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Should I switch from my DTV visa to a long-term visa due to concerns about my Kasikornbank account being closed?

Thai visa typesDTV visaNon-O visaKasikorn Bankbank account requirementsexpat banking in Thailandvisa implications on banking
Aug 31, 2025
2 days ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Looking for opinions here. I have a kasikornbank account. I work online with DTV visa and the money gets paid into my Kasikorn account. I don't have a bank account in my own country because it was closed a few years ago due to inactivity...

So with all this stuff happening about bank accounts being closed if you don't have a long term visa, I'm a bit worried. But I've heard it's only for bank accounts opened since 2023. Is that true? Will they later look at older accounts too? I've had my Kasikorn account since around 2010, but can't remember what visa I had when I opened it. I think it might have been a tourist visa lol

So I'm wondering, should I just ditch the DTV visa, which I went through great lengths to obtain just two months ago, and get a long term visa before other banks (like Kasikorn) start implementing the same policies AND looking at older accounts?

I have a Thai son so I can get Non O visa, but it would mean another trip out of the country, putting 400k back in the bank etc. I'd rather not do that, but I don't wanna be un-banked...
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is concerned about potential problems with their Kasikorn Bank account due to changes in banking policies related to visa types, specifically whether the recent clampdown on accounts is affecting only new accounts or if existing accounts might also be scrutinized. They are considering switching from a DTV visa to a long-term Non-O visa to secure their banking situation, especially since they have a Thai child. Community members advised that, due to the poster's long banking history with Kasikorn, they likely won't face issues and suggested they consider alternative banking solutions as a backup.
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Anonymous ******************
I don’t know what advice to give really but it’s very dangerous to not have accounts elsewhere and I would certainly argue that perhaps the DTV is not the suitable visa for you.

I have bank accounts in 4 different couriers, and multiple in each. I would be paranoid having all my eggs in one, Thai, basket.
a day ago
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Tha****
How can you not have an account in your own country?????
a day ago
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Thai ************************************************
How about you get Non-O Guardian? Ever thought about that?
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
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@Thai ******
 yes that's what I'm thinking about. Maybe I should change to Non O guardian visa to pre-empt any problems with the bank.

But the annoying thing is I only just changed to DTV visa because I was so bored doing all the paperwork, and I thought just doing annual border hops might be easier and less stressful. I'm 45 now I thought I could just get this visa and it will carry me through to I'm 50 and then get retirement visa. But I never knew about the banking issues with this visa 🤔
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
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Zin ************
Kbank and SCB will normally sent notification before they locked out your account unless you somehow involved in the scam.

Mine opened with Non-B before and currently hold DTV, and just 2 weeks ago, I updated my new passport at Kbank and no problem at all. But yes, their 3 staffs have to sign just for passport update. 😬
2 days ago
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Tomer ********
if you have dtv i recommend mydtv app this app keep you on track for everything you need and theres also AI option you can ask it questions and all that im really enjoying this app so far
2 days ago
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Zakhar ***********
My recommendation is to open a bank account in Cambodia.

It is still rather easy, you can use QR payments all over Thailand, instant transfers to Thailand (transfers not cheap though).

The account is nominated in US dollars and you get Visa and Mastercard super cheap.

I have been using it as a backup for a while and for crypto as well (it is still legal in Cambodia)
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
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@Zakhar **********
 that's an interesting idea. How easy is it to open a bank account in Cambodia ? Can I do it with tourist visa there?
2 days ago
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Kool *******
Anonymous participant don't worry. What is going on with bank accounts only involves Bangkok Bank, not Kasikorn Bank.
2 days ago
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Zakhar ***********
Anonymous participant easy. Officially you cannot do with tourist visa and need to pay around $270 for a visa extension AND $50 for a letter from “work”, but there are ways to pay around $300 upfront and get an ABA bank account within 24-36 hours
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Zakhar **********
 thanks. I assume you mean some kind of agent can take care of it all?
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
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Anonymous ******************
Isn't it just Bangkok Bank with account freezes? Anyway with a long banking history with Kbank my guess is you will be fine. I highly recommend Revolut (or wise) as a backup, revolut works great for me. Clients can pay to Revolut and you can pay anywhere woth POS system. I think true money you can pay personal prompt pay??? So having a True Money back also would maintain convenience.
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 368 can I have money from abroad sent to Tru Wallet? Or can I open Revolut from Thailand?
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
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Derek *****
You’ll be fine — as a backup, just open a Wise account and start sending payments there.
2 days ago
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Ian **********
@Derek ****
 that is the best advice
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Derek ****
 i thought Wise was just for sending money to your Thai account from abroad? Also, because I don't have a bank account at home, I'd have to visit Kasikorn to make the initial deposit into Wise to activate that account... And what if Kasikorn asks about my visa?
2 days ago
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Derek *****
wise is for sending and receiving - your employer can pay you to Wise no matter where they are based. If you had to, you could send your salary in Wise to any Thai account you wanted (friend, spouse, GF, etc).

there’s a 99.9% chance that Kasikorn won’t close the account since it was opened in 2010. You likely have a higher chance of getting hit by a motorbike crossing the street. No need to visit Kbank to setup wise at all. If you did need to show your passport, they would only care if you had a valid visa or extension. You’ll be fine
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Derek ****
 thanks mate. Looks like Wise really might be the best solution. I'd rather not send the money to my girlfriend's account 😂 But at least it's an option
2 days ago
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Derek *****
yeah, just as a last resort — but you’ll always have access to cash with Wise.
2 days ago
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Derek *****
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Henrik *****
Wait and see if anything happend.
2 days ago
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Henrik *****
If it’s such a big risk for you, then take out your money now.

As you described your situation, you don’t really need to have a bankaccount in Thailand.

Banks want’s customers that use their account regularly and not a few times every couple of years.

Don’t worry to much too soon.
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
 but will they instantly freeze my account without warning?
2 days ago
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Greg ********
Anonymous participant That is a big risk. The other banks do not seem to be acting as Bangkok Bank are though. If they are checking they are taking a more gradualist approach. If I was you I would take a months spending needs out as cash now.. Hope it all works out for you.
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
 thanks mate. Most of my money is in my Bitcoin wallet so I'm not too worried about suddenly losing access. Im just concerned about my future earnings, I get paid through Payoneer and need an account to get it paid into from there
2 days ago
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Greg ********
Anonymous participant As others have said look at Wise too. I thought I coukd not have one due to not being UK Resident but I have been told get a Ltd company and do it.
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
 I will look at Wise again. But I remember trying to open one a couple of years ago and they require me to deposit $20 first. But I don't have a credit card to do that, so that would mean going into Kasikorn to send the money by wire transfer. And then what if Kasikorn wants to see my passport lol
2 days ago
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Greg ********
Anonymous participant As for moving from DTV to O I would not do it yet but yiu always have that option. Have you looked at the LTR and other visas? I think they are easier now. As you will know we'll things change in Thailand quickly due to the nature of the political scene. You have the option of "O" though.
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
 I don't think I qualify for an LTR visa, and I don't really want to pay the price for the Elite visa, so non-O based on my Thai son is my only other option I think
2 days ago
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Greg ********
Anonymous participant When I left my last job 2.5 years ago I qualified for LTR. I should have taken it. Guy I am dojng some work with and I looked at BOI Smart S but easier ti open a companu in Singapore or UK. The Elite Visa is not worth it. You have the backup O which is good. Let's see how the wind blows with Anutin as PM. We may live in interesting times.
2 days ago
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Joe **********
Anonymous participant If you have a Kasikorn account, don't you also have a Kasikorn debit card? Can't you use that in place of the credit card?
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *********
 I remember trying it at the time and it didn't work
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant but I will try again tomorrow and also try with Revolut and update back here if I'm successful. Because I'm surely not the only person in this situation... If I can get away without a Thai bank account at all that would be fantastic.
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant I think thats what Bangkok Bank did
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
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Pete *******
It’s about the bank assessing risk, as you have over a decade of account history I wouldn’t worry too much.
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pete ******
 but I am worried. Because these people have the attitude that rules are rules, and if other banks do this (I think they will all do it soon), they may well look at older accounts once they're done with the newer ones. Or if I have a reason to go to the bank, and then they demand to see my visa...
2 days ago
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James ********
Anonymous participant I think you worry too much. Use WISE to receive your pay earnings.
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 but to open Wise you need to make a deposit first. Which means going into Kasikorn lol, because I don't have a credit card...
2 days ago
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Derek *****
I don’t think an initial deposit is required. I opened a long time ago, though, so I don’t remember 100 percent. If they do, use the debit card in True money app.
2 days ago
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Derek ****
 thanks mate, I'll look at that option, didn't think of True
2 days ago
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James ********
Anonymous participant I thought you said you are receiving payments for your services performed with clients outside of Thailand... ??? If so, can you have the payments deposited with Wise ???
2 days ago
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James ********
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