I have had a BBL account since ~2005. I've been using it since then with no issues, but my local branch in Si Sa Ket won't update the bank book, or install a mobile App, or update my account. They say that my passport number is out of date (which is correct) and that I need to go back to the branch where I opened the account, which is the Siam Square Branch in Bangkok.

Any thoughts on how to get this update done without a trip to Bangkok?

11 hours ago, Equatorial said:

but my local branch in Si Sa Ket won't update the bank book, or install a mobile App, or update my account.

Will they allow you to open a new account?

(My guess would be, "No".)

Can you update the bankbook in a local BBL branch at a "PASSBOOK UPDATE"- capable terminal? (accumulated transactions might be combined)

Personally, I'd make the trip, update passport/temporary stay status, update telephone number and physical address and get the mobile app installed.

I'd be tempted to call the bank 1333 before hopping on the bus.

A few months ago when in a branch of Bangkok Bank, they noticed my passport details had changed this required new passbook, they did this all for me was about 200 baht, and about 7 or 8 photocopys of everything, and this was not the branch i opened my account with, so i would say the branch you were in are lazy or simply useless, phone head office

about two years ago, i renewed my BBL savings bank book in a different province. i explained that it was because i had changed my place of residence (but my passport number was still the same) . btw, updating a bank book should be possible in any province ...

i would suggest that you try another BBL branch in sisaket and hope they are more helpful .... good luck!

54 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Will they allow you to open a new account?

(My guess would be, "No".)

Can you update the bankbook in a local BBL branch at a "PASSBOOK UPDATE"- capable terminal? (accumulated transactions might be combined)

Personally, I'd make the trip, update passport/temporary stay status, update telephone number and physical address and get the mobile app installed.

I renewed my passport, shortly after my atm card expired.

Went to my branch to request new ATM card and update passport deets.

The branch had closed.

Was a real mess for the HR manager here at my work to sort out with BKK bank head office to no avail.

Opened a new account at another branch.

Bangkok Bank has your passport number printed with invisible ink on the last page in the bank book together with invisible signature. When the bank clerk is checking passport as ID, the number shall match the Bank book's ID. That is why it is important to update passport number in one's bank, especially Bankkok Bank. Hopwever, if your stay is based on extension and your visa and entry stamp has been moved to your new passport, you old passport number will be shown together with the visa-rubber stamp in the new passport, which might work for a bank ID.

1 minute ago, khunPer said:

Bangkok Bank has your passport number printed with invisible ink on the last page in the bank book together with invisible signature. When the bank clerk is checking passport as ID, the number shall match the Bank book's ID. That is why it is important to update passport number in one's bank, especially Bankkok Bank. Hopwever, if your stay is based on extension and your visa and entry stamp has been moved to your new passport, you old passport number will be shown together with the visa-rubber stamp in the new passport, which might work for a bank ID.

You are correct, the new passport will show the transfer details on the first page that refers to the old passport, not sure about Bangkok Bank as I hear loads of problems from them, but this works fine for SCB. Given all the current problems with BB, I'd open a new account with a better bank.

Bangkok bank can do anything in any branch except replace a lost bank book. Although their staff are generally lazy and often claim they can't do anything that is too much effort. A bank book and id is required for all transactions.

Call head office while sitting in front of the refuser and then hand them the phone after telling the helpline what they refuse to do ..... That's often effective.

On 1/6/2026 at 8:01 PM, Equatorial said:

They say that my passport number is out of date (which is correct) and that I need to go back to the branch where I opened the account.

Standard BBL practice it would appear, I'm afraid. I was informed by a particular branch that I needed to get my new passport details updated at my "home" branch before they could issue me with a new passbook. But, thankfully, this necessitated a rather shorter trip than one from Sisakhet to Bangkok in my case!

Another chore you'll need to attend to, if you haven't already done so, is to inform your SIM card provider of your new passport number - further info in the following thread:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1359645-does-your-sim-registration-and-bank-details-match/

13 minutes ago, OJAS said:

Standard BBL practice it would appear, I'm afraid. I was informed by a particular branch that I needed to get my new passport details updated at my "home" branch before they could issue me with a new passbook.

Me too, but I sat there until they did the impossible.

Sent the papers off to head office, and issued me with a new passbook.

On 1/6/2026 at 8:01 PM, Equatorial said:

I have had a BBL account since ~2005. I've been using it since then with no issues, but my local branch in Si Sa Ket won't update the bank book, or install a mobile App, or update my account. They say that my passport number is out of date (which is correct) and that I need to go back to the branch where I opened the account, which is the Siam Square Branch in Bangkok.

Any thoughts on how to get this update done without a trip to Bangkok?

Did you call the bank call centre and get a specific / correct answer?

Just now, scorecard said:

Did you call the bank call centre and get a specific / correct answer? They don't bite.