On 1/7/2026 at 1:44 PM, richard_smith237 said:

Thats good information - there may have been additional restrictions placed on Banks.

The 'key' point is - would they close or suspend the account if your visa status has changed to a visa exempt ?... I can't say for sure - but I don't think so.

If the Op has significant he has many options without having to visit a branch.

- Request a new card through his mobile App.

- Use Mobile Transactions for Payments (PromptPay QR code).

- Use Cardless withdrawals at his branch ATM to get cash.

In the Ops shoes - I'd simply visit the Branch, ask for a new card - see what happens.

Some people in this thread - they're not going to close his account due to an altered visa status that they may or may not check.

I posted in another thread about my experience in trying to move money from my BBL Fixed Deposit account to my BBL Savings account which I was only finally able to do by providing...

1. My Passport including my Non-IMM O "Retirement" extension valid till 26th September.

2. A copy of my UK Driving license (I don't have any other Photo ID in Thailand).

3. A copy of my lease, Owners ID & Chanote (NB 1st time I tried the lease was in my landlady's name but the Chanote was in her husband's name so I had to arrange for a new contract with him).

The alternative was they would close the account (Been opened for 3.5 years).

I don't think we can rely on any previous experiences of doing things in the Branch (Especially BBL) being the same nowadays.

Edit: To add, the 1st 2 branches I visited told me my account was Frozen and I had to go to my "Home" Branch (Where I opened the account) to have it unlocked so in my case, they froze my FD account without me even trying to do anything with it.

On 1/7/2026 at 10:12 PM, richard_smith237 said:

In which case I now understand the Ops concern.

IF the bank were to 'freeze' his account - he could still access his money with proof of ID, its not as if he'd lose is money. Then when he has his retirement visa he could 'un-freeze' his account - although that would be an irritation.

Either way - the money is still accessible - but if its being used to 'season' money for a retirement visa - then thats another facet.

Per my reply above, I was told that if I couldn't give them the extra information they needed they would close the account so I wouldn't risk going in to try to take money out unless I was OK with the account being closed.

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Where do you plan to obtain the Non O.

In OP you mention entering Thailand with a Non O in May.

U.K.

35 minutes ago, mlkik said:

U.K.

Good. So you will be entering Thailand with a Non O eVisa.

I would sort the banking out later.

With a Non O you can open a bank account.

Probably a good idea given the rubbish BBL is putting out.

On 1/5/2026 at 2:02 PM, richard_smith237 said:

No worries - its just a new Bank Card...

Bit of a glib statement.

My bank card, although not BB, expired a few months back. I didn't really bother a lot as a replacement normally came through the post. However I forgot and was reminded when the card was declined.

I trotted off to the bank to get a new one only to be told they no longer issued ATM cards. They said they now had an international visa card and I could have one of them if I wanted.

That was like opening another account with all the forms, passport checks etc, took over an hour. Not just a new bank card.