This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Is my Bangkok Bank account safe if I opened it on a tourist visa?

Jun 5, 2025
2 days ago
Bangkok Bank update:

I have had this account for several years, initially opened on a tourist visa.

Because of all the confusion about accounts getting closed I visited the local branch today for peace of mind.

They said no problem with older accounts.

For these they look at cash flow to prevent money laundering…Large amount of money in and then out again.

Regular monthly deposits and bills paid online are normal and proper use of the account.

They are contacting people by email if there account issues.

USA passport on DTV visa. Account in Chiang Mai. 5 June 2025.

I hope this helps…..I was really freaked out with all the news of BB accounts getting closed.
2,776
views
55
likes
79
all likes
13
replies
0
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A customer reported their experience with Bangkok Bank, confirming that older accounts, including those opened on a tourist visa, are generally safe from closure as long as there is consistent cash flow and proper usage. The bank is said to contact clients via email if there are issues. Comments in the post discussed concerns over account closures affecting certain nationalities and reassured that most accounts should be fine as long as they meet the criteria for Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Andy **********
Good info 👍
Anonymous ******************
Your account is safe. It is a particular type of person who is having their accounts closed. I don't want to be accused of racism, but if your name was Анонимный участник there's a good chance your account would be frozen 😆😆😆
Paul *******
Good to know and what I suspected as well.
Anonymous ******************
Did you do the DTV with the thai bank accout? Did they ask you any question about your account in the embassy interview?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 271 I used my Chase account for the DTV. I used a screenshot of the bank app initially and was asked for a photo of the latest month’s statement.

There was no interview with Los Angeles Consulate.
Anonymous ******************
Just waiting for his comment - can’t have a post in here without a reminder that cash is the only real money.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 903 ???
Sam ******
Bitter Thaivisa refugees who think only retirees should live in Thailand will be devastated
David ********
I discussed this on older post explained the same that banks were scrutinizing Chinese and Russians for money laundering a d online gambling. If you account is a normal trading account no problem. But again farang like to dramatize and are doomsday theorists. I don't take notice. But thanks for your post
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *******
ummmm…..Mai pen rai Kap
Erik *******
@David *******
Wrong. I know personally several Americans and Europeans whom bank accounts has been closed just because they were on DTV. Make a search : you will see plenty of cases about non Russian and non Chinese.
David ********
@Erik ******
555 no 🙂‍↔️ must be another reason thousands of people have DTV and their accounts not closed. Check again reasons are more complex than that
Wannikea *********
It's been a frantic overhyped doom and gloom media push. It all hinges on KYC, know your client, due diligence. 99% of people have zero to worry about.