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What alternatives do you have if your bank account in Thailand gets closed?

Jun 26, 2025
3 days ago
Tammi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Those whose bank accounts were closed, what are your alternatives?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When bank accounts are closed in Thailand, expats have several alternatives for managing their finances. Options include using cash, credit cards, and various online payment platforms such as Wise, Revolut, TrueMoney, and Moreta Pay. Many users suggest relying on family members' accounts or looking for smaller banks that can offer accounts even on certain visa types. However, there are concerns and limitations regarding payment capabilities, especially with services like Moreta Pay not being suitable for all transactions. Some participants also shared their experiences with bank account closures and the requirements that might lead to such actions.
Seun **********
They're closing previously opened accounts now?? Wow
Luke *******
I know this is a DTV Visa group, but for anyone that’s still on an ED Visa, it’s still possible to open a bank account. Just go try small branches and go very early in the morning. I opened mine on April 30th and it’s still working just fine.

Managed to open it with only 2 months left on my 1 year visa.
Tammi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luke ******
Sent you a message.
Tammi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luke ******
thanks for timing tips
Anonymous ******************
I use a credit card. Even for rent through wise. Gotta get them points !
Luke *******
Anonymous participant 262 I did this too for like 2 years. The problem is that I ended up paying like a ฿1,000 fee every time I paid rent, so having a thai bank acc has saved me plenty of money already
Tammi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luke ******
which bank and branch did you go for, if you don't mind sharing?
Oliver ********
Anonymous participant 262 how do you attach a credit card to wise?
Tammi *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Oliver *******
I think they meant top-up using credit card?
Dany ********
ATM/Cash, Wise, Revolut, TrueMoney, TagThai, 7-11, Thai GF… plenty of options… dont really need an account
Peter ********
@Dany *******
Very easy to scan Qr code everywhere. I’m glad I have one
David ********
@Dany *******
agree but here many people obsessed with a thai bank account
Anonymous ******************
Moreta pay! Almost perfect

But they need improve fast, before somebody else comes to take over.
Erik *******
Anonymous participant 507

Useless for me.

1) You can’t pay rent (to a landlord) with it .

2) you can’t pay personal QR codes , which are 90% of street vendors in Bangkok .

3) Can barely use it outside Bangkok : even regular businesses are using personal QR codes.
Anonymous ******************
@Erik ******
be patient this is solved next month. Rent use Wise
Peter ********
If you opened your bank account long time ago they will not just close your account. You had to make sure before 1st of may I believe, that the name of your Thai phone number matches the phone number in your bank account. Maybe people did not take care of that.
Lucas **********
@Peter *******
not true at all
Cole *********
@Peter *******
I think it depends on the branch store you opened at because I had the name thing correct and they still froze my account. I went to withdraw and close the account and they told me I could keep it if I showed my lease, and a letter from my gym. I got those things and they unlocked my account.
Peter ********
@Cole ********
Ok that sucks, I’m with Bangkok bank. What was your bank? If you don’t mind me asking. Glad you got it back!
Cole *********
Anonymous ******************
Moreta pay
Alex ******
Wise
Brad ********
I mostly use my wife's account.

But, I would say moreta pay is good for business QR codes as I use that when I go off alone and I use cash for street vendors.
Brad ********
Also, moreta does 1% cash back. The exchange rate fluctuates until you actually make the transaction
Anonymous ******************
My Thai girlfriend 🙂
जगद्गुरु *****************
Anonymous, too bad I'm a MONK. :(
Anonymous ******************
David ********
Anonymous participant 816 100%