1 hour ago, JTPR1 said:

Every year I always request 12 credit advices and statements for 12 months and the letter, because that’s what Chaeng Watthana requires. The change this year only has to do with the letter, which they say they won’t do without a balance of 400K, which they will also freeze. Unbelievable. Has nothing to do with immigration. I

Only BBL “new policy.”

If the transfers are done via Wise, Revolut or SWIFT to Bkk Bank, they are automatically coded as FTT. The WISE transfer statement, page two, also says through which bank the money was transferred.

1 hour ago, Liquorice said:

All IO's request what BBL refer to as a letter of status of account.
That is the letter that confirms your name, account number, and the balance.

Yes but only for the Monthly account, as you will not need a Deposit account, unless, like me, you can use the Combination Method.

44 minutes ago, wil iam not said:

Yes it is.

If your monthly transfers are not marked as FTT at Bkk Bank or whatever your bank uses to denote the money came from outside Thailand, the IO will not accept it.

If you are using the deposit method, 400k for marriage and 800k for Retirement, then the FTT doesn't apply.

The topic isn't about Immigrations requirements, it's about Bangkok Banks policy of freezing accounts if you don't meet their criteria.

1 hour ago, Liquorice said:

The topic isn't about Immigrations requirements, it's about Bangkok Banks policy of freezing accounts if you don't meet their criteria.

Their requirements are nonsense.

What you are missing is the OP is using income method.

What funds is there to "freeze"

Income method requires no minimum balance.

BBL is Lunatic bank

32 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Their requirements are nonsense.

What you are missing is the OP is using income method.

What funds is there to "freeze"

Income method requires no minimum balance.

BBL is Lunatic bank

Agreed, but even using the income method at least some branches of BBL are interpreting the policy as any funds in the account on the day of requesting the letter.

4 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Try another branch of Bangkok Bank. Then another, and another. This is very common in Pattaya and basically no Bangkok Bank branch down there will do bank statements for people using monthly income anymore. But I've read reports from multiple people that went to different branches outside of Pattaya and got what they needed without issue. So that's what I would suggest for you, continue trying different branches until you find one that isn't being obstinate.

Another example of just how fickle this policy varies at BBL branches.

13 hours ago, earlinclaifornia said:

I

Annual O retirement using 66 k montly. CM

My Bangkok Bank branch last week processed my 12 deposit bank statement request for 200b

No freezing

I was offered the, Bht 100 per letter,but wil wait for the annual deposit ltr

no freezing

15 hours ago, KhunLA said:

So with this little tidbit, and I'm with BBL, which bank do most people like that do the monthly income deposit.

Though going back to marriage or even retirement lump sums, temporarily isn't a problem. Till I ditch BBL, if they try to enforce that.

Just don't like being told I have to leave money in there, if not an IMM requirement. Also means I'll need to file FBAR, and one more thing I'd prefer not to do.

FBAR takes less than ten minutes to file.

16 hours ago, JTPR1 said:

For years I have transferred the equivalent of 66K THB per month for extensions based on original nonImm OA retirement visa.

Got a shock last week when I went, as usual, to Bangkok Bank to ask for the 12 months of statements (which take 5-7 days) and ask to make sure they could print, as usual, the 12 credit advices and the bank letter in one or two days just before my TI appointment at CW. For the first time ever the bank staff told me that according to "a new rule" they could only issue the bank statement if I had 400K in my bank account, and if I didn't, I could deposit 400K and it would be ok but then they'd need to freeze the account for 4 months. Is this true or have then got things confused with the requirements for extensions based on marriage visas?

Should have asked for a bank manager, whoever you talked to was a bit confused, should have explained that you are not using money in the account for your extension. Also you can get the credit advices automatically emailed to you. Just ask the bank to set that up for you.

15 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Nothing surprises me regards BBL.

Since this new prank of freezing the funds for 4 months if the funds have not been maintained in the account.

In the main it was the folk using money in bank method and just seasoning the 400k for two months prior to application were caught out.

The guys on retirement extension using money in bank method many leave the 800k all year round and were unaffected by this BBL nonsense.

I'm also using income method and wondered what BBL would do to their customers regards those using income method.

Why? Because for that method funds do not need to be kept in the account.

I have not seen a report of this action been done on accounts using income method.

I must have typed over 100 times that if you use BBL bank then Run Forest Run. Have nothing to do with them.

Been using them for 24 years and have never had an issue

5 minutes ago, flexomike said:

Been using them for 24 years and have never had an issue

Clearly you are not from the group of people on extensions based on marriage using 400k in bank method and subsequently ambushed by BBL with this "freezing of funds".

Outrageous.

The fact that it didn't affect you is irrelevant.

I don't even use BBL but still can call it out as ridiculous behavior.

It's so off the wall it's a monthy python sketch.

3 minutes ago, flexomike said:

Been using them for 24 years and have never had an issue

Using since income letters weren't accepted, and no issues.

FBAR, just an annoyance, and one less thing to do is good. People always complain about filling taxes (1040), and that doesn't take long either and I always thought it was quite easy, didn't take me long. Numbers seem to come naturally to me.

Of course if you don't prepare, and just sit down Apr 15th with a folder full of receipts, then it's probably stressful. Having businesses & rental properties, just a monthly ledger kept things easy. With computers now, probably a snap to do.

Though nice being poor and not needing to file at all, THANK YOU DJT.

I've been using the 65k monthly method for 10 years. Last time I requested a banking report at Bangkok Bank Hua Hin, an unsuspecting bank employee tried to convince me I needed 800k in a fixed account! Of course, I don't. The immigration officers were amused! It's definitely still the same nationwide: either 65k monthly income OR 400k/800k in a fixed deposit account.

On 5/31/2026 at 5:02 PM, Liquorice said:

You'd have to ask them. I spoke to the HQ concerning this matter and their is no logic or reasoning with them ........ it's policy.
They didn't seem in the least concerned that they could loose hundreds of foreigner customers accounts to other banks. (Mai pen rai).

I am with BBL because they are my local convenient bank, but I keep funds in a FTD account so haven't had any problems.

Seems to be the logic, It is do what you have set in your head is right, dismiss anyone telling you realistic, obvious, factual advice and then investigate later once customers have left and their need to raise capital to prevent collapse. Place blame on anything or anyone you think will help you save face.

On 5/31/2026 at 9:13 PM, DrJack54 said:

Their requirements are nonsense.

What you are missing is the OP is using income method.

What funds is there to "freeze"

Income method requires no minimum balance.

BBL is Lunatic bank

They are also cracking down on Thai customers.

When we moved to a new house this year, honey-bunny and I went to BBL to open local accounts for ATM use, were both told may only have ONE BBL bank account per individual customer. I could close my half dozen other BBL accounts first if wanting one at this location.

Walked across the street to K-bank and opened 4 accounts each (2 savings, 1 fixed, 1 investment).

When BBL management eventually realize what they've done, their response will likely be to raise fees to make up for the loss of depositors.

Amazing.

On 5/31/2026 at 4:53 PM, earlinclaifornia said:

I

Annual O retirement using 66 k montly. CM

My Bangkok Bank branch last week processed my 12 deposit bank statement request for 200b

No freezing

also in CM I concur. Marriage Extension but continue to use the monthly 65K+ monthly income method. No issues renewing this year.

Clearly a misunderstanding. Although the first letter is a little blurred there is clearly an or between the two sections. As it reads one can choose the monthly income method or 800, 000 in the bank. The leave money in the bank section refers to the second method. This immigration letter seems to be from some time ago . The second excerpt is clearly an internal note from the bank clarifying the present situation referring to the 800, 000 method A quick phone call to head office should sort it out. There are some good brains in Bangkok which is more than be said for some provincial offices. Notice the for some types of visas caveat

2 hours ago, 241195_1469957797 said:

It's definitely still the same nationwide: either 65k monthly income OR 400k/800k in a fixed deposit account.

"in a fixed deposit account"?

Just has to be in your own personal account (i.e. not shared account), not fixed deposit account.

6 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

"in a fixed deposit account"?

Just has to be in your own personal account (i.e. not shared account), not fixed deposit account.

Just to be clear..... Using funds in Bank method the funds can be kept in a Saving OR FD account in your name only.

The requirement is funds must be instantly available with only loss of interest for any withdrawals.

FWIW: When I previously used money in Bank (retirement) I had 400k+ in an FD account and 400k+ in a savings account (same Bank)

Quick question: Could it be this 400K "requirement" is for people doing a 65,000 x 12 proof of income, for the first time, who did not have the required 400K minimum in the bank last year?

9 minutes ago, JustinTyme said:

Quick question: Could it be this 400K "requirement" is for people doing a 65,000 x 12 proof of income, for the first time, who did not have the required 400K minimum in the bank last year?

No.

To do income method for the first time you would need to show 12 monthly transfers of 65k+

Additionally you would run money in bank method at same time.

So there would be 400k + in the account along with the monthly transfers.

IMO it's down to BBL bank staff not understanding this made up requirement.

14 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No.

To do income method for the first time you would need to show 12 monthly transfers of 65k+

Additionally you would run money in bank method at same time.

So there would be 400k + in the account along with the monthly transfers.

IMO it's down to BBL bank staff not understanding this made up requirement.

Did you miss the last part, "who did not have the required 400K minimum in the bank last year?" That being said, I do understand that Bangkok Bank (and others) make up rules as they go along, often because they do not really understand the process. The mistake foreigners make is they take bank teller's word as gospel, bend over, and don't take the good advice offered by many here ... "Make the effort, and use a different branch, even if that means an agent in Bangkok going to the main branch!"

Edited June 2Jun 2 by JustinTyme
Explain better

8 minutes ago, JustinTyme said:

Did you miss the last part, "who did not have the required 400K minimum in the bank last year?"

No

8 minutes ago, JustinTyme said:

I do understand that Bangkok Bank (and others) make up rules as they go along, often because they do not really understand the process.

What other banks have make up rules.

The Big Freeze of funds is a BBL specific rogue act

21 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No

What other banks have make up rules.

The Big Freeze of funds is a BBL specific rogue act

I guess you need to "vote with your feet" and cross the street to a different bank. I did that with Krungsri when they tried to tell me what THEY were going to do with MY money. While on the call I asked the agent if they could see my balance (Yes) ... I said, now watch this ... and transferred the entire balance to a different bank. I then said, do you see the zero balance? (Yes) ... I said, "one last thing, please ask me what business I am in." (They asked) Answer: "The SOLUTIONS business and filing this as "problem resolved." Click.

Your problem is dealing with Bangkok Bank because they always seem to think they can make what ever rules they want with Immigration and they are a bunch off Lazy Idiots. We gave up with them a long time ago.

8 hours ago, 241195_1469957797 said:

I've been using the 65k monthly method for 10 years. Last time I requested a banking report at Bangkok Bank Hua Hin, an unsuspecting bank employee tried to convince me I needed 800k in a fixed account! Of course, I don't. The immigration officers were amused! It's definitely still the same nationwide: either 65k monthly income OR 400k/800k in a fixed deposit account.

May I ask which Bangkok Bank branch you use in Hua Hin and how did you convince the bank employee that you not need 800k in an account when using monthly transfers? Did you need to show them immigrations own rules?

Thanks

Felt

40 minutes ago, Felt 35 said:

May I ask which Bangkok Bank branch you use in Hua Hin and how did you convince the bank employee that you not need 800k in an account when using monthly transfers?

I think you will find the io that the OP dealt with was poorly informed- instructed incorrectly from bank he works for.

On 5/31/2026 at 3:35 PM, rattlesnake said:

A new rule edicted by Bangkok Bank or Thai immigration? Probably the former, they are not an expat-friendly bank.

I use BB in Surin Province, I have found then to be very friendly and helpful. I didn't have any problems getting a bank statement a few months ago (I use the monthly income method), nobody mentioned 400k. Maybe this is a Pattaya problem. I find in general that Isan is more welcoming of foreigners, perhaps because there are few problems caused by falangs compared to major tourist centers.

1 minute ago, soalbundy said:

I use BB in Surin Province, I have found then to be very friendly and helpful. I didn't have any problems getting a bank statement a few months ago (I use the monthly income method), nobody mentioned 400k. Maybe this is a Pattaya problem. I find in general that Isan is more welcoming of foreigners, perhaps because there are few problems caused by falangs compared to major tourist centers.

As has been mentioned before, it depends on the branch. I am with BB too and Blueport Hua Hin branch is very friendly and easy, I didn't even have to file a police report to replace my lost bank book, it was done in 5 minutes for 100 baht. Statements, credits advices, always done easily with a smile.

3 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

(I use the monthly income method), nobody mentioned 400k.

As posted couple of times... The freeze of funds will not apply to income method. (which you use)

Freeze of funds for example marriage extension using money in bank has not been only confined to Jomtiem

On 5/31/2026 at 4:26 PM, Liquorice said:

Many foreign customers of BBL have opened new accounts at other banks for this reason.

But almost certainly no longer at Kasikorn in view of the ridiculous rule they introduced some months back requiring foreigners applying for accounts with them to provide tangible proof of a current right to reside at a specific address back in their home country - which, in practice, is a complete non-starter for most. Another bank that's definitely gone rogue IMHO.