Answered5 months ago
Is it worth paying for a VIP arrival to avoid hassle with the DTV visa in Thailand?
Seeing a lot of fear mongering about DTV lately. I spoke to Visa agency. They said nothing has changed specifically with DTV but to guarantee avoid hassle you can do a VIP arrival for 5000 Baht. Do you think it’s worth the stress free arrival and peace of mind?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the current situation regarding DTV (Long-Term Tourist Visa) holders and their ability to open bank accounts in Thailand. Some participants share concerns about misinformation and fear surrounding DTV holders' banking capabilities, noting that many banks, particularly Bangkok Bank, have been closing accounts or denying new ones based on visa status. Suggestions from community members include using tourist-friendly financial services like True Money Wallet and upcoming features from Wise. The original query about the necessity of a VIP arrival for stress-free entry highlights the general uncertainty amidst the ongoing changes in immigration policies.
115 repliesnewest first
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जगद्गुरु *****************
Buy a cheap flat.
David **********
I have a bkk bank account looking for a dtv visa but don't have the 800 000 but a guaranteed 1500 a month income what are my options for 6months stay from September 28th
Oliver **********
The thai's want to bring more money in to Thailand but they don't allow you to have a bank account 🤣 dangerous if they had a brain
Pushpinder *******
Dtv visa not good many problems
Andr *****
Use wise for money transfer to thai banks and open a true money wallet for your QR needs...or moreta. You're welcome
Dan *******
Get a proper long term visa, or LEAVE
Suthikiat *******
Get a work permit,
@Flexspace **********************
can help youTse *******************
Thank you everyone. I just keep my fingers cross. Or else it will be funny to ask the bank give me 1million cash to go
Kevin *********
Ok, been through this twice with them. Not for DTV, however. Take all your paper work you used to open the account, passport and MD 40 address verification. Make sure you go to the branch that opened the account. They will review the paperwork and should unfreeze acct in 10 to 14 days. If you cant have the account they should give your money back and close your account. You will get your money back.
OrangePo********
I heard that people who opened a bkk bank account way back in the early 2000s, and have kept it active even though they don’t live there anymore, are not having problems with the account even now.
Chris ***********
open a bank in your home country?
Ossie *********
Use Wise
Brilliant*********
Last 4 years I open Bangkok bank with free visa . Now I am on DTV for 2 years my Bangkok bank still can use .
Maple ******
Opened a Yellow bank -Krungsri Bank of Ayutthaya-no problem on tourist visa few years ago, now on DTV (which is another form of long term tourist visa) , but they've closed it during this expat banking crackdown. Guess keeping it depends on how well local branches follow this crackdown regulations. Since then using Wise and True money for in country payment needs, no chance to open a new one.
Anonymous ******************
Boycott bkk bank and use kasikorn 👍
Serkan *****
It is a hit or miss from bank-to-bank, branch-to-branch.
A lot of people have the misconception of an ”account freeze” vs “account restriction”
Are you able to deposit or withdraw money using your passport if you physically go to your bank branch?
A lot of people have the misconception of an ”account freeze” vs “account restriction”
Are you able to deposit or withdraw money using your passport if you physically go to your bank branch?
Rachel ********
So close the acct and move your money, what’s the issue? You’re on a DTV which means you’re making money elsewhere anyway, use your international cards for whatever you need. Or open an acct with another bank
Tomasz ********
offshore. Wise will open soon to Thai residents.
Leo **********
Go to Vietnam and Cambodia enough of this nonsense from Thailand
Andrew ********
Shut the account nothing else
Prince *****
In your case please go to your embassy and get letter for bank after clear what is your nationality
Prawinn **********
True dtv cannot open bank ac
Ben ********
Not much other than withdraw your money and close the account. Alternatively, get another type of visa that isn't a tourist one
Aaron ******
Wow. After reading all comments here, im surprised that many people can still open a bank account on DTV or even tourist visa. I thought the banks are strict on this. I applied my DTV waiting for approval now. I knew DTV cannot apply for Thai bank account by law, I maybe wrong now. But I won’t risk it just in case somehow bank decides to freeze your account and don’t return you the money. 😬 we are in another country and their law changes so uncertain. Not worth taking any risks
Shaughn ***********
@Aaron *****
99% of these people opened their account in the past before DTV either when on other visa types or through agents etc. yes hard nowAaron ******
@Shaughn **********
I mean if you do something that is not according to the current system then if the bank freeze and say you can’t withdraw also. Then who is at the loss 😬😬
GentleTu********
@Aa***
most everyone who has a bank account on DTV opened it several years ago. Maybe while on education or work visa or if long enough ago on a tourist visa. The money is still yours. You should be able to bring your passport and bank book to the branch and withdraw the balance.
It’s a banking freeze not an asset seizure.
Christian ********
Crying, or change the visa, or use Wise
tongtin********
Go K bank
James **********
You used a agent to get a moody Bank account, many many have done the same and are still doing the same ,,,, the 💩 is going to hit the fan very soon ,,,
Soto *****
Nothing.
Frazer ************
There's nothing you can do until you have a legitimate reason for getting a bank account again. It's strange, as all the reports of this happening are from Bangkok Bank. I haven't heard of any other bank doing it. Why is Bangkok Bank so strict compared to all of the others? Strange.
Rich ****
@Frazer ***********
They had a history of opening many tourist and shady accounts
Christiaan *****
Nothing that’s the rules, you’re on a tourist visa ffs 🤦♂️
Mick *****
Bangkok bank policy is no account for DTV holder. It is not law or regulation it is just bank policy.
Ambitious**********
Did you get the money out?
U ****************
You can open True Money wallet with DTV Visa. It can send and receive locally with QR code like a bank. The only one function can't do is receive money from overseas.
Anonymous ******************
Bkk bank is trash. Wrong bank to do business with . Other banks aren't doing this to customers.
I **************************
Nimetön osallistuja 782 well kasikorn also close accounts foe the dtv holders
Anonymous ******************
I Know Almost Everything the people that used an agent seem to have the most issues because all the agents followed the same made up script so its easy to spot the fraud.
Kenneth ***********
Anonymous participant 782 can't be fraud since the agent only serves as the "middle man"...it's not like the agent got access to bank systems & opened the account themselves
Anonymous ******************
I Know Almost Everything i have scb for 4 years. Never a problem. Open on student visa no agent they never give me any problem.
I **************************
Nimetön osallistuja 782 there is always a change not to get trouble, but it's possibility
Paul ****
Nothing
Han ********
And it may help getting a yellow house registration and pink ID card. Still don't use Bangkok Bank, but other banks will be okay with that. Depending on the branch, or the specific person at the counter. I'm in Chiang Mai and recently found the TTB bank quite accommodating. Nice branch on Thapae Road. They did my car loan too.
Cool****
@Han *******
they even give you loan?
Tur ****
@Han *******
did you get a yellow house book on DTV in CM ?
Tha****
Wait.
Han ********
Go to a different bank. Bangkok Bank is the worst.
Andrew ********
Get a non-o visa only way
Lee ********
Need work permit or retirement visa for Thai bank account pal
Johnny ********
Go to Silom main branch and talk your cause
Handsome********
Nth we can do about it. Just switch to True Money Wallet.
Dany ********
close the account. get your money. use alternative options same as everyone else. easy
Ali *******
Can change study visa 😄
Anonymous ******************
I have an account with SCB and K bank, both know I am on a DTV and said nothing
Mark *************
Anonymous participant 723 I tried to open an account at K-Bank about 8 months ago with my DTV and was told then that it was no longer possible with DTV.
Anonymous ******************
@Mark ************
I opened mine many years ago on a touist visa.Ossie *********
Anonymous participant 723 been with K bank for years was thinking of getting DTV spoke with manager she said as long as you don’t show your passport showing DTV visa we won’t close it just show your thai drivers license in the end is took with my O Visa
Anonymous ******************
@Ossie ********
Honestly I think it varies from branch to branch.
SunnyBlue*********
@Ossie ********
That wierd. Every time I try to use my thai driver license and bank book they always say I will need my passport or they can not help meFrazer ************
Anonymous participant 723 yeah it's strange. This seems to be only an issue with Bangkok Bank.
Colin **********
@Frazer ***********
the banks have the discretion to implement thier own strategy, I've seen letters from some banks they will not close existing accounts but will not replace debit cards when they run out. There by restricting what you can do with them. The difficulty is the banks and branches have there own take, which leaves us uncertain. The only real take away bank account for "tourist" are nolonger welcome.
Maxi ******
What stand SCB and K bank for?
Anonymous ******************
@Maxi *****
Siam CommercialBank and Kasikorn
Junior *******
Anonymous participant 723 very anonymous
Zess ********
@Junior ******
my friend still has her Thai bank open and she’s on a DTV. Can’t remember exactly what bank she’s with. Either Bangkok bank or k bank I think.Anonymous ******************
@Junior ******
yes I am a private person, I forgot to do my facial rec so went in with my passport ec to both bank with no issue to update. I have had both banks for over 10 years.
แดนนี่ ****
Bro come on.
IntelligentG*************
Nada. But, a Thai Wise might be good fit. Is for me fortunately. However, it's all potential currently as it is still rolling out.
Milan *********************
Nothing. Just suprised that so late. My was freezed 1 year ago. Just pick up your money at bank. With dtv no chance to open a new one
HandsomeR**********
You have three choices. Get a visa that allows you to have a bank account, do without a bank account because - like it or not - you’re classified as a tourist, or shut up and go home.
Anonymous ******************
HandsomeRaccoon5162 wow shut up and gp home good advice
John **********
Close the account and withdraw your cash
Cool****
@John *********
with current Thai law, inactive for one year bank can take all your money. People needs to becarefulLee ********
@John *********
exactly this
AuthenticS***********
Search the feed legend.
Anonymous ******************
Can't do anything. If you have close thai friend, ask them to give you one bank account and you can have app in your mobile or use wise or change visa status.
GentleTu********
Anonymous while this ‘works’ it’s considered illegal.
Big notices outside banks in Thai and English: it’s illegal to open a bank account for another person or let someone use your account.
That doesn’t stop people in long term relationships that aren’t in marriage from doing so but it’s not nearly as casual as asking a friend to do it for you.
Big notices outside banks in Thai and English: it’s illegal to open a bank account for another person or let someone use your account.
That doesn’t stop people in long term relationships that aren’t in marriage from doing so but it’s not nearly as casual as asking a friend to do it for you.
Anonymous ******************
GentleTurkey6967 I know it's illegal. And no need to tell someone also. A married Thai person with foreigners is more dangerous than normal Thai friend because they create trust by marriage and then they loot your all properties and this country doesn't give any rights to foreigners so be safe... And I have opened the bank account and used it in same way before until I changed my visa status. And money can do most of things in Thailand.
Elías ********
Get the cash out and keep using your home country's bank accounts
John ************
Have you thought about retirement?
Nicole *******
Take the money out
Sergey *********
Bank elsewhere.
Syed *****************
Nothing . Why don’t you study much before taking any step
MotivatedC**********
I am curious: how did you get the account in first place? And how long did you have it?
Tse *******************
MotivatedCaribou9330 2022 nov
Anonymous ******************
MotivatedCaribou9330 can use many of the shady agencies here
Andrew ********
MotivatedCaribou9330 got it before the change
Fleace ********
MotivatedCaribou9330 until last year it was allowed
Arnold *****
MotivatedCaribou9330 back then like 4 years ago even a tourist visa can get you can account so it was much easier so maybe made then.
Anonymous ******************
MotivatedCaribou9330 keen to know this too 🙏🙏
Frank-Steven ***********
You: cannot do much. Maybe open a new Wise account with Thai address to be able to scan. Others in similar situations: don’t go to the bank or letting them know about your DTV.
Unforgettabl*************
@Frank-Steven **********
The changes to Wise aren’t going to be implemented until August 2026 (*********************************************************************************************************
I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if it’s delayed again though as it was initially supposed to happen in May.
Stephen **********
UnforgettableRambutan8343 They are supposed to be rolling it out with an expected finishing date of August. New accounts are actually getting the access before older accounts so somebody that opens an account right now might get access sooner than August 🤞
Mateusz *******
@Frank-Steven **********
are you sure, I have vise and it's do not work with thai prompt payFrank-Steven ***********
@Mateusz ******
I am not sure this is active, yet. And it will only be available on Wise accounts that are base don a Thai address / residency.Activity
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