So as some of you know bangkok bank has frozen accounts. Here is my story. Arrived here in thailand Jan 8 went to visa agent in order to open a bank account because i was moving here June1 so wanted bank account in order to have money here when i landed .
Got a bank account opened on a tourist visa with bangkok bank just like everyone else moved about 300 thousand baht into the account. Landed june 1 shit hit the fan a couple of days before , Talked to my visa agent he said get it out of there so i took most of it out leaving about 20 thousand , account got locked went to bank go it unlocked, thought that would be the end of it, were good to go. Visa agent said no longer able to supply 800 thousand for retirement visa, so i transferred 800 thousand thru wise to my bangkok bank account. Visa agent said no one is dealing with bangkok bank anymore to get retirement visa had to open a different account , No problem done cost me more baht.
Had to take the 800 thousand out of bangkok bank in order to put into new bank in order to get rertiement visa, no problem (not). Thought i would be smart about it and not take all 800 thousand out at once so as not to raise red flags, first day get 400 thousand cash no problem , next day went to get the other 400 thousand Holy crap the teller drilled me like the FBI. Said she would have to send report to head office she would not give it to me went to visa agent explained the situation agent transfers it thru the app no problem. Now all money required in new bank perfect.
Have about 16500 left in bank , account gets locked again ( back in this time with rental agreement , accounts gets unlocked Golden everything should be fine .
Wrong LOL being proactive i take out 15 thousand leaving about 1500 hundred in the account .Now account gets locked with everyone else , Go in on a wed my number is 561 they are calling 506 so go for breakfast with a buddy i make while waiting, were gone for a hour come back they are calling 511 and its now 12.30 so I am out of there.
Come back the following wed get to the bank for 7 bank opens at 830 first in line get in first served, out in 15 all documents required sent off to whoever , Told will open in 2 weeks now 3 and a half weeks later , go to bank see whats going on. wait a hour to see teller, she now tells me need proof i am paying my rent . I tell her I have been living here for 4 months now you think im living on the streets i have a rental contract. So now im pissed i say just close the account give me my 1500 baht , No can do come back monday.
So 4 months in thailand bank account locked 3 time 5 visits to the bank and still unlocked
Im not saying dont move to thailand if you do open a account with any bank other than bangkok bank
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat shares their frustrating experience with Bangkok Bank in Thailand, detailing a series of account lockouts and the complicated process of maintaining access to their funds while transitioning to a retirement visa. The narrative highlights the challenges of opening a bank account under a tourist visa, the necessity of transferring large sums for visa requirements, and the difficulties encountered with bank personnel, which reflect wider issues faced by many expats in Thailand regarding banking regulations.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
