13 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?

No, I opened the Kasikorn account as a backup to my 10 year old BBK account.

I find it bizarre that the bank absolutely does not care at how much money you are intending to deposit, and only cares about some irrelevant sticker or stamp or in your passport. 

 

In America I bank with Citigroup and they have a tiered system depending on how much you have on deposit. If you have enough, you have your own private banker, special card, they would probably pick you in a helicopter if you had enough on deposit with them. J.p. morgan does this as well, as does Bank of America. 

 

Yet you can walk into Bangkok with 20 million dollars and they will tell you to <deleted> off because you have a DTV instead of NON-O. 

 

I’m used to things not making sense in Thailand but this is just totally stupid. 

On 10/14/2025 at 4:09 PM, ChaiyaTH said:

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.

Me too - works well. Never had a problem with that system (touch wood). SCB and Kasikorn. Wouldn't even go near a Bangkok Bank now. I do wonder though, whether trying to open a new account is a good idea in this present environment. Our various accounts will be tracked by our passport numbers (like Thais are with their ID cards), so it's best to stay under the radar I think - opening extra accounts just draws attention and that could end badly.

I just had my BK bank account frozen a few days ago. It is a secondary account that I use to pay bills with <25k THB in it. Opened a few years ago with a Non O visa based on retirement. I haven't had a chance to go to the bank to find out what is going on yet but having one's bank account frozen definitely makes me want to close this account once I am able to get to the bank. 

2 hours ago, Everyman said:

I find it bizarre that the bank absolutely does not care at how much money you are intending to deposit, and only cares about some irrelevant sticker or stamp or in your passport. 

 

 

It's the first time I've seen a business really fighting their customers who want to use their services. To give  them the benefit of the doubt they're dealing with lots of illegal activity but they should internally be able to figure out who's legit instead of hassling their customers.

 

The new 4 month rule is extra concerning. Yeah I understand people are using agents and cheating the system but the bank apparently made this rule themselves and immigration didn't even ask for it, so why are they playing immigrations role? Very strange and I don't trust them anymore because of it.

1 minute ago, NorthernRyland said:

To give  them the benefit of the doubt they're dealing with lots of illegal activity

 

That is only because they have corrupt staff

 

1 minute ago, CallumWK said:

That is only because they have corrupt staff

 

 

exactly they should know agents are putting temporary money in accounts and flag THOSE people instead of making this systemic banking panic we have know. It's unbelievably stupid they let it get this far and now are scaring off genuine customers.

1 minute ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

exactly they should know agents are putting temporary money in accounts and flag THOSE people instead of making this systemic banking panic we have know. It's unbelievably stupid they let it get this far and now are scaring off genuine customers.

 

Agents are now using Krungsri for the same thing, so guess that will be the next bank to avoid

13 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

It's the first time I've seen a business really fighting their customers who want to use their services. To give  them the benefit of the doubt they're dealing with lots of illegal activity but they should internally be able to figure out who's legit instead of hassling their customers.

 

The new 4 month rule is extra concerning. Yeah I understand people are using agents and cheating the system but the bank apparently made this rule themselves and immigration didn't even ask for it, so why are they playing immigrations role? Very strange and I don't trust them anymore because of it.

i'm beginning to wonder if Bangkok Bank knows something's coming - something foreign expats here don't know yet. Why else would they be harrassing their thousands of foreign customers in this way? I recall that this bank in particular has always been very closely associated with the more conservative elements of Thai society - many of whom aren't very fond of Westerners - and whose wealthy families hail from China in past generations. And guess who is running the country - again? Though of course this started before the current government was 'formalized'.

3 hours ago, SiamAndy said:

I just had my BK bank account frozen a few days ago. It is a secondary account that I use to pay bills with <25k THB in it. Opened a few years ago with a Non O visa based on retirement. I haven't had a chance to go to the bank to find out what is going on yet but having one's bank account frozen definitely makes me want to close this account once I am able to get to the bank. 

Try depositing a few hundred, you be surprised to find out you can then use the new added balances.. I recently renewed cards so just keep it under the radar as long that is useful but I not keep much funds on it longer than to transfer out or withdraw.

14 hours ago, SiamAndy said:

I just had my BK bank account frozen a few days ago.

Is your branch based in Pattaya or elsewhere? 

15 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

i'm beginning to wonder if Bangkok Bank knows something's coming - something foreign expats here don't know yet. Why else would they be harrassing their thousands of foreign customers in this way? I recall that this bank in particular has always been very closely associated with the more conservative elements of Thai society - many of whom aren't very fond of Westerners - and whose wealthy families hail from China in past generations. And guess who is running the country - again? Though of course this started before the current government was 'formalized'.

Don't you thin that is taking conspiracy a bit too far.......

- A number of posters on here have reported having no issues

- SCB is linked to the monarchy but no issues there........

 

Unfortunately for those with Bangkok Bank accounts they have been caught up with a heavy handed attempt to stop, or appear to stop, ongoing irregularities. 

9 minutes ago, topt said:

Don't you thin that is taking conspiracy a bit too far.......

I hope you're right.

I would never close a bank account here. Take your money out by all means if you doubt them, but keep the account open. I have accounts with four different banks here, but only use two. I keep them all in case one or more bring in rules that I can't comply with, whatever they might be. I sat in K bank for two hours a few days back just to comply with a latest rule of theirs, despite the fact that I stopped using the bank years ago. You never know.

Personally I wouldn't choose Kasikorn as an alternative to BBK bank. They are overwhelmed with Kids etc accounts and their counters always seem overly busy.  I would prefer to move my stuff from BBK to Bank of Ayudha (spelling) ( Krungsri) !

On 10/14/2025 at 9:36 AM, NorthernRyland said:

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?

I have had a Bangkok Bank account for many years and I have never had a problem with them.  I am convinced that the people who complain are the cause of any problems encountered.

4 minutes ago, CM Dad said:

I have had a Bangkok Bank account for many years and I have never had a problem with them.  I am convinced that the people who complain are the cause of any problems encountered.

 

That’s an interesting view. One data point is that the accounts (always?) seem to be in Pattaya. 

 

I’ve been waiting for the hammer to fall on my account that I opened in Bangkok nearly 20 years ago, but so far I’ve had no issues, despite great fear of it since I rely so much on the account. 

Don't close it - bank accounts are always good to have here, and seem to be becoming harder to get for many.

 

Leave a few quid in there to keep it open, as a fallback.

 

Never a problem with my account, in 20 Years.

 

Their app is convenient, and works well.

On 10/14/2025 at 4:36 AM, NorthernRyland said:

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?

If you fulfill the bank's requirements, you should have no problems. I've used Bangkok Bank for 20+ year without any problems. I also have accounts in SCB. The two banks work littele different with handling the requirements, but they are in general the same. It probably is for all banks; i.e., things like proof of valid ID, registered Thai address and white washing questions. If something are not in order, the account will be frozen until you bring it in order.

Flame post removed 

 

@Toby1947

 

9. You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages. You will respect other members and post in a civil manner. Personal attacks, insults or hate speech posted on the forum or sent by private message are not allowed.

 

 

Throwing away the account would be cutting your nose to spite your face.

I arrived in Thailand about 14 years ago on an O-A Non-Immigrant visa.  I now have the 10-year LTR visa.  I understand some rules may have changed but I have never had any issues with Bangkok Bank and their services.  I do have a second account with Kasikorn Bank.  They also were very easy to open an account with and I have not had any issues with them either.  I once opened an account at a 3rd bank assuming they provided the same services.  Too late I found they did not offer internet banking which is all that I use.  Closed that one immediately.

There was something in the news a week ago or so that basically said the government realized the rules were causing problems for many - they didn't specify foreigners. So hopefully this closing/freezing of accounts may slow. Really the central bank must revise or clarify its instructions to the retail banks on what, exactly, should be a new revised (legitimate) reason to freeze/close an account. When the economy is as bad as it is now, the last thing the country needs is increased reluctance by investors or even just those considering LTRs.

Only somewhat related, but I was in a Bangkok Bank branch yesterday and I witnessed a couple TRY to close their account, and they weren't allowed to. Yeah I understand there may be good reasons for that depending on the details, but I found it kind of funny. Here they are freezing and closing so many accounts and yet this couple wasn't allowed to do an account suicide. 

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Only somewhat related, but I was in a Bangkok Bank branch yesterday and I witnessed a couple TRY to close their account, and they weren't allowed to. Yeah I understand there may be good reasons for that depending on the details, but I found it kind of funny. Here they are freezing and closing so many accounts and yet this couple wasn't allowed to do an account suicide. 

 

It's illegal in the EU and some US states to make it difficult to cancel a subscription service so not allowing you to close an account bank is probably illegal also. This just shows the bad nature of this bank (or maybe it's all of them I don't know).

 

Reminds of the $2000+ cost to relinquish your US citizenship.

2 hours ago, dlclark97 said:

I arrived in Thailand about 14 years ago on an O-A Non-Immigrant visa.  I now have the 10-year LTR visa.  I understand some rules may have changed but I have never had any issues with Bangkok Bank and their services.  I do have a second account with Kasikorn Bank.  They also were very easy to open an account with and I have not had any issues with them either.  I once opened an account at a 3rd bank assuming they provided the same services.  Too late I found they did not offer internet banking which is all that I use.  Closed that one immediately.

 

I don't know why only some seem to be having problems but there's clearly a hazard with this particular bank.

5 hours ago, Everyman said:

That’s an interesting view. One data point is that the accounts (always?) seem to be in Pattaya. 

 

 

The people who opened them DTV's were always on thin ice IMO but the banks allowed them to do so and they may have been totally ignorant. Reversing a policy like that is bad business and makes them not trust worthy in general.

I use them for immigration the 800,000 and I never had a problem with them whatsoever I don’t know what you’re talking about some four month rule I’ve never heard of it TIT

1 hour ago, TheFishman1 said:

I use them for immigration the 800,000 and I never had a problem with them whatsoever I don’t know what you’re talking about some four month rule I’ve never heard of it TIT

 

They said if you let the amount drop below 4 months they will issue the letter for the extension but freeze the account for 4 months. I was expecting the 2 month which immigration requires so I took some money out and now my account will be frozen apparently when I come to do my extension.  This is a policy they decided unilaterally without intervention from immigration.

On 10/15/2025 at 6:40 PM, ronnie50 said:

Me too - works well. Never had a problem with that system (touch wood). SCB and Kasikorn. Wouldn't even go near a Bangkok Bank now. I do wonder though, whether trying to open a new account is a good idea in this present environment. Our various accounts will be tracked by our passport numbers (like Thais are with their ID cards), so it's best to stay under the radar I think - opening extra accounts just draws attention and that could end badly.

Yeah I just stick to my existing accounts but I guess it really depends on ones situation. A retiree or married person with yearly visa or a business visa would not have any issues.