Answereda year ago
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!
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!
Answer summary
An expat shares their experience at Kasikorn Bank regarding banking regulations for individuals holding a Digital Tourist Visa (DTV). Despite having previously opened an account on a non-O visa, the individual was notified that their DTV is no longer recognized and their account will be closed unless they switch back to a non-immigrant visa. Comments from the community highlight similar issues among DTV holders, the security measures imposed by banks in Thailand, and the general perception of the DTV as a temporary status lacking the permanence of other visa types.
105 repliesnewest first
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Michael *******
GREAT BANK
Olivier *********
A friend of mine had the problem a few months back and with another bank and they were gonna freeze it. Had to cancel dtv quickly and spend over a week in KL to get things in order
Michael ********
Anonymous participant 616 you should have a tax ID then for property income should be no issue. The 180 days makes no difference if income is earned in country
Doug *******
Immigration now knows your essentially running a business which you have no proper visa for. Perhaps they may cancel your visa and deport you. You won't have to worry about your Thai bank account.
Nathan ***********
DTV is a tourist visa. It's also a very shaky status. It's not a 5 year visa as often portrayed. It's a 180 day visa that might or might not be extended/renewed, at immigration's full discretion. Only a "self employed" work visa&permit would actually make sense for freelancers but this nonsensical DTV thing has been adopted instead.
Lycans *********
I have just opened my Kasikorn Bank account because my Bangkok bank account was freezed. I was disappointed with Bangkok bank because I put huge amount of money there for my emergency funds in the future. Although I provided all the documents like non-b visa, WP and an acknowledgement certificate from my school. So, I switched to Kasikorn Bank and the staffs are very nice and accommodating. They can even speak English compared to Bangkok bank staff. Just saying...😀
Franco *****
i have DTV visa from September 24, i open account with Bangkok Bank without problems , next week no sms, no mail, the account gas freezed, then after go talk with manager of the bank they close the account and give me back cash all money.
Nathan ****
I understand that it's ideal to have a bank in Thailand but there are so many other ways to pay for things you need. There are also many ways to get your money here. Luckily I am on Non-O but people on DTV should not sweat about it and realistically knew this day would come as it's a glorified tourist visa.
Lazada can pay all your bills.
ATM can receive your money whether that be using your foreign card or crypto. USDT is around 2.5% fee.
Lazada can pay all your bills.
ATM can receive your money whether that be using your foreign card or crypto. USDT is around 2.5% fee.
Shane *****
DTV is meant to be an extended or enhanced tourist visa. Nothing more. Most countries would not allow tourists to open a local bank account..if your country cannot why do you expect Thailand to allow it?
Andrew *********
I really don’t understand the obsession with everyone wanting a Thai bank account?
Anonymous ******************
Is this group bank group or dtv group? Admins please... bank stuff blocking visibility from those who need help with dtv. Admins?
Banking issue is not dtv related, its tourist visa related. Im sure there are a lot of groups for banking.
I hope things change to better, havent seen many dtv related posts in my feed lately, only bank stuff... Im here to help people with the visa, but Im losing my interest :(
Banking issue is not dtv related, its tourist visa related. Im sure there are a lot of groups for banking.
I hope things change to better, havent seen many dtv related posts in my feed lately, only bank stuff... Im here to help people with the visa, but Im losing my interest :(
André ******************
Anonymous participant 832 DTV is a tourist visa and the post is about opening bank accounts on. DTV, how does this not belong into this group? 😅
Graham ******
Anonymous participant 832 It's neither a DTV group or a bank group
Oliver **********
Anonymous participant 832 The DTV IS a tourist visa. Hence any issues with it fit in this group
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 832 leave the group simple. Debbie downer
Sefton ********
Anonymous participant 832 this IS DTV related..
Its also new information that those who opened on other visa classes will have accounts closed after they find out you are on a DTV. We know other banks close and KBank once again showing a little more class about it, giving a period to change.
Its also new information that those who opened on other visa classes will have accounts closed after they find out you are on a DTV. We know other banks close and KBank once again showing a little more class about it, giving a period to change.
Paul *******
OPAnonymous participant 832 DTV is a tourist visa
Anonymous ******************
@Paul ******
did i say it isnt? No.
Glen *********
Thor Sporkland you have too much time on your hands
Thor ***********
Anonymous participant 832 I think you need a new life,...of course these issues are highly connected.
Ludwig ***********
Anonymous participant 832 It IS useful for DTV applicants to be made aware that they won’t be able to open a bank account in Thailand.
Paul *******
OPAnonymous participant 832 If it upsets to this degree, you can just move to the next item?
Anonymous ******************
@Paul ******
no. The issue is not with dtv. Its more than that. I thought this group was for dtv visa, not for banking... but things have changed, these banking posts blocking views for the people asking help for the visa, is my pointPaul *******
OPAnonymous participant 832 You implied it wasn't.
Nathan ****
Anonymous participant 832 Do you want the admins to help you shower too? Just mute the group or leave - its not difficult.
Anonymous ******************
@Nathan ***
you missed my point. People needing help with dtv gets overrun by irrelevant posts
Paul *********
Anonymous participant 832 so just use the search function to filter it out
Andrew ********
Its not the bank its thailand changing requirements and security measures. They will go through with it. At least you were given this heads up as most people on DTV were not given the courtesy of a notice and one day got their accounts frozen
Michael ***********
@Andrew *******
it is the banks policy and NOT Thailand.Andrew ********
Michael Spigarolo well thats funny cause I been to 5 different banks and all 5 of them denied me on my ed visa citing the same regulations and requirements...
Paul *******
OPMichael Spigarolo Not quite. It's part of the KYC initiative, which is based on government legislation. And it's worldwide not just Thailand
Kriz *****
@Andrew *******
It's not frozen but you can not use bank account for DTV forever since now with new policy of Thai nation bank.Only non O visa can open account.
Frank **********
@Andrew *******
not necessarily true with Bangkok Bank as I received pop up messages when I tried to open the app telling me what needed to be done to keep the account active.Graham ******
@Andrew *******
It is the banks or at least their policiesNathan ****
@Andrew *******
Bangkok Bank called their customers and gave 30 days - a lot of people did not answer the call as its unknown or hadn't updated their records with the mobile number.Andrew ********
@Nathan ***
ah well thats on them cause so many in here said ine day their bank froze their accounts and waiting weeks to get it back meanwhile the immigration office said they were restricting bank access to DTV to fight fraud and illegal activities this was back in june - julyAndrew ********
@Nathan ***
I agree however it also prevents me from getting an account om my ED Visa would make things a slight easier and take away so much fees every month. It is what it isNathan ****
@Andrew *******
Yes it's true. It's to stop illegal activities and it's a good move.
Anonymous ******************
Why do people head to the branch knowing that they will check your visa and documents. I have received a new card (after old expired) by clicking in the app or by calling the bank. They know your card has expired and will mail you a new one within a week.
Mark ********
Anonymous participant 580 Sometimes you don't get the choice. You can keep skipping around the issues, but eventually it'll catch up with you
Conny **********
I open at KTB yesterday… no problem…
Sefton ********
@Conny *********
Said it many times.. Bank branches make their own policy (some like bangkok being harder than others) and if they judge you worthy, you can obtain a bank on any visa class. Thais judge very firmly on appearance.. Dress business casual, shoes / watch / folio, be well groomed.. Dont wander in wearing sandals and jeans or worse shorts and a rumpled T shirt.
Conny **********
@Sefton *******
HAHA they make the policys by from the laws... Im okey with them frezzing accounts with criminal activites... like scammers etc.. do YOU think they shall not fighting agaist that togheter with the police? I think you judge Thai people by saying that they judge... I think thats says more about you than them... (I can say, I have meet that you write IN my home country more than here) but other side I get respect here because I respect them... maybe you shall do that before you come here to stay and try to open you self an account... for your propose... Have now so gr8 day... I know I will :)
Sefton ********
@Conny *********
Thais are very status conscious and western relaxed attitudes to this have a huge bearing on how they are treated in professional settings. I opened an account on a DTV when people were already saying they were no longer available.. I have opened accounts on no visa at all.. I obtained a bank safe deposit when others were told there was an (infinite) waiting list.
You need to know how to play the game here, the rules are not the same as elsewhere.
Randy *************
@Conny *********
Really?What visa do you have?Conny **********
Randy Prokopowich DTV
Sean *******
Anonymous participant 532 Can you call me when you know Krungthai will close my account? Save all this endless speculation that's going on. Sorry your BB got closed BTW.
Anonymous ******************
@Conny *********
Working until it doesn't work anymore... As everything.Sean *******
Anonymous participant 532 Sounds like your brain has stopped working bud.
Sean *******
Max Fredriksson It's just as relevant as all the bitters saying all accounts will be closed. Regardless, I'll post what I like.
Max *************
@Sean ******
This is about relatively new accounts.Several years ago, it was totally ok to open an account on a tourist visa, now not so much. Meaning, your input is irrelevant.Anonymous ******************
@Sean ******
Yeah, please remind us, how many got closed for the one new one that opened, as you mentioned?! But you’re right, DTVs can open it, and these should feel totally safe now 🙏😂. I remember your previous comment saying that all DTVs were able to get an account... Sure! Possible for a few hours indeed! 😅Sean *******
@Nathan ***
No wonder they closed your account...Sean *******
@Nathan ***
Well not as dim as you. A chap has just opened one, you're replying on his comment 😆Conny **********
@Nathan ***
yes, you right they are frezzing accounts, the accounts that have criminal acitivity, and I think that is CORRECT to do... thisa is not un usual for thailand.Nathan ****
@Sean ******
You cannot be that dim, surely?Sean *******
@Nathan ***
Three years is not that long, unlucky. Try and get a Krungthai account.Nathan ****
@Sean ******
The problem is not 10 years ago. I had mine 3 years ago and it's now locked but waiting for my Non-O.Sean *******
@Nathan ***
I've had mine 10 years no problems whatsoever.Nathan ****
@Sean ******
He's not wrong though. If you go to the bank the requirment is Non-O and it specifically says No Tourist visa's. It will work until it doesn't work, people here lie to themselves that it won't happen to them, but it will... just time is needed 😃
Sure, you might get lucky and open an account but its just a matter of time when you go to scan a QR code and it doesn't work. Happened to me on a tourist visa and many others.
Anonymous ******************
@Sean ******
My opinion hasn’t changed since they started freezing accounts which isn’t exactly your case, clever boy 😂. Maybe start using yours instead and get a bit more realistic.
Jared *********
@Conny *********
which location? And you have DTV?Conny **********
@Jared ********
Udon Thani and I have DTV
Arma ********
@Conny *********
House sure helps lolConny **********
Max Max Udon Thani KTB, I have DTV and I have lived here long time… but never took account… I have Thai driver license and ID card… (but I’m not Thai) maybe that’s helps we have own house. Car, bike etc…
Max *****
@Conny *********
what exact bank branch (location) please? And are you resident there? Maybe that helpsAnonymous ******************
@Conny *********
on a DTV? I would really like to trySean *******
@Conny *********
Krungthai are the best.
Mart ****
@Conny *********
nice, which branch?Activity
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