattaya Expats! 

    No, the thread is actually about Thailand expats and 'visa crackdowns-qr code rules'--and that's how the headline should  have read.  As I said in an earlier post, these topics are not eclusive to Pattaya expats.  It's ludicrous that the emphasis was placed on Pattaya expats--but Asean Now always tries to make everything about Pattaya.  Apparently who cares if expats are struggling with visa crackdowns and QR codes in Phuket, Bangkok, CM, or anywhere else.  

7 minutes ago, newnative said:

    No, the thread is actually about Thailand expats and 'visa crackdowns-qr code rules'--and that's how the headline should  have read.  As I said in an earlier post, these topics are not eclusive to Pattaya expats.  It's ludicrous that the emphasis was placed on Pattaya expats--but Asean Now always tries to make everything about Pattaya.  Apparently who cares if expats are struggling with visa crackdowns and QR codes in Phuket, Bangkok, CM, or anywhere else.  

Going by  the title at the top of the page, until that is changed or  the thread moved it appears specific.  You can report inaccuracies in the thread too.  Your saying so doesn't change that.

14 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Going by  the title at the top of the page, until that is changed or  the thread moved it appears specific.  You can report inaccuracies in the thread too.  Your saying so doesn't change that.

     Don't be so pendantic.  Everybody knows that Pattaya expats are taller, more handsome, smarter, younger-looking, have fuller heads of hair, and, of course, are far wealthier than other Thailand expats but, as dear old Dad used to say, 'we still have to put our pants on one leg at a time.' 

    And, though we are far superior, we still have the same visa rules to follow--90 day reports and everthing else--as the other more unfortunate expats living their lives of quiet desperation somewhere other than Pattaya.   QR codes are also not just being used in Pattaya--surely the codes are also 'sparking panic' elsewhere if Pattaya expats, with all our advantages, are supposedly in a 'panic'. 

    By the way, my 'saying so' is just pointing out something that is clearly obvious, whatever the title might indicate.  It may appear 'specific' to Pattaya but anyone with a functioning brain can see the subjects--visas and QR codes--clearly are not Pattaya specific.  Something Pattaya specific would be that malfunctioning escalator on Sukhumvit some months ago that apparently caused 'chaos' for Pattaya residents, but not this one.

On 8/29/2025 at 9:35 AM, Kerryd said:

Yeah, I was out with some friends a few weeks ago and when the bill arrived the girl said "no cash".

You’re saying that the first time you knew it was cashless, was when the bill arrived?

seems odd……….

full stomach, but not allowed to pay?

Are posters going to start shaming the shameless, rather than “ I know a place, blah blah 

apart from Starbollix, they seem to be anonymous. 
if there’s a list, then the un enlightened but outraged ones can boycott said premises

22 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

You mean the long term annual visa extenders, their cash input means bugger all compared to the total income from visitors to Thailand, are you trying to tell me the billions of baht the 30 million(ish) tourists add to the economy is less than the few quid the older codger farangs are contributing.

 

How about some numbers to back that up?  Here's some to go against it.

 

Expats = 300,000.  Spend per week = 20,000 baht.  Weeks per year = 52.  Total spend = 312 billion baht.

Tourist = 3,000,0000.  Spend per week = 40,000 baht.  Weeks per year = 2.  Total spend = 240 billion baht.

 

The spend per week numbers could turn it the other way but I think my numbers are typical with tourists spending double what a long stayer does.  If you take off the Chinese no spending group tours it would be an even bigger difference.

20 hours ago, newnative said:

Don't be so pendantic.  Everybody knows that Pattaya expats are taller, more handsome, smarter, younger-looking, have fuller heads of hair, and, of course, are far wealthier than other Thailand expats but, as dear old Dad used to say, 'we still have to put our pants on one leg at a time.' 

Not sure about all that. I do know I have little interest in the goings on in Phuket, Chiangmai and especially backwaters like Hua Hin, so prefer to keep Pattaya topics clear of details from these dull places. They simply muddy the waters. 

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Not sure about all that. I do know I have little interest in the goings on in Phuket, Chiangmai and especially backwaters like Hua Hin, so prefer to keep Pattaya topics clear of details from these dull places. They simply muddy the waters. 

    You keep missing the point.   QR issues and visa issues for Thailand expats are not 'Pattaya topics', as they are not exclusive to Pattaya.   They are topics that affect all Thailand expats and the article should not have been put in the Pattaya Forum in the first place.  

    You seemed miffed that an expat living in Phuket made a comment on the thread but why shouldn't he, since the topics affect all expats, not just Pattaya expats?   Likely Phuket expats also have 'little interest' in what is going on in Pattaya but they certainly have an interest in things like QR codes and visa issues, which is what the thread was about, not Pattaya.  

On 8/29/2025 at 7:16 PM, JamesPhuket10 said:

 

There are billions of banking transactions done daily on smartphones, computers etc, it is more secure than physical cash.

 

Cash will be a thing of the past in a few years time, most Thai people I see at Lotus, Makro use smartphone apps to pay their bills, but they are under fifty years old.

 

Once the old codgers have died off there will be no more need for cash.

I have worked in the software development industry for Banking/Brokerage industries for around 35 years... (up until a couple years ago)... nothing online is secure.

 

Computers and Phones are both computers, but smart phones tend to be more locked down, and are generally more secure.  If you think that having the phone in public is the reason for more risk, buy one for banking only and place it in a safe at home 🤣 (air gapped is more secure)

 

A phone has more security typically (assuming it is used), the apps on the phone are 'sandboxed' which makes it more difficult for a malicious app or web app to gain access to it.  The phone has extra authentication that can be used (biometrics), and the phone has a secure enclave to store tokens.  

 

The web platform is more susceptible to social engineering attacks that use schemes like phishing to gain access to your computer and then into your banking applications.

 

There is probably north of $100 billion a year (probably more due to under reporting) in losses due to these crimes - it is also big business.

 

 

17 minutes ago, newnative said:

You keep missing the point.

No you are. I replied to a post that was off topic, just someone telling us how they get an extension in another province, with an implied insult in it.  Nothing to do with the topic.

You are simply trolling. 

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

No you are. I replied to a post that was off topic, just someone telling us how they get an extension in another province, with an implied insult in it.  Nothing to do with the topic.

You are simply trolling. 

    Reporting how they got a visa extension is certainy on topic since the thread was about visa issues and QR codes,  and the thread was not unique to Pattaya.  I think you're the one trolling.  Let me ask you this.  If the Bangkok Forum had a thread on, say, how Thailand had just changed the rules to allow foreign quota in condo projects to be 75%, would you feel you could not comment on the thread since it was in the Bangkok Forum and you wouldn't want to 'muddy the waters', as you say?   I think we should all be allowed to comment on any thread, in any forum.  

On 8/27/2025 at 4:31 PM, JoePai said:

Quite simply Pattaya is not as easy/friendly/carefree (call it what you want) as it used to be, but then where is…

no where, the politicians are all copying each other around the world, never seen so many maniacs ruling the world in my life.

On 8/28/2025 at 7:09 AM, richard_smith237 said:

all because you refused to answer a simple question about what you were doing with your own money, then told both the bank and the fraud department to “sod off”.

Why does the bank need to know? 

22 minutes ago, Mike_Hunt said:

On 8/28/2025 at 12:09 PM, richard_smith237 said:

all because you refused to answer a simple question about what you were doing with your own money, then told both the bank and the fraud department to “sod off”.

Why does the bank need to know? 

 

TLDR (too long didn't read) here's the very quick answer: Compliance - and understanding this may prevent a customer from feeling the urge to tell a bank to 'sod off' - they're just following regulations.

 

Banks ask what a money transfer is for because they’re required to under anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations.

 

-------------------

 

International Law & Standards

 

1) FATF (Financial Action Task Force)
This global body sets the standard for anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT).

Its 40 Recommendations and 9 Special Recommendations require countries to enforce:

- Customer due diligence (CDD)

- Record keeping

- Suspicious transaction reporting

- International cooperation

 

2) 2005 Warsaw Convention (Council of Europe)
This treaty extends earlier conventions by covering both money laundering and terrorist financing, including:

- Role of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs)

- Suspicious transaction reporting

- Cross-border co-operation and asset freezing

 

-------------------

 

United Kingdom Laws (example as UK was mentioned in an earlier comment)

 

1) Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA 2018)
This law enables the UK to enforce sanctions independently of the EU and incorporates FATF standards into UK law - covering AML and CFT frameworks.

 

2) Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (PoCA 2002)
Specifically, Part 7 mandates that banks and other regulated businesses report any suspicion of money laundering—even without specific thresholds. Failure to report can lead to up to five years in prison or a fine.

 

3) Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017)
These implement EU’s Fourth AML Directive into UK law and require banks to collect payer/payee information for transfers.

 

4) Funds Transfer Regulation (FTR)
Also known as "wire transfer regulations," this ensures that sender and recipient information travels with international transfers for AML compliance.

 

5) Customer Due Diligence (CDD) & Travel Rule (UK)
UK banks use a risk-based CDD approach, requiring enhanced due diligence - including asking for the source of funds and purpose of transactions - when higher risk is detected. The “travel rule” requires identifying payer/payee details on all transfers (including crypto transfers over €1,000, as of 23 Sept 2023).

 

-------------------

 

Thailand Laws & Regulations

 

1) Payment Systems Act B.E. 2560 (2017)
Governs domestic electronic transfers, requiring fraud, AML, and CFT safeguards via KYC and suspicious transaction reporting.

 

2) Anti-Money Laundering Act B.E. 2542 (1999)
Mandates financial institutions to conduct KYC and report to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO)—which tracks unusual or suspicious transactions.

 

3) Foreign Exchange Control Act B.E. 2485 (1942)
Regulates cross-border transfers of foreign currency. Legitimate purposes must be declared, particularly for sums over USD 50,000 per transaction—requires Bank of Thailand approval and documentation.

 

4) AML Reporting Thresholds & Suspicious Activity Reporting
Transactions over THB 2 million (~USD 55 k) must be reported. In practice, even smaller but frequent or atypical transactions may raise suspicion, prompting banks to ask for additional details.

 

5) Bank of Thailand Requirements - Transfer Purpose Reporting
Banks like Bangkok Bank must record and report the purpose of inbound transfers: e.g., property purchase, living expenses, investment - on behalf of customers to the Bank of Thailand.

 

6) Special Cases: Property Purchases by Foreigners
When foreigners bring money into Thailand to buy condominiums, they must use foreign currency, obtain an FET form (or bank letter), and clearly state the purpose (“For the purchase of … condo unit…”). This is required by the Land Department for ownership registration.

 

 

 

8 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

TLDR (too long didn't read) here's the very quick answer: Compliance - and understanding this may prevent a customer from feeling the urge to tell a bank to 'sod off' - they're just following regulations.

 

Banks ask what a money transfer is for because they’re required to under anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations.

 

-------------------

 

International Law & Standards

 

1) FATF (Financial Action Task Force)
This global body sets the standard for anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT).

Its 40 Recommendations and 9 Special Recommendations require countries to enforce:

- Customer due diligence (CDD)

- Record keeping

- Suspicious transaction reporting

- International cooperation

 

2) 2005 Warsaw Convention (Council of Europe)
This treaty extends earlier conventions by covering both money laundering and terrorist financing, including:

- Role of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs)

- Suspicious transaction reporting

- Cross-border co-operation and asset freezing

 

-------------------

 

United Kingdom Laws (example as UK was mentioned in an earlier comment)

 

1) Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA 2018)
This law enables the UK to enforce sanctions independently of the EU and incorporates FATF standards into UK law - covering AML and CFT frameworks.

 

2) Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (PoCA 2002)
Specifically, Part 7 mandates that banks and other regulated businesses report any suspicion of money laundering—even without specific thresholds. Failure to report can lead to up to five years in prison or a fine.

 

3) Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017)
These implement EU’s Fourth AML Directive into UK law and require banks to collect payer/payee information for transfers.

 

4) Funds Transfer Regulation (FTR)
Also known as "wire transfer regulations," this ensures that sender and recipient information travels with international transfers for AML compliance.

 

5) Customer Due Diligence (CDD) & Travel Rule (UK)
UK banks use a risk-based CDD approach, requiring enhanced due diligence - including asking for the source of funds and purpose of transactions - when higher risk is detected. The “travel rule” requires identifying payer/payee details on all transfers (including crypto transfers over €1,000, as of 23 Sept 2023).

 

-------------------

 

Thailand Laws & Regulations

 

1) Payment Systems Act B.E. 2560 (2017)
Governs domestic electronic transfers, requiring fraud, AML, and CFT safeguards via KYC and suspicious transaction reporting.

 

2) Anti-Money Laundering Act B.E. 2542 (1999)
Mandates financial institutions to conduct KYC and report to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO)—which tracks unusual or suspicious transactions.

 

3) Foreign Exchange Control Act B.E. 2485 (1942)
Regulates cross-border transfers of foreign currency. Legitimate purposes must be declared, particularly for sums over USD 50,000 per transaction—requires Bank of Thailand approval and documentation.

 

4) AML Reporting Thresholds & Suspicious Activity Reporting
Transactions over THB 2 million (~USD 55 k) must be reported. In practice, even smaller but frequent or atypical transactions may raise suspicion, prompting banks to ask for additional details.

 

5) Bank of Thailand Requirements - Transfer Purpose Reporting
Banks like Bangkok Bank must record and report the purpose of inbound transfers: e.g., property purchase, living expenses, investment - on behalf of customers to the Bank of Thailand.

 

6) Special Cases: Property Purchases by Foreigners
When foreigners bring money into Thailand to buy condominiums, they must use foreign currency, obtain an FET form (or bank letter), and clearly state the purpose (“For the purchase of … condo unit…”). This is required by the Land Department for ownership registration.

 

 

 

You have to love the surveillance state.