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Is opening a UOB bank account in Thailand possible for expats on a tourist visa?
UOBBangkok BankThai bankingexpat bankingvisa requirementsaccount freezing issuesDTV visafinancial regulations
Oct 2, 2025
7 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI know many people have had their Bangkok Bank account frozen. I was just curious if anyone has used UOB? I have both a Bangkok Bank and a UOB account so far no problems with either.
The UOB account is a legacy Citibank account, I thought maybe people having problems with BB could try UOB, they seem ok with branches and ATM everywhere.
The UOB account is a legacy Citibank account, I thought maybe people having problems with BB could try UOB, they seem ok with branches and ATM everywhere.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around the reliability of UOB compared to Bangkok Bank for expats in Thailand. While some users report no problems with UOB, others highlight issues with Bangkok Bank, including account freezes due to new regulations. Comments mention that UOB requires a non-immigrant visa for account opening, and there are concerns about banking with a tourist visa. Users share their frustrations with Bangkok Bank's policies and encourage considering UOB as a potential alternative.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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Florence ********
Avoid Bankgok Bank! In two months they blocked my account twice because they had changed their rules without notification. I went to the EMQuartier branch were they were absolutely inflexible and even treated me as though I was on illegal migrant because I was not producing my work permit -which I did not know they needed. Mobile app plus debit card blocked: not allowed to retrieve even 100 thb. Is it legal to totally bar client from accessing their own money? I am filing a complaint with Bangkok Bank, Financial Consumer Protection and Office of consumer protection. Might be useless but if many complaints some corrective actions could be taken by Bangkok Bank so it does not happen to other people in the future…..
John *********
Looks like those with older accounts should be fine, if they have conducted their account well, without lots of very large transactional activity. They are really closing mostly what they consider “mule accounts” A good clean up operation, get rid of the criminality. Just wondering if they are doing the same for some Thai national?🤔
Greg ********
Is it not 1 million Baht deposit to open UOB? It was with Citi when I worked in that building and asked.
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
Small moneyReply to
Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
I have already lived here for one year and I still don't see any reason to have a Thai bank account.
Thail******
It’s like not having a car after owning one — if you’ve never had one, you don’t realise how much better life is with one.
Anonymous ******************
Thailand420 do like Buddha said: don't attach to anything, including a car or a bank account. Otherwise you'll be always sad
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Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 911 its literally the most convenient thing bro.. i cannot imagine my life without my thai bank accounts they make life so much easier
Sean *******
Anonymous participant 911 Hard to miss something you've never had
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 911 one can get by without. Pulling cash out. Charging your foreign debit card/ credit card and using apps like wise and Remitly however I must say having a bank account in Thailand does make things easier. Scan to pay is very convenient to personal accounts at markets and taxis. It’s a matter of opinion. My BB account was closed a few months ago and at first I was stressed as I had used it for over a year. After making some changes I pull cash out every couple weeks and charge what I can on my foreign debit card. goes both ways I guess
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Anonymous ******************
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Marta *************
Unrelated but I have a TTB account and I can’t transfer funds into it from my Wise because of some new regulations. So it’s like I don’t have an account at all 🫠
Greg ********
@Marta ************
Did Wise not restrict the banks you could transfer into in Thailand recently? *************************************************************
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35/guide-to-thb-transfersMarta *************
@Greg *******
yup that’s exactly it. They’re saying it’s now impossible to transfer to these banks because of some upgrades in the Thai banks’ systemGreg ********
@Marta ************
I thought it was down to BOT (Bank of Thailand) restrictions and approved only a handful?Reply to
Greg ********
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John **********
@Marta ************
UOB is the sameReply to
John **********
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Anonymous ******************
Opening a bank account on a tourist visa, like a DTV, or exemption, is nearly impossible and accounts are already being closed. Why risk it?
Anonymous ******************
Did you open an UOB acct in your home country? If so where?
And so you have been using it there in Thailand?
And so you have been using it there in Thailand?
Anonymous ******************
Uob requires a non immigrant visa. Can't open on a tourist visa
Leo **********
UOB is an intentional bank and understand the consequences of freezing an account without reasoning.
Anonymous ******************
@Leo *********
What about with reason?Anonymous ******************
Reasons is always outlined in the terms and conditions. The personal account must be strictly personal. No business funds should be sent to your personal account.
And always have proof of source of funds on hand in case they ask
And always have proof of source of funds on hand in case they ask
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Anonymous ******************
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Jon **********
I find it highly unlikely that they will open an account for someone with a DTV.
Reply to
Jon **********
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