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How will the new Bangkok Bank rules affect my Marriage Visa renewal with the 400k requirement?
Marriage VisaBangkok BankVisa Renewal400,000 Baht RequirementImmigration RulesBank StatementsForeigners in ThailandFinancial Requirements for VisaNakhon RatchasimaKBank Issues
Aug 20, 2025
8 months ago
Ricky *******
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat's all this dribble on Bangkok Bank and visas? Is this going to affect renewing my Marriage Visa with the 400k in the bank for 3 months? But BKK Bank is only providing the certificate/statement if it's been there for 4? Is this Thailand wide? It's great that there's a crackdown on people abusing the system with dodgy agents, but is this going to affect people doing it correctly with the immigration 3 month rule?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the implications of Bangkok Bank's new rules regarding bank statements and the impact on visa renewals, particularly the Marriage Visa requiring 400,000 Baht to be held for 3 months. Concerns are raised that this may complicate transactions due to the requirement for funds to be in the bank for 4 months for certification. While many users share their experiences and frustrations, it seems the rules apply nationwide, with variations noted in different provinces. Overall, there's trepidation among the expat community about how such policies will affect legitimate visa processes amidst stricter regulations aimed at preventing fraudulent activities.
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Malcolm *****
This is what happens when what one would call “ corruption” is really just a “way of of life” in Thailand
Barry *********
I went to BB this morning for statements so as I could apply for ret visa. Money only been in 2 months. They printed out for me no problem. I am in Nakhon Ratchasima. Visa got, only 1 and half hours in there.
Graham ******
Has anyone actually encountered this for a marriage extension yet or is it just confined to retirement extensions?
Tom ********
Bangkok Bank are becoming a pain in the ass now, time to look at Kasikorn I think.
Bri ****
@Tom *******
I had this with K bank 3 week ago.Tom ********
@Bri ***
Looks like they are all at it then.Reply to
Tom ********
Reply
Gerg **********
@Tom *******
KBank is starting their crap now, too. I’ve been limited to 50,000 baht or less for daily transfer. My Thai wife can transfer 500,000 baht with no problem from the same bank.Maitin *******
@Gerg *********
I believe it's for all foreignersTom ********
@Maitin ******
yes for those on short term visas which was accepted some time ago but not now.Reply to
Tom ********
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Graham ******
The Immigration requirement is 2 months seasoning of your funds. The reason you show 3 months of bank statements is to ensure that you have at least 2 months of trasactions shown. A "2 month statement" today would show August (up to the 20th) and all of July so not 2 full months. All of June and July plus part of August ensures two full months for Immigration purposes hence the 3 months statement.
Ricky *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
yes we know the rules mate. But reports are suggesting Bangkok Bank won't provide those documents unless it's been there for 4 months. Hopefully just a Pattaya problem for now.Maitin *******
@Ricky ******
in Bangkok as well. Was at the bank 5 days ago discussing it with the manager. But none of this is stopping shady agents. They still have a way of lending you the money. No idea which bank that are using now
John **********
@Ricky ******
they will provide the documents but if your money hasn't been in the account for 4 months they want you to agree to it being frozen for 4 months before they do soReply to
John **********
Reply
Andy *******
Has nothing to do with dodgy agents, has all to do with criminal Farangs laundering money. The B.B. rules seem to vary by province with Chonburi being the most stringent.
Pete *******
@Andy ******
nothing to do with dodgy agents or scam mule accounts. Both have been around for years. The crackdown is due to a new law passed earlier this year that makes the banks liable to cover customer losses due to fraudulent activity. What we are seeing is the banks reaction to their now exposed legal liability.Elías ********
@Andy ******
well, dodgy agents and criminal farangs are kindda the same kind, aren't they?Andy *******
@Elías *******
yes, one's a little worse than the otherReply to
Andy *******
Reply
Ricky *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ******
sounds like it has alot to do with dodgy agents. Not the only reason of course. But yeah Chonburi, no suprises.Max *************
@Ricky ******
It has to do with dodgy agents and (very) short term 800k loans. It won't affect getting your bank letter for immigration.Andy *******
@Max ************
wrong again, read the accurate response from @Kool ******
Cris ******
@Andy ******
it was mainly that scheme they do for retirement and marriage. Where the agent deposits said money. Gets visa and takes it out.Andy *******
@Cris *****
actually wasn't. It was scam call-center money laundering thru Bangkok bank in PattayaCris ******
@Andy ******
yes the pattaya situation is one of the main causes but @Max ************
is also right. They released a statement even saying the "dodgy agents" doing the deposit then withdraw money scheme was also one of the leading causes.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Kool *******
@Ricky ******
it actually has to do with a Bangkok Bank branch in Pattaya that was used by the Chinese to set-up mule accounts to transfer, and launder, the money they were getting from the scam centers in Myanmar, and to a lesser extent agents that were also using that branch for fake retirement fund accounts. Three people were arrested at that branch, including the branch manager. Because of this Bangkok Bank is making sure all accounts are legitimate. In total, including other banks, 180,000+ mule accounts were closed. Also, it is not "three months" the bt400,000 has to be in your account before extending. It is only two months, and has been for the last 7 years.Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
Brandon ************
If the money is not in your account for 4 months when you go to get the letter, you must sign a document giving them permission to freeze the funds for an additional 4 months. They will then issue the letter. Yes it's nationwide.
Ricky *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
mine will be a week or two short of 4 months. So certainly a good question.Brandon ************
@Ricky ******
everything I've seen says there's no grace periodReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Wylie *******
@Brandon ***********
what if the money is in your account for 2 months when you request the letter? Will they still freeze it for an additional 4 months, or only 2 additional months for a total of 4 months?Brandon ************
@Wylie ******
4 months from the day your request. It doesn't matter how long it was there already if it's not 4 months.Maitin *******
@Brandon ***********
that's not what the manager told me. She told me a total of 4 months from when you deposited is, but you could get the letter the day you put the money in. If the money was in the account for 3 months they would issue the letter and freeze it for an additional month.Brandon ************
@Maitin ******
that's not what many people have experienced and posted about already. But each branch manager can basically do whatever they want. Which is why the policy makes no sense to begin with. Because many bank branch managers are still accepting agency money to give the letters without freezing anythingWylie *******
@Brandon ***********
well that sucks and makes no sense, but this is thailand.Reply to
Wylie *******
Reply
Ricky *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
fairdinkum? Guess we'll find out next weekReply to
Ricky *******
Reply
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