In your opinion would it be wise to open another bank account and close my Bangkok bank account? I only just opened the account a few ago for a Non-O visa extension but already I'm hearing stories of people getting lots of hassle using them.

 

According to some other users they're going to freeze the account for 4 months too when I come to do my extension so I would be totally screwed if I actually relied on it. The fact they're playing immigration is annoying also and makes me want to ditch them for that alone.

 

Another concern is if I ever lose the Non-O for some period of time. As I understand it they're auditing bank accounts opened on tourist visas and shutting them down so it feels really risky using them in case something changes in the future.

 

So what's the better bank or should we expect to all start doing these same things eventually?

It costs nothing to open a backup account, Kasikorn gives me no issues so that's where I would go.  But I see no reason to actually close the Bangkok Bank account, if you use 800k in the bank for extension you can decide for yourself if to move it to the new account or not but thus far I saw no reports of other banks imposing the 4 month rule.

4 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

It costs nothing to open a backup account, Kasikorn gives me no issues so that's where I would go.  But I see no reason to actually close the Bangkok Bank account, if you use 800k in the bank for extension you can decide for yourself if to move it to the new account or not but thus far I saw no reports of other banks imposing the 4 month rule.

Yeah I guess I don't need to close it but I don't trust them anymore so I want my money out. 

 

I only used them because they were the only bank that would let me open an account and even that required a letter from immigration. Once you have the Non-O visa I assume that unlocks the door to be able to open accounts at other banks.

Another thing I would curious about.

 

I was watching YouTube and this guy said BKK bank closed his account because he opened it on a tourist visa (DTV I think) and he had to pay 250 pounds for some insurance in order to open the account??? So they let people open accounts with a tourist visa providing some kickback into their insurance scheme and now they're cracking down?

 

I don't even get that because they were very strict with me in Chiang Mai. Maybe some offices were issuing bank accounts to bad actors and now the whole user base is contaminated. Just another thing I don't like about this bank.

11 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

Yeah I guess I don't need to close it but I don't trust them anymore so I want my money out. 

 

I only used them because they were the only bank that would let me open an account and even that required a letter from immigration. Once you have the Non-O visa I assume that unlocks the door to be able to open accounts at other banks.

 

You should have no problem as far as the visa (extension?) is concerned but may still need the immigration letter, perhaps only rental contract or other proof of residence.

2 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

You should have no problem as far as the visa (extension?) is concerned but may still need the immigration letter, perhaps only rental contract or other proof of residence.

 

The immigration letter was dated and they very specific about needing to use it within X days and even so Chiang Mai immigration said the only bank that would allow this was Bangkok bank.

 

I understood it as you needed the Non-O to open a bank account but getting the Non-O also required a bank account, the classic catch-22. 🙂

 

These rules may have changed since you last checked or they changed based on location. i guess I just need to go in an ask another bank to be sure. 

 

23 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

The immigration letter was dated and they very specific about needing to use it within X days and even so Chiang Mai immigration said the only bank that would allow this was Bangkok bank.

 

I understood it as you needed the Non-O to open a bank account but getting the Non-O also required a bank account, the classic catch-22. 🙂

 

These rules may have changed since you last checked or they changed based on location. i guess I just need to go in an ask another bank to be sure. 

 

I also have a Bangkok bank account.

I had to open it during covid because my embassy was not able to help me in time for the yearly extension.

I used an agency to get my extension and they told me Bangkok bank is the only bank they use.

So i am keeping this account open with some money in it,just in case.

 

6 minutes ago, jvs said:

I also have a Bangkok bank account.

I had to open it during covid because my embassy was not able to help me in time for the yearly extension.

I used an agency to get my extension and they told me Bangkok bank is the only bank they use.

So i am keeping this account open with some money in it,just in case.

 

 

Oh that's a good point. Chiang Mai immigration may only allow BKK bank for some reason so I better ask them before I mess with anything there. Pisses me off though they just invented this 4 month rule BS and they're interfering with immigration. I didn't refill up the 400k needed until about 3 months before my extension is due and apparently BKK doesn't like that now.

1 hour ago, NorthernRyland said:

According to some other users they're going to freeze the account for 4 months too when I come to do my extension so I would be totally screwed if I actually relied on it. The fact they're playing immigration is annoying also and makes me want to ditch them for that alone.

 

Seems BBL has been caught up allowing agents to open accounts, deposit 800K, get bank letters, and then remove the 800K immediately.

 

The account freezes are ONLY for accounts that have not been fully-funded for (I think it was) at least three months (?) prior to requesting the letter and statement.  If not, then the amount in the account x months prior is frozen for four months.  If funded, you get your letter, and off you go.

 

I leave 800K in year-round in a BBL fixed account, did my extension last month in Korat.  No questions from the clerk, no statement to sign.  And I pulled the money out and closed the account a couple weeks later.  I had already put 800K into a new Kbank fixed account to use for immigration next year.

 

Anyhoo, do you only have ONE account?  You should maintain a separate account for your immigration funds to prevent any accidental withdrawals making you ineligible for a visa extension.  Open a new account at BBL or another bank if that makes you feel safer, use either for immigration, the remaining for your daily use.

 

With the constant tweeks to the implementation of laws and resulting bank enforcement, I feel it's a good idea to have several accounts at different banks to be safe.

 

Bank rules vary by district, and subdistrict, and branch, and apparently also by which staff members on duty that day.  I already have 6 BBL accounts.  Tried to open a new one in a different district and was told new BBL rule, only ONE account per person.  They refused to open a new account for my Thai wife, as well.  Walked across the street and opened 5 new accounts at Kbank.

3 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

Seems BBL has been caught up allowing agents to open accounts, deposit 800K, get bank letters, and then remove the 800K immediately.

 

The account freezes are ONLY for accounts that have not been fully-funded for (I think it was) at least three months (?) prior to requesting the letter and statement.  If not, then the amount in the account x months prior is frozen for four months.  If funded, you get your letter, and off you go.

 

I leave 800K in year-round in a BBL fixed account, did my extension last month in Korat.  No questions from the clerk, no statement to sign.  And I pulled the money out and closed the account a couple weeks later.  I had already put 800K into a new Kbank fixed account to use for immigration next year.

 

Anyhoo, do you only have ONE account?  You should maintain a separate account for your immigration funds to prevent any accidental withdrawals making you ineligible for a visa extension.  Open a new account at BBL or another bank if that makes you feel safer, use either for immigration, the remaining for your daily use.

 

With the constant tweeks to the implementation of laws and resulting bank enforcement, I feel it's a good idea to have several accounts at different banks to be safe.

 

Bank rules vary by district, and subdistrict, and branch, and apparently also by which staff members on duty that day.  I already have 6 BBL accounts.  Tried to open a new one in a different district and was told new BBL rule, only ONE account per person.  They refused to open a new account for my Thai wife, as well.  Walked across the street and opened 5 new accounts at Kbank.

Corruption at it's finest.   Then it seems, using an agent for Imm is always recommended and endorsed.  You know, just to hold my hand ... 

 

Then wonder why so many 'Fund My Corrupt Ways' when the hospital bill comes in, and no monthly income, 400k or 800k in the bank.

3 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

The account freezes are ONLY for accounts that have not been fully-funded for (I think it was) at least three months (?) prior to requesting the letter and statement.  If not, then the amount in the account x months prior is frozen for four months.  If funded, you get your letter, and off you go.

 

 

I didn't realize the bank imposed this new rule so I was following immigrations rule of 2 months and deposited around the 3 month mark. I wouldn't be a problem if I was notified about this new rule. When I do my extension I'll ask if I can use other banks and if not keep the 400k there and open a new account with Kasikorn.

 

4 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

With the constant tweeks to the implementation of laws and resulting bank enforcement, I feel it's a good idea to have several accounts at different banks to be safe.

 

 

that's how i feel too but Bangkok bank in particular seems to be the problem right now and the primary one to avoid if possible.

4 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

Bank rules vary by district, and subdistrict, and branch, and apparently also by which staff members on duty that day.  I already have 6 BBL accounts.  Tried to open a new one in a different district and was told new BBL rule, only ONE account per person.  They refused to open a new account for my Thai wife, as well.  Walked across the street and opened 5 new accounts at Kbank.

 

and on this matter I think I asked only my wife if I could open another account which I could use just for a card and online purchases and she said only one account per person. That can't be right can it? That means you can't keep a savings account and a checking account? I didn't follow up but I need to ask the bank myself and get straight information.

 

Since you have 6 maybe this is a new policy of there's and other banks don't care. Again B.B. seems like the only troubled bank with bad policies.

33 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

That means you can't keep a savings account and a checking account?

Very few foreigners, and even Thais, will have a "checking" account unless you are a business.

Most foreigners will have, or should have, multiple savings accounts which for intents and purposes act like a checking account but minus the cheque book. 

I have 3 SCB "savings" accounts for example plus other banks.

 

My account recently was frozen, the strangest is that i could make new deposits and use that money... It then worked again after a few weeks (while taking hostage of all my funds for rent etc, exactly when the month started too). I would been fked if i was tight on money.

They still not explained why they did it neither gave me excuses, I now only keep minimal funds in there and withdraw them right after. This while I was a customer since over a decade, they did tell me it had zero to do with the visa neither is there any issue to renew my card.

 

I guess this visa stuff is more about people who opened accounts in recent years and specially those on DTV visa's.

16 minutes ago, topt said:

Very few foreigners, and even Thais, will have a "checking" account unless you are a business.

Most foreigners will have, or should have, multiple savings accounts which for intents and purposes act like a checking account but minus the cheque book. 

I have 3 SCB "savings" accounts for example plus other banks.

 

I always had a simple system since years: 1 saving account without card and 1 with card, I could easily move money from the one without inside the app and this way the one with card was never at a high risk in case of phising / theft etc. Did that with 2-3 banks in the same way.

I wouldn't close the account. I would just stop using it for immigration purposes. 

8 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

Another thing I would curious about.

 

I was watching YouTube and this guy said BKK bank closed his account because he opened it on a tourist visa (DTV I think) and he had to pay 250 pounds for some insurance in order to open the account??? So they let people open accounts with a tourist visa providing some kickback into their insurance scheme and now they're cracking down?

 

I don't even get that because they were very strict with me in Chiang Mai. Maybe some offices were issuing bank accounts to bad actors and now the whole user base is contaminated. Just another thing I don't like about this bank.

In theory a DTV visa holder doesn't strictly need a bank account. 250 pounds are equivalent of nearly 50 ATM withdrawal fees. Much better to keep the money in the home country possibly earning higher interest.

 

I had non-O retirement until June and I'm going to enter with a DTV next month, if they ever block or close my account I'll just move my money out of the country. Much better interest rates. I do have a second account with Krungsri, never had any issues or heard from them.

I closed my BB account in Hua Hin. The main reason was that the staff in that branch  was usually often quite rude and not very helpful. 

4 hours ago, topt said:

Very few foreigners, and even Thais, will have a "checking" account unless you are a business.

Most foreigners will have, or should have, multiple savings accounts which for intents and purposes act like a checking account but minus the cheque book. 

 

that term is dated at this point but yeah basically a place to hold money long term and one to draw upon for regular purchases.

4 hours ago, ChaiyaTH said:

They still not explained why they did it neither gave me excuses, I now only keep minimal funds in there and withdraw them right after. This while I was a customer since over a decade, they did tell me it had zero to do with the visa neither is there any issue to renew my card.

 

 

This is exactly the problem. I've read dozens of these accounts to not trust that bank anymore. Everyone should be divesting from them if you ask me.

1 hour ago, gearbox said:

I had non-O retirement until June and I'm going to enter with a DTV next month, if they ever block or close my account I'll just move my money out of the country. Much better interest rates. I do have a second account with Krungsri, never had any issues or heard from them.

 

this is my thinking too. If I change my visa I can lose the account and then not be able to open another one. Immigration made it pretty clear you need the Non-O to get the bank account so you need to open one while you have the chance.

1 hour ago, SingAPorn said:

I closed my BB account in Hua Hin. The main reason was that the staff in that branch  was usually often quite rude and not very helpful. 

 

They were always nice to me but they really gave me a damn hard time with my signature on so many occasions I actually opted to change it back to print.

 

I found out that after living in Thailand for years and only signing my name one time each year for immigration I couldn't even keep a consistent signature and made it difficult to withdraw money. It really pissed me off because I was there in the flesh with my passport present. There's no better identification you can have and it's totally superior to any signature you could give. 

5 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

Since you have 6 maybe this is a new policy of there's and other banks don't care. Again B.B. seems like the only troubled bank with bad policies.

 

With BBL,  two savings and a fixed at current district branch, another savings linked to a BBL mutual fund holding account from a prior residence, and yet another linked to a BBL-adjacent brokerage account.  I'd like to close the last two savings accounts listed, but am unable to change the accounts linked to the mutuals and brokerage without presenting my meatbag in person in Bangkok.

 

Also have a Krung Thai account to deposit tax refunds, as refund letters from Korat as of January still only allow for that one option for foreigners.

 

Now have three Kbank accounts in the district with the new residence.

15 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

This is exactly the problem. I've read dozens of these accounts to not trust that bank anymore. Everyone should be divesting from them if you ask me.

Yeah well it is sad as I actually used to trust my Thai accounts more than the ones in Europe. It also makes it just difficult to do want and have an emergency fund for medical or accidents etc.

For anybody considering opening an account with Kasikorn , what docos do they require ? Would a non -O + p/p + certificate of residence be enough ?

2 hours ago, persimmon said:

For anybody considering opening an account with Kasikorn , what docos do they require ? Would a non -O + p/p + certificate of residence be enough ?

I opened a Kasikorn account in CM a few weeks ago. I used the items you stated. Along with a Dtac bill showing my name associated with the sim card. And a US bank statement showing my US phone number.
 

4 hours ago, cgros said:

I opened a Kasikorn account in CM a few weeks ago. I used the items you stated. Along with a Dtac bill showing my name associated with the sim card. And a US bank statement showing my US phone number.
 

Can you  tell me, was this a new non-O without an extension yet?   I will need to enter with a non-O Retirement from my home country (US) and open an account to deposit the 800K in order to get the extension.    Are there any problems opening an account if  you don't already have an extension?

4 hours ago, ChickenWing said:

Can you  tell me, was this a new non-O without an extension yet?   I will need to enter with a non-O Retirement from my home country (US) and open an account to deposit the 800K in order to get the extension.    Are there any problems opening an account if  you don't already have an extension?

 

If the Kasikorn website is to be believed, a non-IMM visa should be sufficient:

 

https://www.kasikornbank.com/en/personal/account/pages/savings.aspx

 

23 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

In your opinion would it be wise to open another bank account and close my Bangkok bank account?

Never a good idea for foreigners to close an operating bank account, open an additional account and keep both.

12 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

This is exactly the problem. I've read dozens of these accounts to not trust that bank anymore. Everyone should be divesting from them if you ask me.

No one who has a legitimately opened BBL account with no problems should be divesting from them, if you ask me.  30 years with BBL and no issues.