45 minutes ago, pub2022 said:

 

That means you have never changed your passport in 20 years?

Because new passport means new book.

I went to the bank few days ago to let them know I have a new passport and they gave me a new book.

With a mountain of paper to sign.

... BKKBK here as well, new passport processed last year both with bank and immi, 2 successful extensions afterwards and no new bank book issued ever ...

 

555, it's like a lottery with this gaggle of  clowns,  4 shua mate ...

 

 

... the retirement fund lockup only mentioned in the comments I believe but plenty similar problems, mostly with BKKBK apparently.

Strange - I was also at CW last Thursday (18-12) to extend my marriage visa and got the usual letter from BKK Bank there with no mention of the a/c been locked. I had previously read about this and when the girl at the bank asked me to sign a form for the letter I got my wife to translate the declaration I was signing, no mention of any a/c locking. My wife even asked the bank cashier who told her they never do that, As I said - very strange. Maybe because the a/c I used was a FC a/c.?

54 minutes ago, RupertIII said:

Strange - I was also at CW last Thursday (18-12) to extend my marriage visa and got the usual letter from BKK Bank there with no mention of the a/c been locked. I had previously read about this and when the girl at the bank asked me to sign a form for the letter I got my wife to translate the declaration I was signing, no mention of any a/c locking. My wife even asked the bank cashier who told her they never do that, As I said - very strange. Maybe because the a/c I used was a FC a/c.?

Because they don't lock your funds just because you request a letter.  They lock your funds if your account has not had sufficient balance for the previous 4 months.

46 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Because they don't lock your funds just because you request a letter.  They lock your funds if your account has not had sufficient balance for the previous 4 months.

Immigration require 2 months with 400k, before the day of application.

4 months after application doesn't fit any immigration requirements.

2 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Immigration require 2 months with 400k, before the day of application.

4 months after application doesn't fit any immigration requirements.

It's NOT an immigration policy.  It's a Bangkok Bank policy.  Why are you talking about immigration?

On 12/18/2025 at 2:36 PM, cliveshep said:

Went into CW this morning to apply for my Visa extension based on marriage and in support of that, although money has been in my Bangkok Bank account just under 3 months and by the time I need to go back for the stamp will be well over 3 months there is no issue with immigration. However, it appears that by asking confirmation letter as usual from Bangkok Bank and paying not the usual fee as in previous years, (earlier this year in March  the fee was only 100 baht but today it was 200 baht)  they blithely informed me that my account would be locked until April to maintain the 400,000 baht balance. Indeed my on line app now shows only an available balance over the 400,000. 

 

They gave me some garbage story that this was in case I had borrowed the money and as soon as I got their letter I would pay it back although my account has been at or close to the 400,000 for over 10 years. It goes beyond saying I am very very angry at the injustice of this but the bank just smugly ignored my complaint, I either agreed or no letter and thanks for the 200 baht fee! So I was effectively held to ransom over my visa extension by the bank.  Had I known this ahead of time I would not have got the letter just provided proof via bank books and photocopies showing the balance.  Like others, during the year I often need to use that money as my safety net, always bringing the balance back to 'season' the money in time for the Immigration appointment. 

 

I want to close the account as I have a Kasikorn account as well, indeed I now use Kasikorn to receive my pension money because where Bangkok bank take their time, hours or days, Kasikorn transfers take seconds only from the UK via Wise. So I intend to see if Kasikorn have the same rules and if not I will close my Bangkok Bank account - always assuming they actually allow me to do that with their 4 month account lock of my 400,000. 

 

The poor sod at the next window was told they are locking his money for 6 months - where the hell do these people get off? 

 

So a heads up people  - once your money is in the bank it seems it may no longer be yours, at least for a time. 

 

Meanwhile, do I have to get a bank letter or is it sufficient to show my bank book balance with photo-copies to satisfy CW Immigration? 

None of this makes sense.

You deposit 400k you leave it in there, you get the paperwork confirming the funds have been there, you can at all times move money, but violate the period, and you get the visa.

27 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

It's NOT an immigration policy.  It's a Bangkok Bank policy.  Why are you talking about immigration?

You are posting the correct information. 

Some people for some reason not understanding what BBL are doing. 

 

For others: note this is not an immigration "thing". Immigration requires a bank letter for extension. 

Its down to a BBL stunt. 

Has not been requested by immigration. 

Guys on retirement extensions and many maintain the 800k all year round are not impacted. 

Some on extensions marriage MO is to season the 400k for two months prior to application. 

They are the group that have been impacted. 

4 hours ago, pub2022 said:

 

That means you have never changed your passport in 20 years?

Because new passport means new book.

I went to the bank few days ago to let them know I have a new passport and they gave me a new book.

With a mountain of paper to sign.

I reference bankbook not passport. The one I opened near 20 I'm close to finishing page two. I use this book for my extension since they discontinue income affidavits at US Embassy, it is a joint account with my Thai wife name on it. At Jomtien this is allowed as long minimum of 1.6 million.

The other I use a lot with a ATM debit card and online notification phone when money is withdrawn or deposited. Prior I updated this book when I did ask for a new one gave them my old one, passport had me sign a few forms plus new book 20 minute tops. I was never presented a mountain of paperwork maybe you just a bit impatient.

5 hours ago, aluc said:

I have changed my passport several times, always updated my information at the bank, and have never been issued a new bankbook.

And I have changed my passport twice (so now on passport number 3 on the account) and both times was issued a new bankbook. This is for BKK Bank. I'd assume this is/should be a standard operating procedure?

 

 

 

 

3 minutes ago, rwilem said:

And I have changed my passport twice (so now on passport number 3 on the account) and both times was issued a new bankbook. This is for BKK Bank. I'd assume this is/should be a standard operating procedure.

 

 

 

 

I changed my passport 18 months ago & no new Bank Books (Kept the same Bangkok Bank Blue Saving & Orange Fixed Deposit books). 

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Guys on retirement extensions and many maintain the 800k all year round are not impacted. 

Yep. With the turmoil surround BKK Bank swirling around from, what six months ago? More than six? I went into the bank to mention with these issues what, if any, would be the effect on my bank letter request down the road. The customer rep got on the computer looked up my account details, etc., and told me 'no problem'. And it wasn't, come 'letter time' it was biz as usual. I do just maintain the required amount, the MO is running smooth in my case.

47 minutes ago, SamSpade said:

I changed my passport 18 months ago & no new Bank Books (Kept the same Bangkok Bank Blue Saving & Orange Fixed Deposit books.)

There's no rhyme or reason, ha!

 

I just took a closer look at my current bank book. I assumed my passport number would be there, but no, it isn't. OK, whatever. Anyway, when I have gone to the bank to update new passport details on two previous occasions, each time I was given a spanking brand new bank book. Go figure.

3 hours ago, rwilem said:

And I have changed my passport twice (so now on passport number 3 on the account) and both times was issued a new bankbook. This is for BKK Bank. I'd assume this is/should be a standard operating procedure?

 

Bangkok Bank hasn't always given me a new passbook when I've registered a new passport with them. I don't know their criteria for issuing a new one. Kasikorn Bank has never given me a new passbook when I've registered a new passport with them.

 

If there's a standard operating procedure, I have no idea what it is.

29 minutes ago, Caldera said:

If there's a standard operating procedure, I have no idea what it is.

It's not really important. 

I'm also with Kasikorn and when renew pp at some point attend bank for transaction and they update pp # details. 

No new, bank Book. 

 

On 12/18/2025 at 2:36 PM, cliveshep said:

Went into CW this morning to apply for my Visa extension based on marriage and in support of that, although money has been in my Bangkok Bank account just under 3 months and by the time I need to go back for the stamp will be well over 3 months there is no issue with immigration. However, it appears that by asking confirmation letter as usual from Bangkok Bank and paying not the usual fee as in previous years, (earlier this year in March  the fee was only 100 baht but today it was 200 baht)  they blithely informed me that my account would be locked until April to maintain the 400,000 baht balance. Indeed my on line app now shows only an available balance over the 400,000. 

 

They gave me some garbage story that this was in case I had borrowed the money and as soon as I got their letter I would pay it back although my account has been at or close to the 400,000 for over 10 years. It goes beyond saying I am very very angry at the injustice of this but the bank just smugly ignored my complaint, I either agreed or no letter and thanks for the 200 baht fee! So I was effectively held to ransom over my visa extension by the bank.  Had I known this ahead of time I would not have got the letter just provided proof via bank books and photocopies showing the balance.  Like others, during the year I often need to use that money as my safety net, always bringing the balance back to 'season' the money in time for the Immigration appointment. 

 

I want to close the account as I have a Kasikorn account as well, indeed I now use Kasikorn to receive my pension money because where Bangkok bank take their time, hours or days, Kasikorn transfers take seconds only from the UK via Wise. So I intend to see if Kasikorn have the same rules and if not I will close my Bangkok Bank account - always assuming they actually allow me to do that with their 4 month account lock of my 400,000. 

 

The poor sod at the next window was told they are locking his money for 6 months - where the hell do these people get off? 

 

So a heads up people  - once your money is in the bank it seems it may no longer be yours, at least for a time. 

 

Meanwhile, do I have to get a bank letter or is it sufficient to show my bank book balance with photo-copies to satisfy CW Immigration? 

I've got news for you. As soon as you deposit money in a bank, it's no longer your money. You have lent the money to the bank, and you are an unsecured creditor. If the bank fails, you have to get in line behind the secured creditors. And i wouldn't depend too much on the ฿1 million government guarantee. It's just like the FDIC sticker on U.S. banks' windows. As of the third quarter of 2025, the FDIC had $150.1 billion in its reserve fund, known as the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF). The fund's reserve ratio (fund balance as a percentage of insured deposits) was 1.40%, which is above the statutory minimum of 1.35%. (source- Google Search AI Overview) 

1 hour ago, farangkinok said:

I've got news for you. As soon as you deposit money in a bank, it's no longer your money. You have lent the money to the bank, and you are an unsecured creditor. If the bank fails, you have to get in line behind the secured creditors. And i wouldn't depend too much on the ฿1 million government guarantee. It's just like the FDIC sticker on U.S. banks' windows. As of the third quarter of 2025, the FDIC had $150.1 billion in its reserve fund, known as the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF). The fund's reserve ratio (fund balance as a percentage of insured deposits) was 1.40%, which is above the statutory minimum of 1.35%. (source- Google Search AI Overview) 

This is irrelevant. This discussion is about Thai banks, not US banks.

Seems like BBL are out on a possibly illegal limb with this stunt but that doesn't help those of us caught in their net of locked accounts.

 

I got a question those using the Government Complex Immigration Offices at Chaeng Wattana and familiar with the facilities there. 

 

Apart from the odious and perhaps criminal Bangkok Bank, what other banks are downstairs at CW?

 

My wife does not want me to close the BBL account because having BBL downstairs at CW makes it so easy to get the statements, update passbook, and get that required letter and frankly that convenience is important to us. I know Kasikorn sadly do not have a branch there. But I have lost all faith in BBL and I want to close that account but only if there is a safe alternative bank downstairs at CW.

 

Google advise the other reasonable option - Siam Commercial Bank - have already pulled out from CW so can anyone advise on any other safe bank located there that I might open an account with to transfer my 400,000 into where I can use the money as before up to 2 months before extension day?

 

I like Kasikorn and want to retain that account for day to day banking but keep the bigger money somewhere convenient for Immigration extension day yet retain the access for emergencies, something BBL now denies me.

 

So what other banks are downstairs in CW please?

44 minutes ago, cliveshep said:

I like Kasikorn and want to retain that account for day to day banking but keep the bigger money somewhere convenient for Immigration extension day yet retain the access for emergencies, something BBL now denies me.

Most banks have branch at CW. 

SCB and now Kasikorn have now closed. 

Most recent extension at CW was first time I couldn't use K bank at CW. 

You can obtain bank letter and bank statement up to 7 days prior to application. 

I dropped into local K bank (not mall) with a street front at 8.30am.

Then onto CW for extension. 

 

The upside is no waiting at bank on application day in CW where the banks can be busy. 

1 hour ago, cliveshep said:

My wife does not want me to close the BBL account because having BBL downstairs at CW makes it so easy to get the statements, update passbook, and get that required letter and frankly that convenience is important to us.

You like Kasikorn, but they're not out at the gov't complex building. You are extremely bothered about Bangkok Bank, but want to stick with them just for the 'convenience' of a branch at immigration?

 

If I may suggest, you can get your 'bank letter' a few days prior to the day you intend to extend.  And then just update the bank book on extension day at a bank branch located near where you live or on the way to immigration. Stick the bank book in the update terminal, hear the grinding, book updated and out, and get back on your way to immigration.

 

Also, just FYI, I have never made any deposit/withdrawl on extension day. Just a bank book update, account balance matching the amount on the 'bank letter'. I get the letter at an in-town branch a few days before extension day. Convenient enough. This is for CW. 

14 minutes ago, rwilem said:

Also, just FYI, I have never made any deposit/withdrawl on extension day. Just a bank book update, account balance matching the amount on the 'bank letter'. I get the letter at an in-town branch a few days before extension day. Convenient enough. This is for CW. 

I pretty much do exactly same thing at CW, however I always make 100b deposit on day of application. 

Just making the point that the balance does not need to match exactly the Bank Letter or Statement. 

42 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I pretty much do exactly same thing at CW, however I always make 100b deposit on day of application. 

Just making the point that the balance does not need to match exactly the Bank Letter or Statement. 

As I always maintain, you have an MO that's workin', stick with it!

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

I pretty much do exactly same thing at CW, however I always make 100b deposit on day of application. 

Just making the point that the balance does not need to match exactly the Bank Letter or Statement. 

I always thought you had to take out or pay in a small amount to show the account was 'live' but had to do it on the day. But you and others say I can get the letter a few days before the appointment?  Still, I think I would like a different bank to BBL if I knew what banks there are there.

10 minutes ago, cliveshep said:

I always thought you had to take out or pay in a small amount to show the account was 'live' but had to do it on the day. But you and others say I can get the letter a few days before the appointment? 

100% you can obtain bank letter and bank statement up to 7 days prior for extension CW. 

UPdate on day of application also required

2 hours ago, cliveshep said:

Still, I think I would like a different bank to BBL if I knew what banks there are there.

Just want to make clear what I had suggested above, as you said you like Kasikorn and dislike Bangkok bank. 

 

If you like Kasikorn enough to move your funds for immigration  purposes there, that's what you would do. Get your bank letter in advance of the day you would attend immigration for the extension. I get mine one or two days prior, but like Dr. Jack says CW will accept them issued up to seven days prior. 

 

Then on 'extension day' just get the bank book updated at a branch near where you live, or one on the way to immigration. If you decide to go with Kasikorn, that's how you would play it.

Anyone have any experience of getting the Bank letter a day or so in advance of the application at Korat Immigration?  

 

Also, I have always banked with Bangkok Bank and had no issues, but this new policy of freezing funds would be inconvenient for me so I have opened a KBank account and will use that going forward.  But I decided to message Bangkok Bank to get the PR explanation for this new policy and this what they replied:

 

"Why This Policy Exists.

The requirement to freeze funds is based on immigration regulations and our internal compliance standards. This ensures that the balance stated in the certificate remains unchanged until the process is completed, preventing any discrepancies that could affect your visa application."

 

What a load..............

1 hour ago, Gashead said:

What a load.........

Thanks, for for posting reply from bank. 

Reminds me of the British sit com "Yes Prime Minister "

BBL has taken rogue actions. Can't imagine how this is legal however as the saying goes... Vote with your feet. 

Plenty of other options. 

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Thanks, for for posting reply from bank. 

Reminds me of the British sit com "Yes Prime Minister "

BBL has taken rogue actions. Can't imagine how this is legal however as the saying goes... Vote with your feet. 

Plenty of other options. 

I also cannot see how it is legal although par for the course given the corruption levels we keep hearing about. But one thing it clearly is - it is blackmail. 'Either sign the form agreeing to the freeze or no letter!"  So they are holding a person's immigration extension to ransom. As another poster says - if you got an emergency you cannot access your own money. Moreover - suppose I want to close the account and move that money to another bank - I assume they will point blank refuse.

24 minutes ago, cliveshep said:

I also cannot see how it is legal although par for the course given the corruption levels we keep hearing about. But one thing it clearly is - it is blackmail. 'Either sign the form agreeing to the freeze or no letter!"  So they are holding a person's immigration extension to ransom. As another poster says - if you got an emergency you cannot access your own money. Moreover - suppose I want to close the account and move that money to another bank - I assume they will point blank refuse.

I plan to gradually move my money from BBL to KBank and just keep a small balance in place, just in case.......

5 hours ago, Gashead said:

could affect your visa application

 

And those BBL dimwits (along with a fair few on here, it has to be said) can't even get the terminology right!!