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How can I restore access to my Bangkok Bank account without a long-term visa?

Bangkok BankAccount AccessVisa RequirementsMobile BankingExpat Banking IssuesLong-term VisaAccount Suspension
Aug 1, 2025
22 days ago
Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone,

I have a Bangkok Bank account. I opened it myself at a branch, not through an agent, but I currently don't have a long-term visa. This account has always been functional, and I've been able to log in to the mobile app. However, a few days ago, after I changed my phone, when I tried to log in again, a page appeared asking me to contact the branch. I've heard that Bangkok Bank is currently cleaning up some accounts, but my account has been used for some time and was fully compliant when it was opened. If I visit a branch, is it possible to restore my account access? I've searched through old posts from two months ago, when the situation first began, and I've found conflicting opinions. I'd like to know if anyone has had any personal experience with a similar situation. I'm currently traveling elsewhere in Southeast Asia, and I'm considering whether it's worth adjusting my plans to visit Thailand sooner. Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user reported difficulties accessing their Bangkok Bank account after changing their phone and lacking a long-term visa. Community members suggested that visiting the bank with proof of the phone number linked to the account and personal identification is necessary. Many shared experiences indicating that a current long-term visa is often required to maintain account accessibility, leading some users to suggest that without it, accounts may be frozen or even closed. Recommendations include obtaining documentation from mobile providers and visiting the bank to rectify any discrepancies.
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Lim ***********
4 of my friend's BBL was suspended back in July. When they opened the account a year ago, they were on tourist visa. With the tightening of rules, bank wanted to verify they have a valid long term visa. They showed their retirement visa and it was unlocked immediately.
21 days ago
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Gerg **********
It may be because you don’t have a long term visa.
22 days ago
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Norbert **********
Only with a non visa (long time visa) you can open it again
22 days ago
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Richard ********
New phone maybe but they were checking up on all of us, I had to go in and do facial recognition again about a month ago. And get a receipt from the mobile carrier in my case AIS, went to AIS gave them 40 baht and they gave me a receipt that match my bank account personal address and that was what they really wanted.
22 days ago
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Michael ********
I had the same from Bangkok bank and had to get confirmation that the phone number was my number, also since I took the phone number contact out many years ago I have a new passport, so it appeared that this needed to be undated as well on the phone contract.
22 days ago
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Thomas *******
i had the same problem, went to my branch and they ask for longterm visa or rentalcontract of a house etc. since i have neither nor, they closed my account!
22 days ago
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Mike *****
@Thomas ******
 I've suspected that besides proof of a matching Thai ph#, since they always request passport for ID and to photocopy multiple times - as soon as they see no current long term visa, the result would be making you close the account. ☹️
22 days ago
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Mike *****
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Greg ***********
some similar cases reported, that the glitch was caused by a small mismatch of the name, which the phone shop employee wrote differently than is displayed in your passport
22 days ago
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Wannikea *********
The bank wants to ensure that the phone number that you have registered is in your full name and matches your passport, the same information that the bank has
22 days ago
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Robin **********
Bought a new phone April 17. went to True same day. Got thr eciept from True. Went to Bkk bank to get the app sorted. Bkk bank confirned everything...sent the message of confirmation, went back to UK. There was not a problem for 2.5months then they sent a message saying acc frozen, have to go to the bank. My wife went on my behaf but was told I personally had to go....still in Uk..I still don't understand why this was done. I opened the acc in 2022 on a work permit nonB
22 days ago
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Jesper *******
The very reason is because u change phone....it happen to me before .....once in thailand go to a bkk bank atm and use your debit card to request for new ID for your new phone the atm will verify you asking to keyin your date of birth and thai phone number.....after which the atm will give u a slip of your new id and will sms u your pin ....with the new id and pin you logged into the bkk bank app on your new phone
22 days ago
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Dana *******
I believe it has to do with the fact that you have a new phone ! Same SIM, correct name, correct phone number, etc. but another phone...
22 days ago
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Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dana ******
 Yes, the only difference is the phone. But someone told me that banks in Thailand will ask users to go back to the branch and re-activate the app if they change their phone?
22 days ago
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Fred *********
@Ken ******
 I changed my phone. Kept the same number. My bangkok bank account still working fine.
21 days ago
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Dana *******
Yes. That's why I kept my old phone and when I want to connect to Bangkok Bank, I put my SIMs back into my old phone and it contininues to work. You might have to go back to your branch and they will sort it out.
22 days ago
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Dana *******
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Max *************
It's not only Bangkok Bank,KBank does the same thing. Is your phone number registered in your name? Thats what this is about. You might have to visit your sim-card provider and get a receipt showing your phone number and your name. Then go to your bank branch.Bring bank book and passport and update the info.It must be done in person.
22 days ago
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Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max ************
 Yes, my phone number is registered in my own name. If it were this easy to resolve, I would return to Thailand earlier. I was worried that it might be considered a suspicious account.🤣
22 days ago
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Stan **********
@Ken ******
 if it is true you can down load and rint off the certificate from the app, no need to visit a shop
22 days ago
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Max *************
@Ken ******
 Well,the only way to solve it, is how I explained. If you were here, you'd fix it in no time.
22 days ago
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Max *************
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John **********
You will need to be in Thailand but if you visit your phone provider with your passport and get a receipt saying your phone and passport match up, then go to your bank you should be fine
22 days ago
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Ken *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 So what I'm experiencing might just be the bank's practice of requiring a phone number verification?😅 It would be great if it were that easy to fix. I was worried that my account was blocked because it was considered suspicious.🤣
22 days ago
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Paul ********
@Ken ******
 You SHOULD be fine. Just visit the branch as requested by the bank. Provide the verification they request.

But of course, everyone on this thread, including me, is merely speculating. It's up to your bank.
22 days ago
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John **********
@Ken ******
 you'll be fine if you can verify everything
22 days ago
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John **********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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