Are my Thai bank accounts still active if I return on a different visa?

Nov 10, 2021
3 years ago
Oscar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bank account question: 5 years ago I opened 2 bank accounts in Thailand(I was under a working B VISA).Left Thailand a couple of years and I'm coming back next week.

Are my bank accounts supposed to be "active" & able to use even when I will enter in a different visa status?

Thanks in advance.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The activity status of your Thai bank accounts depends on their management by the bank and deposit frequency. If you've maintained a minimum balance or made transactions periodically, the accounts should remain active. However, if the accounts have been inactive (no deposits or transactions) for an extended period—typically over a year—they may be suspended or closed. It's important to visit the bank for specific inquiries regarding your accounts, especially if they have been inactive due to your absence or COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Steve **********
A yep. Don't think visa status tied to bank account.

Had an account opened 17 years ago in Bkk ( inactive since ) havd a few accounts in CM, so old inactive acct still shows on online banking.

But have to update with passport renewal, as account tied to PP.
Fernando ********
Like its been already said, if you left a minimum of 2000 thb on each account, they are still active.
Adrian ******
Accounts can be closed depending on balance or activity. It’s a unanswerable question
Martin *********
Well I have 3 accounts in Thailand and one of which , I haven’t used for at least 2
***
years , I also haven’t left the country during this time , but as far as I’m aware it’s still active , I suppose I better check it , certainly unaware they get closed / suspended?
Ronald *********
Best to open the account with card, at ATM in your own country now and then.

Sometimes I withdraw the minimum, just to get a balance and show I am still active.
Ronald *********
I also transfer some GBP to my Thai bank in preparation for my return.
Wannikea *********
If an account was deemed dormant within the last 18 months I'd fight it out with the bank due to covid travel restrictions.
Henrik ****
Many Thai banks suspend the account when no activity for more than one year. It does not disappear but is a little troublesome to reactivate and usually not possible without showing up at the bank. To keep it active, you just need to transfer 100 THB or something in or out within every year.
Max *********
Can you open non-resident accounts in Thailand
Acharaporn *************
If you have 2,000+++THB your account still working
Phil **********
Have a bankok bank and had to leave, came back after 2 years and still ok, had about 25k in the account, surely if you have funds in a bank they can't close it as the funds are still yours, unless they are informed otherwise.
Michael ********
Yes they closed one of my accounts down in Phuket because i hadnt used it in 2 years and i had that account for 31 years.
Stuart *********
I’m not sure the length of time an account can stay inactive before they close it due to inactivity. I guess you’ll just have to visit the branch and enquire.
Stan *******
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Dror *********
i had a kasikorn bank account and in july 2020 i left thailand because of covid. coming back sept 22. account was closed due to no money being deposited in the account and it didn't have any money in it. based on that, if your account was on 0 or very very low and you didnt deposit there some money from time to time then it is closed. if it had like for example 500-1000+ baht in it, then it shouldn't be closed.
Stan *******
Unless the bank has closed the accounts because of lack of use, they should still be OK. Do you still have the bank books and old ATM cards?
Oscar ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Got both ATM cards
Stan *******
@Oscar *******
But have you got the original bank books? That's what they'll want. If you take the cards in with your passport, they should be able to trace the accounts, but really the books are what they want. And hopefully you have the same passport as when you opened the accounts. If not, take the new and the old passport in if you still have it. Good luck.
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