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Answereda year ago

Have accounts at Bangkok Bank been frozen for users not having the banking app?

Bangkok Bank Visa Issues Bank Account Freezing Banking Apps Expats in Thailand KYC Regulations

Roger ********

OP

asked Oct 12, 2025

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Trying to get a feel for the Bangkok Bank issue. Has anyone, not having the banking app on their phone, had their account frozen?

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around the issue of whether Bangkok Bank accounts are being frozen for users who do not have the banking app on their phone. Several comments indicate that while some users have experienced their accounts being unlocked or report having no issues, others express concerns over the potential link between account freezing and banking app usage. Overall, personal experiences shared suggest that account freezing may not be widespread among those without the app.

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Symon *********

Symon *********

I have a BB account. Had it 8 years. My app still works as I've transferred money into it. I am not in Thailand at the moment so assume my account isn't frozen. Litmus test will be when I arrive and use my card in an ATM.

1

Walter *************

Walter *************

I opened an account 3 years ago on a tourist visa via a lawyer firm and are still using it.i dont have the app.

1

Roger ********

Roger ********

OP

There's no apparent consistency. I cannot work out what criteria they are using to freeze accounts.

0

Steve ********

Steve ********

Suspicious activity. I have the banking app on three different accounts, one with Bangkok Bank. I have had zero issues.

1

Roger ********

Roger ********

OP

This Facebook Group has over 100,000 members and from the replies 3 have had their accounts frozen without using the banking app. If the requirement that banks check their customers is correct, the number ought to be rather higher. Not sure that I've learned very much, other than KYC isn't a fast food establishment ;-)

0

Tim ******

Tim ******

I got only an app push notification that said to go to brunch within 30 days otherwise the account will be frozen.

No app, no push notification, no information say go to the branch.

1

Roger ********

Roger ********

OP

I'm old, I have no idea what an "app push notification" is . I suppose it must mean that you have the banking app on your phone?

0

Roger ********

Roger ********

OP

apps l vaguely understand. It was the "push notification" that l didn't.

0

Tim ******

Tim ******

I have the banking app on my phone.

If you accidentally swipe the notification away from the display (and thus delete it), you can search for it under "Notifications" in the open banking app.

Anyone who has the app installed and whose account has been frozen should search for the message there.

1

Tim ******

Tim ******

An app is an application on the phone (a piece of software). Facebook, WhatsApp or banking software are apps.

0

Bent *************

Bent *************

I haven’t and I have had my account for 22 years and am satisfied!

But then I never made anything suspicious or tried to whitewash money!

4

Robin *******

Robin *******

@Bent ************

I think you hit the nail on the head, you straight with them they straight with you, I have never had any problems in Thailand with my marriage visa or my bank,

2

Roger ********

Roger ********

OP

Three comments in 5 hours, suggests that the banking app underlies the BB problem. I personally have had no problems with BB. I hope that remains the case.

3

Todd ********

Todd ********

proper LONGTERM visa, property if possible and thai sim registered in your name. Then there’s no issue pop into the branch and verify everything.

1

Roger ********

Roger ********

OP

Contrary as I am, and despite having all those, I feel inclined to wait and see. I'm only using the account to store my lump sum for visa extension purposes, so a freeze won't cause me any issues. I'm rather fascinated to see what happens.

0

Paul *********

Paul *********

I disagree . Not that I have insider knowledge.. You'll see countless posts across FB groups saying if you did not use an agent or did not open a/c on a visa exempt or tourist visa your a/c will not be locked . That's vehemently disputed by companies that have daily dealings with BKK bank .

My advice would be to visit your branch & update your KYC information which has nothing to do with the app .

I failed to follow my own advise & my a/c is locked

0

Roger ********

Roger ********

OP

KYC information?

0

Steve ********

Steve ********

I'm the same. Ten years with Bangkok Bank. Not a single hiccup. Very happy with the service

1

Roger ********

Roger ********

OP

Been with Bangkok Bank since 2016. Never had a problem, as yet. I'll let sleeping dogs lie for a while. See what happens.

1

Steve ********

Steve ********

1

Paul *********

Paul *********

555 .Yes it sounds like a fried chicken franchise.

Thailand banks are the same as my home country bank accounts & investments . They have KYC protocol & I know full well it is my responsibility to keep that information up to date

1

Roger ********

Roger ********

OP

Fascinating. I didn't know KYC (sounds like a fried chicken establishment). I popped into my bank a couple of weeks ago. They said nothing.

1

Paul *********

Paul *********

I think you're joking if you've made a thread about banking & not know what KYC is .

But I'll play along to humour you .

The BOT (Bank of Thailand) have instructed all banks to rigouressly update & implement their Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to mitigate fraudulent & illegal activities.

KYC is implemented by all banks worldwide . Your KYC information will be passport number , address , phone number , reason for opening account (ie visa status ).

Those that have had their accounts locked are required to go in branch to verify all of the above KYC information is up to date & meets their current criteria

0

Garrett ***********

Garrett ***********

I don't think my account is frozen, just lost the app because of my phone number and don't care enough to fix it yet.

2

Cas **************

Cas **************

Yes my husband and I now both unlocked

1

Roger ********

Roger ********

OP

@Cas *************

Interesting. And neither of you had the banking app?

0

Cas **************

Cas **************

no we didnt

1

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