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Can I still open a bank account in Thailand on a DTV visa, or do I need an Elite visa?
Bank Account IssuesDTV VisaThai ImmigrationVisa TypesFinancial Regulations in ThailandInternational Banking Laws
Sep 27, 2025
7 months ago
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI havent been to thailand since mid july, my account was frozen in june. I visited a branch and gave them all the paperwork and a sweet lady agreed to open it again. As there has been so many problems with these accounts after I left, do they usually close them 2 times in a row? I am on the DTV visa, I am not married, no kids and no rental contract. but i desperately need a bank account so I can transfer money here for tax purposes. If they wont allow me I guess the elite visa is my only option for opening up an account? Thats gonna be one expensive bank account!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is experiencing difficulties with their bank account in Thailand after it was frozen and is seeking advice about opening a new account. They are on a DTV visa and do not have a rental contract or family ties in Thailand. Several comments highlight the complications DTV visa holders face in being eligible for bank accounts due to international banking regulations and the potential need for a longer-term visa, such as an elite visa, to successfully open an account.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Per-Arne ***********
Any of the LTR visa maybe
Martin *****
Go to kasikornbank
Mark ********
Open another bank account
John **********
You don't pay tax in Thailand until March next year assuming any is owed. Unless of course you own a business in Thailand.
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
this is my first year paying taxes to thailand, how do you pay it, do they send you an invoice or can you do everything online?Colin **********
@Robert *********
I did mine online, but your first need to get a tax ID from the revenue departmentJohn **********
@Robert *********
go to your local revenue department officeReply to
John **********
Reply
Carol ****************
Why do you need to transfer money here for “tax purposes” considering you don’t live or work here? This may be one of the reasons as to why Thailand is blocking all accounts that are laundering money. To answer your question, yes, you need to get a long-term visa (non-imm or elite) if owning a bank account in a country that you only visit twice a year is very important to you.
Dave ***********
My account got frozen 3 times
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave **********
did you show them the same documents 3 times and they reopened it every time?Dave ***********
@Robert *********
yes but the last time it took a month to open up and it took me telling them to close it then they opened it upReply to
Dave ***********
Reply
Ian **********
Why do you need to transfer money here for tax purposes?
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *********
cheaper to pay taxes here than my home country, that simpleBob **********
@Robert *********
so your pay will be coming here ?tough without an accountReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Roberto *********
@Ian *********
That's an interesting point.Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
William ***********
A DTV doesn’t qualify you for bank account eligibility. It’s the DTV holders that have gotten them in trouble with the international banking system. Excessive money laundering from scam call centers and certain countries with international financial restrictions flowing in. The Thai banking system is under pressure from international regulators. KYC, know your customer, is international banking law.
Graham ******
If you already have an account and it is frozen (what does the app tell you?) it's just a case of providing what is needed to unfreeze it.
Steve ********
@Graham *****
Foreigners on tourism visas are having their accounts closed and funds returned in cash. Banks will no longer allow tourists to have bank accounts, as these were found to be used predominantly in money-launderingGraham ******
@Steve *******
not closed if you can produce the required documents but frozen up to that pointSteve ********
@Graham *****
Required documents include passport showing non-immigrant visa. Already many reports of funds being returned to customers who are in tourist visasReply to
Steve ********
Reply
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
as I understand it there are different rules depending on who you talk to. I visited one lady day one, she would not accept any of my documents as I am on the DTV visa and dont have a rental contract. I came back the next day and another lady opened it without even looking or asking for a rental contract. As I am considered to be on a tourist visa I dont think I qualify for a bank account, thats why I am asking. I can still log in to my app and see the amount, but I could also do that when my account was frozenAlan *****
@Robert *********
could you transfer money into that account whilst it was blocked. I have a BB account & can view my account, but it could be blocked. I have put money into my account thoughReply to
Alan *****
Reply
Robert **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am under 50 so retirement visa not an option
Reply to
Robert **********
Reply
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