Stupid Bangkok Bank Policies

[brucegoniners]

So we're moving soon and need to close our accounts at Bangkok Bank.

 

If it isn't bad enough that to do anything substantial we always have to do it at our home branch, now I've heard everything.

 

It seems there is no way to transfer your account from one branch to another. YOU HAVE TO PHYSICALLY CLOSE AND REOPEN IT!

 

Have these rocket scientists ever figured out that just MAYBE you may take your money to another bank instead?

 

This is as stupid as it gets. 

 

And Ned very inconvenient for the customer.

[Crossy]

Indeed, you cannot move home branches, but I think all banks are the same.

 

That said, I've been able to do everything I need to at our local branch, including new passbooks and be1st card without moving anything.

 

We are still in greater Bangkok mind, "home" branch is in Wireless Road, not been near it in 10+ years.

 

 

[KhunBENQ]

It's obviously impossible to "move" with keeping the account (number).

It's still strictly regional, first three numbers of account number specify the branch.

And I also think others are the same (Kasikorn and SCB at least).

[smokie36]

I suffered a knifepoint robbery last night and had to go into the bank today to sort out a new card.

 

Took all of 10 minutes at my Bangkok Bank branch....efficient and almost painless. (100 Baht)

[gdgbb]

22 minutes ago, smokie36 said:

I suffered a knifepoint robbery last night and had to go into the bank today to sort out a new card.

 

Took all of 10 minutes at my Bangkok Bank branch....efficient and almost painless. (100 Baht)

...and you can do that at any branch.  Nothing much wrong with Bangkok Bank!

[robblok]

3 hours ago, smokie36 said:

I suffered a knifepoint robbery last night and had to go into the bank today to sort out a new card.

 

Took all of 10 minutes at my Bangkok Bank branch....efficient and almost painless. (100 Baht)

That is scary... good to know your safe. 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I've run into the same issue in the past with BKK Bank. Wanted to move my home branch to a different branch (in that case, because the service as the original branch was piss-poor). Answer, no can do. I had to close my account at the first branch, and then go myself to the other BKK Bank Branch and start from scratch there with new card and everything.

 

BTW, there are some things, if memory serves, where ONLY your home branch can do certain banking tasks relating to your account here in Thailand. So there can be some reason to have the home branch continue to be one that is convenient to your home or work location.

 

[muzmurray]

What we've found is the usual incompetence of Thailand property agents.

 

I guess in this country if you don't have a work permit you aren't a human being.

 

F&*k this stupid country!!!

 

One of the many idiotic parts of Thai society and doing business here are the limitations on foreigners borrowing money.

 

But since I don't have a stupid work permit they won't give me a loan.

 

All the above are from your posts, why are you still here?

 

[blackcab]

Personally I would leave the first account open with a little more than 2,000 baht in it and then also open a second account at your new branch.

 

You will be able to see both accounts on Internet banking, and it's quite convenient to move funds.

 

Absolutely don't close the first account before the second account is opened.

[impulse]

What am I missing?

 

Open a second account with the minimum cash, go to the ATM and transfer your first account balance to yourself.  

 

Like blackcab, I'd even leave a few thousand in the original account- just in case there's a problem in the future.  

[KhonKaenKowboy]

12 hours ago, blackcab said:

Personally I would leave the first account open with a little more than 2,000 baht in it and then also open a second account at your new branch.

 

You will be able to see both accounts on Internet banking, and it's quite convenient to move funds.

 

Absolutely don't close the first account before the second account is opened.

But, then you wouldn't be able to do things the hardway, and it would be a blown opportunity to get up at daybreak and give yourself self-meaning.  I think BKKBANK actually gives you a few inter province transfers every month, so you won't even be able to complain about the costs.  Boy, do I miss Bank of America.....NOT!

[Crossy]

13 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

BTW, there are some things, if memory serves, where ONLY your home branch can do certain banking tasks relating to your account here in Thailand. So there can be some reason to have the home branch continue to be one that is convenient to your home or work location.

 

There probably are, but I've not run across any yet. I've even set up outgoing international transfers using internet banking and email to send the supporting documents.

[KhonKaenKowboy]

13 hours ago, muzmurray said:

What we've found is the usual incompetence of Thailand property agents.

 

I guess in this country if you don't have a work permit you aren't a human being.

 

F&*k this stupid country!!!

 

One of the many idiotic parts of Thai society and doing business here are the limitations on foreigners borrowing money.

 

But since I don't have a stupid work permit they won't give me a loan.

 

All the above are from your posts, why are you still here?

 

Employment is often a requirement for obtaining an unsecured loan.....I that nk not being able to get a mortgage with even a large down payment on a condo is more worthy of a complaint.  Just means you can get a better deal when the easy Thai Dr dit dries up.

[KhonKaenKowboy]

Tax forms and internet banking signup are done at home branch.

[Langsuan Man]

Common problem in Thailand with all banks, not just Bangkok Bank

 

Opened an SCB account at the Pattaya 2nd Road branch because the farang I bought my condo from had an account there so the payment / transfer was easy

 

Wanted to change to Tukom branch since it was just across the street, NO CAN, have to close the 2nd road account and start all over, just wasn't worth the hassle

[Crossy]

2 hours ago, KhonKaenKowboy said:

Tax forms and internet banking signup are done at home branch.

 

Can't comment on the tax forms (my employer deals with tax issues) but I signed up for online banking at an ATM.

 

[KhonKaenKowboy]

But you had to get the ATM at the home branch.  I finally am getting one for free by another bank...hopefully they will spell my name correctly on the second try.  But, I think iT is good that the card and the pin have to be picked up in person.

Edited February 9, 2017 by KhonKaenKowboy

[gmac]

19 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

I've run into the same issue in the past with BKK Bank. Wanted to move my home branch to a different branch (in that case, because the service as the original branch was piss-poor). Answer, no can do. I had to close my account at the first branch, and then go myself to the other BKK Bank Branch and start from scratch there with new card and everything.

 

BTW, there are some things, if memory serves, where ONLY your home branch can do certain banking tasks relating to your account here in Thailand. So there can be some reason to have the home branch continue to be one that is convenient to your home or work location.

 

Yes, I've ended up with two home branches as the simple act of renewing a fixed term deposit involves the closure of the old account and a new one opened with new account number and book with the new one domiciled in the office where the transaction has taken place.

[simon43]

BTW, there are some things, if memory serves, where ONLY your home branch can do certain banking tasks relating to your account here in Thailand.

 

- Sign-up for internet banking (I tried it at an ATM, message was go to your bank, no can do online, bank said must go to home branch)

- Cancel a direct debit. I wanted to cancel a BUPA direct debit because I've changed insurers. Bank says no can do, must go to your home branch

 

etc etc