Update - My other concern is that my krungsri account hasn't been able to receive international funds recently, I've been having to send my money to my partners account. Was planning to go and open a new bank account with K bank before I switch the visa.
Regarding the bank issues.. does anyone have any knowledge that if your bank account was opened with a student ed visa and you then switch to DTV, is the account still to be closed? I've had my Thai account for around 7 years but since opening it I've personally never reported when I've made a new visa. I plan to switch to DTV in a couple months but really need my Thai account 😶 long shot I know, but it there's any Intel it would be appreciated
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about the fate of their Krungsri bank account which was opened under a student education visa when they switch to a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV). They have had the account for 7 years but have never reported changes in visa status. The community discusses the uncertainty around banking policies in Thailand, particularly concerning accounts linked to different types of visas, and shares personal experiences of maintaining bank accounts under various visa conditions. There is no definitive answer, but many users suggest that existing accounts may remain valid if they were opened with a proper visa, while others recommend opening new accounts as a precaution.
I just made an international transfer to a Krungsri account this morning and it went through in seconds. My last transfer to a Bangkok Bank account about 2 weeks ago took 24 hours, normally it goes through in seconds.
Andrew ********
3 Banks told me essentially history and use of the account trumps social media hysteria by expats imagined or dangers for whatever reasons they feel the need to express opinions without knowing anything for sure
Anonymous ******************
Yes I’ve got the same issue , can’t accept wise transfers. The bank said there is nothing wrong with my account and wise are looking into it for me.
Bec *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 162 oh! Same thing! Can I ask what bank you're with??
Anonymous participant 162 I just called wise and they're going to look into it - happy to report back with what they say
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Bec *********
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Bec *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks guys! My other concern is that my krungsri account hasn't been able to receive international funds recently, I've been having to send my money to my partners account. Was planning to go and open a new bank account with K bank before I switch the visa.
it says the bank details are incorrect (which isn't true) I called both wise and krungsri. Wise said the same thing, wrong details, krungsri said the details are normal. So I have no idea what's happening. I'll have to try calling again. Its very weird.
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Bec *********
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Anonymous ******************
I opened a bank account in 2022 in pattaya through an agent on visa exemption - I have not had any emails, messages, or problems with my account (only posting anon just bc it’s bank info) - American passport holder - my account still works fine with no issues
Paul *******
You should be fine. Can't say that you won't be contacted but chances are, you'll be OK. As long as you aren't contacted, then assume all is good.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 770 Opened mine on exemption about 10 years ago,EU Citizen, no issues so far and Bank has no clue what visa on currently nor what been on for most of last 10 years
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 770 American passport does have a privilege in Thailand.
Vincent ********
Anonymous participant 215 oh come on ! Don’t be cocky. He is just explaining the situation
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Vincent ********
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Luit *****************
You never know what will happen, banks can change rules and checks when they want.
When you don't want to take risks loosing your account, you should not change to a tourist type visa, but I don't understand why people really NEED a Thai bank account.
Of course it's not imperative but for me it's a lot easier, if cash is lost it's gone but when it's in my account it's never lost until it's spent.. I pay everything on scan / bank transfer. Just helps me keep a track of my money and spendings and then I have a digital recording/ receipt of everything.
no worries.i was genuinely asking bc my knee jerk reaction is to want to open account there as well. But then Ive seen a lot of people saying its not necessary so Im like if I can get by with using my US account then I wont bother but if it makes paying for things easier with a thai account then Id want that option if its available
if you can get one I'd definitely recommend it - it makes life a lot easier especially if you travel and still need to pay bills ECT .. I'd honestly be lost without mine! 😂 I use it several times a day
close all your accounts in every country, sell your house and car because do you really NEED them…
Christina ********
bc that response was necessary...😒
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Christina ********
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Luit *****************
For a few things it might be convenient to have a Thai bank account, but I don't think it is necessary
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Luit *****************
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Bob **********
You should be fine
Ja***
I have a Bangkok Bank account opened in 2022 with a tourist visa, Kasikorn and SCB opened over a year ago with a Thai language ED visa. So far no problems with any of these 3 bank accounts. Nobody knows what will happen in the future but for now I think you are ok as long as you opened your accounts with an eligible visa at the time of opening the account and you are not from Russia or Myanmar. Most of the people with frozen Bangkok Bank accounts opened them with a tourist visa or DTV more recently since the policy was changed to disallow it. It seems they are targeting these recently opened accounts along with Russian and Myanmar account holders more broadly.
If you have a non immigrant visa now and are thinking of getting a DTV in the future then I recommend opening multiple bank accounts now to give yourself more options in the future.
Anonymous ******************
Just throw 1m bath on a random condo in Pattaya then forget about bank problems
Greg ********
In reality nobody can say 100%. Asking low level staff at a bank branch means very little. They only know what they have been told up to now. The bank manager at a branch will be quite similar. If HQ of the bank issues a new policy then they will follow it. Currently it is all up in the air and there are no definitive answers anyone can give
Anonymous ******************
I would think that, after 7 years, you're not first in the very long list so you may have a chance to keep it. Banks may contact you later to check on which visa you're. Nobody really knows what would be acceptable at that time.
Oleksandra **********
This is a matter of luck, honestly. No one could tell you how it is going to work out because even the people on ED visas are currently unsure about the future of their bank accounts. Unless the ED visa was issued for studying at a university, that is.
Jordan *****
There is no official information on this, some bank branches say it’s ok, others tell you to withdraw your money.
I had a long term visa years ago, but kept my account and transferred a lot of money to it over time as it was convenient (and the terms and conditions did not mention that I needed to update visa status with them)
I am in another country now, banking still works fine (got a new debit card and reinstalked the app with them recently), but i withdrew everything today just in case.
I find this freezing of accounts (without notice and option of
withdrawal abroad) arbitrary, even though the accounts were legally opened (not on a dtv, or tourist visa) and I hope someone with connections and money takes them to court for this bs.
Japan is currently doing something similar, but the banks are doing it based on a new government law depriving former residents of their bank accounts with a notice, thus allowing time to still get your affairs in order.
Anonymous ******************
If it’s opened with proper non-tourist visa originally. There is no issue.