What are the banking challenges for DTV visa holders in Thailand?

Good morning Thailand. I don't make many posts in this group but as the banking thing is a hot topic at the moment, I'm relaying my experience yesterday at Kasikorn.

To give you some background I've been retired in Thailand for eight years. Opened bank account with Kasikorn at that time on non-O visa, no problem. Thought I'd be smart a year ago and switched to DTV as it seemed a better option for me - I travel a bit, so the regular outs and ins mean I'm always getting a fresh 180 days, plus there's no financial requirements.

My debit card expired last week so I went to my bank branch yesterday to get a new card - no problem EXCEPT I've been put on notice that Kasikorn does not recognise the DTV. They told me my account will be closed in six months unless I switch back to a non-immigrant visa. The manager told me that Kasikorn will not freeze accounts, but will gradually inform customers of the new requirement and will give adequate notice for customers to reassess their situation.

I will today contact the embassy where I obtained the DTV to see if I can now cancel the DTV and apply for a non-O. It's a real pain, but I need the convenience of a Thai bank account. I would imagine a lot of DTV holders don't have the need for a Thai bank account (that pay crap interest anyway) so they will be unaffected.

Whether Kasikorn goes through with their ultimatum I imagine remains to be seen, but I won't take the chance, and they have all least been considerate enough to let me know.

Thanks all - have a great day wherever you are!