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What are the current challenges expats face with visa renewals and banking in Thailand?
visa renewalexpat adviceThailand visa issuesbanking in Thailandimmigration processexpat experiencesmoving to Thailand
Sep 10, 2025
8 months ago
Kim ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIt seems like so many people are having issues getting/ renewing their visas. I noticed many people are having problems with the banks too. This makes me weary about our upcoming move… any suggestions
TLDR : Answer Summary
Many expats are expressing concerns about the challenges faced in obtaining or renewing their visas in Thailand, particularly regarding banking issues that may complicate the process. Suggestions to mitigate these problems include doing everything legally, avoiding certain banks like Bangkok Bank or DTV, and directly engaging with the immigration office for accurate information. Some individuals share positive experiences, indicating that while issues exist, they may be overstated and that many successfully navigate the system without trouble.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Mark *******
There are thousands every week that don't have issues....just follow the rules and always get your questions answered at your locsl immigration office...not on FB.
Mark ********
@Mark ******
Exactly! It's human nature to complain, but not to compliment!James *******
@Mark *******
I like your hair.Reply to
James *******
Reply
Martyn ***********
People only post when they have problems, your seeing a distorted view.. The vast majority of people have zero problems.
Jay *****
It is not recommended to come to Thailand, consider Cambodia or Vietnam.
Roberto *********
@Jay ****
Vietnam doesn't have a retirement visa, and Cambodia is a relic from the last centuryStephanie ***********
@Jay ****
Cambodia doesn't have a good medical system which is far from ideal for retirement.Robert *********
@Jay ****
i recommend itMark ********
@Jay ****
I'll always recommend Thailand over both those shใtholes. Thailand is years ahead of those toiletsMartyn ***********
@Jay ****
in your humble opinion....Reply to
Martyn ***********
Reply
Mark ********
Ha! A FEW people are having issues! Retiring to any country presents obstacles and bureaucratic processes. For Thailand they're as easy as fบck! Ask any Thai person who'd like to retire to Europe or Australia how easy it is for them! 😂😂😂
Frank *********
@Mark *******
maybe not but they can get citizenship in Europe and be done with itMark ********
@Frank ********
Get citizenship in Europe? Righto! Didn't realise it was so easy!Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Doug ********
Mark Hudson... totally agree..
Reply to
Doug ********
Reply
Braulio *********
T I T
Sylvia ********
My friend went last week for yearly renewal, used agent and SCB and all completed within a morning
Yu-Li ****
@Sylvia *******
Was it a Pattaya agent? Did agent provide the 800k? Thanks.Sylvia ********
@Yu-Li ***
yes you can message me for detailsReply to
Sylvia ********
Reply
David *******
@Sylvia *******
You needed an agent to apply for an extension of stay? Seriously?Daniel *********
@David ******
Get off your high horse, geezus.Sylvia ********
@David ******
depends on financial position, plus the guy is ill and mid 80'sDavid *******
@Sylvia *******
Ah ok! I'll pay that one ❤️Reply to
David *******
Reply
David *******
I just extended for another year, I'm with Bangkok Bank, I use the 65k monthly transfer method, and I had ZERO problems. I really think people are jumping on the minority issues and blowing it all out of proportion
Frank *********
@David ******
another "i dont have any problems so there must not be any" ignorent comment. Why can not a single post be without them?David *******
@Frank ********
So it's quite acceptable to whine like a sick cat because things are going wrong, but it's not ok to say my experience is all good? Interestingly depressed world you live inReply to
David *******
Reply
Henrik *****
If a bankaccount is a must, don’t choose DTV.
But you need to be more precise to get good answers
But you need to be more precise to get good answers
Danielle *********
@Henrik ****
Well, DTV does not require a Thai bank account at all, so the discussion is moot regarding Thai banks then...Henrik *****
You are not eligible for at Thai bankaccount on touristvisa like DTV.
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
Sasha ***********
Yep. Lot of my friends have moved to other countries and other friends planning to come here have taken Thailand off their lists.
Gerg **********
@Sasha **********
Thailand is still better than any other Southeast Asia country. These recent problems will be short lived. A new government is coming.Mark ********
@Sasha **********
Sounds like you know a lot of wimps! You need to choose your friends more carefully! 👍👍Sylvia ********
@Sasha **********
I heard people when upset threatening to move to another country but yet to hear or see anyone actually moving. No where is perfect but it's important to follow the rules and news, been here over 20 years and yet to find anther paradiseMark ********
@Sylvia *******
Exactly! Every time there's any perceived problem, there's a wave of expats who are leaving for a better country. I roll on the floor laughing, because none of them actually leave! Bunch of idiots!Sylvia ********
@Mark *******
spot on, all bar stool talk!Reply to
Sylvia ********
Reply
David *******
@Sasha **********
Probably not the type of people Thailand want anyway!Peter ********
@David ******
what a stupid commentDavid *******
@Peter *******
So you haven't noticed how Thailand is trying to raise the standard for retirees? That they want a better class of person? They actually want the cheap retirees to go to their proclaimed paradise of Cambodia!Peter ********
Immigration don`t know anything about me or my finances so not really sure how that comment has any relevance. If the Cambodia comment is a cheap shot at me I never been there and have no desire to go there. What I do know is that I paid good money, my own money, for a long term visa up front. I dont think it is asking too much for the immigration office to do their job when they have all the correct documents to renew my visa every year instead of sending me to Laos "as it easier". Yes easier for them as they don`t have to do anything but I have to then get a TM30 Notification of Residence completed within 24 hours so wasting yet more of my time
Mark ********
@Peter *******
What visa are you on that you can go to Laos to extend? I extend mine in BangkokPeter ********
@Mark *******
I am on a privilege visa for 20 years but have to get a new stamp once a year and a new visa in the passport every 5 years. I went to Nakhon Phanom immigration with every document that was wanted , photocopied and signed. They told me it was easier for me to go to the friendship bridge and go to Laos then come back. I told them I had all the right documents but they made it clear they were not dealing with it. So I had no choice but to go to the bridge. I got the bus across, paid for the visa, got extensively questioned as why just for one day. Finally got allowed through to wait for a bus for 2 hours to come back to Thailand. The immigration guy the Thailand side looked at the visa and was great absolutely no problem, stamped for one year. In all wasted 5 hours plus travelling to Nakhon Phanom. Probably would have taken an hour plus travelling if NP immigration had done it. Who was it easy for ,them, as they didn’t have to do anything just pass it to someone else . The problem then was as I had left Thailand so I had to get a TM30 notification of residence within 24 hours so yet another trip to Nakhon Phanom immigration the next day and another 3 hours with travelling wasted. All my paperwork on both visits were correct and complete, everything copied and signed. No agents involved , visa paid up front by me. I didn’t try to cut corners or use agents. In honesty NP immigration did not seem to know what the privilege visa was as I had extended time spent there when I went to do the first TM30 and TM47. I saw them making many phone calls and having many discussions each time pointing and sharing the visa. So bad luck, incompetent or just lazy , I have no idea but I know every time I went NP immigration it was an extended visit even one time getting fined 2000 baht as they issued a TM30 when I needed a TM 47 the previous time . Yes I should have checked it but didn’t as I assumed they knew what they were doing. After that I did things online wherever possible.Reply to
Peter ********
Reply
Daniel *********
@David ******
What a comment! 🙄Paul *****************
@David ******
well I’ve been coming for over 40 years having lived in Bangkok for about 5 years in the 80’s and 90’s and have been visiting regularly since then. I personally know of people who have chosen to relocate to other countries because it’s harder than ever to stay in Thailand long term. These are wealthy people who don’t want the grief. I’m sixty and had planned to retire to Thailand but think initially it’s easier just to visit for 2 or 3 months a year. My wife and I have property and would contribute to the local economy so the loss is to Thailand’s economy.Robert ***********
@Paul ****************
If they are "wealthy people" they can hire one of the better law firms to do their visa work for them. Real simple. Then if they are not really wealthy they can complain and go somewhere else.Paul *****************
@Robert **********
well they could have hired a lawyer but they chose to leave because they believed it would be easier to live elsewhere. I can check with them as to whether they regret their decision if you like. You would be surprised how many people are choosing Malaysia over Thailand for a multitude of reasons. Their choice I guess. I personally have ties with Thailand so that wouldn’t suit me but I can understand why people may choose to live elsewhere.Maitin *******
@Paul ****************
with money it's incredibly easy to stay in Thailand. Just buy a Thai privilege ( elite ) Visa.... Almost nothing to do... LTR is really easy if you have income to show or want to park money in Thailand.
I'm about to extend my Non O retirement again... It's extremely simple.
It's been my experience and that of all my friends here that the noise on the forums. Is just that. I know of no one who has had their bank account frozen, even some who have played games. With the right papers it's extremely easy to open a bank account still, took me 45 minutes about 2 weeks ago.
So I wouldn't be dissuaded if you want to come full time.
Mark ********
@Paul ****************
What fบcking grief? Your friends must be lily-livered tossers! Thailand is better off without them, because they'd whinge about everything!Peter ********
@Mark *******
and yet another moron comment from youPaul *****************
@Mark *******
screw you with your assumptions. You know nothing about my friends. These are people who have lived in Thailand for years. They own condos and chose to move to countries like Cambodia and Malaysia which encourage people to live there.Yoshi **********
@Paul ****************
Hey Paul, I just wanted to say it is just amazing there are sooo many ass in this group. I have to keep blocking those people...David *******
@Paul ****************
The grief???? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂Paul *****************
@David ******
yes the grief. It’s a serious comment based on what people actually think. You may have a different opinion but do me a favour and show some respect by not using childish emojis. It just makes you look like a knob.David *******
@Paul ****************
Ok, so here's a guy who thinks the Thai economy will suffer because he's not going to settle here! Oh Jesus! I can't help the emojis with your deluded comments! 😂😂Paul *****************
@David ******
I should think it’s pretty fucking obvious that if people don’t settle in Thailand than the money they would have spent isn’t spent. What’s so difficult for you to understand?David *******
@Paul ****************
Yep. Like many deluded expats you really believe your meagre contribution is going to pump the Thai economy to new heights! Yeah, go to a crap country like Cambodia, they need your pittance more than Thailand!Paul *****************
@David ******
why are you so aggressive? You misrepresent what I said because you’re clearly a wind up merchant. So I’m a deluded expat for giving you my observations on what people have told me. Go fuck yourself.Philip *******
@Paul ****************
if you want to base your decisions on what people told you that's on you. Don't forget they may be biased opinions or not truthful eg a person not telling you the reason they had hard time was non-complianceDavid *******
@Paul ****************
I'm not aggressive. I'm just telling it as it is! Instead of complaining on Facebook just piss off elsewhere. Honestly, Thailand doesn't need people of your ilkPaul *****************
@David ******
of course you’re aggressive and you are a wind up merchant too. I guess it gives you a sense of purpose in your meaningless little life probably sitting in some shitty bar all day drinking Chang beer. I bet you barely speak Thai despite spending 20 years there. I may be wrong but I think I’ve got your number. So you’re telling it as it is are you? You can comment on your personal experience but that doesn’t mean everyone shares your opinion or experience.David *******
@Paul ****************
I wouldn't drink ANY of the crap Thai beers. I drink imported beer and I don't sit in shitty bars. I'm with a university-educated lady who's a PA for a CEO in a large multinational company. We like to dine out in restaurants of a variety of cuisines and enjoy live western rock music. I don't eat street food and I don't sit on the floor to eat and I will never put ice in my beer or wear elephant pants. Why would I want to learn a useless language like Thai? I'm fluent in English and German, and can easily get by with Spanish. So no, you don't have my number.Paul *****************
@David ******
you live in Thailand but can’t speak thai? Pathetic. And you call Thai a useless language probably because you’re too thick to learn it. I bet you don’t say thai is a useless language to Thais but you’re quick to pick a fight with someone on facebook because they don’t share your opinion. Seems to me you’re a man of contradictions. Happy with their shitty immigration system yet hate their language. You look down on their food, hate their beer and won’t (probably can’t) sit on the floor. Dickheads like you are not welcome in Thailand.David *******
@Paul ****************
Well I've been here twenty years, and have an easy time with my extensions and my bank account, so looks like I'm more welcome than you! If the Thai language was of any use to me I'd learn it, but it's a waste of time. I don't socialise with Thai people, so what's the point? My lady speaks fluent English, and I hang out with expats. You're right about one thing. I would never sit on the floor to eat!Paul *****************
@David ******
I guess we are all different. Unlike you I speak fluent thai and embrace thai culture. Twenty years is a drop in the ocean old boy. Sounds pretty boring to me not speaking Thai and not socialising with thai people but hey each to his own I guess. Take care.David *******
@Paul ****************
I wouldn't say I have a boring time at all! I'm loving my retirement. Because I can't be bothered learning a language which is of little use to me doesn't stop me from having fun. Next you'll be telling me I'm missing out on Thai culture because I refuse to sit on the floor to eat and refuse to dip my fingers into a sticky rice pot shared by a dozen people!Paul *****************
@David ******
no mate to be fair I draw the line at communal rice pots and as for sitting on the floor that’s not my thing either. I was lucky to live in Thailand during the 80’s and 90’s when I was much younger so I picked up Thai quite easily. It’s much more difficult to learn a language as you become older but it’s still possible.Roberto *********
@Paul ****************
Instead of whining like a wounded cat, why don't you just move ?Paul *****************
@Roberto ********
don’t think I’m moaning as I was talking about other people’s experiences and I’m not living in Thailand at the moment anyway.Roberto *********
@Paul ****************
Other people? OkPaul *****************
@Roberto ********
yes other people’ experiences. Is that difficult for you to comprehend?Reply to
Paul *****************
Reply
Sasha ***********
@David ******
so everyone that gets stuffed around when applying for various visas are dumb asses, druggies and alcoholics… wow, intelligent comment mate!David *******
@Sasha **********
Your words! Many that get stuffed around are those doing it wrong. Almost twenty years I've been here and never had an issue. In fact, my extension process this year was the sleekest ever! Chaengwatthana in and out in 35 mins! And I'm with Bangkok Bank and my account (like tens of thousands of other expats) has not been frozen, and I've never once used an agent to try to scam the system!Reply to
David *******
Reply
Michael ********
If you do everthing correct and Legal, try a not to use Agents and stay away from the Bangkok Bank you should not have a problem.
Connor **********
@Michael *******
rather use an agent and keep your money accessible .Neil ********
@Connor *********
that’s going to get stopped. They need to know you specifically have the cashDaniel *********
@Connor *********
Me too, I’m not leaving all that money in a Thai bank.David *******
David *******
@Daniel ********
Another one cutting corners who cries when things go wrong with their bank account 😂Connor **********
@David ******
The only ones I see crying and moaning are the ones not using an agent. Just let people do what works for them and stop being so judgemental.David *******
@Connor *********
Actually it's those using an agent who now will have the 800k frozen for four months are the ones melting down.Brandon ************
@David ******
They'll just use an agent again, no problemsDavid *******
@Brandon ***********
Yep! The same expats who whine incessantly about paying 300 baht to get into a national park, calling it a scam, will happily pay 17-25k baht to an agent for a 1900 baht extension and will swear blind it's legitimate! Stupidity knows no bounds! 🤡Colin *********
@Daniel ********
then say goodbye 👋Reply to
Colin *********
Reply
Michael ********
@Connor *********
which is basically not allowed but excepted because of bribes, it will all be stopped sooner or later.Connor **********
@Michael *******
only time will tell but I really can't see this happening. To much scaremongering on here.James **********
@Michael *******
moody visas are going to be a thing of the past very soon,, respect the rules and do everything correctly no issues .Reply to
James **********
Reply
David *******
@Michael *******
I'm 100% with you on that one. Those having problems are cutting corners or doing something wrongSasha ***********
@Michael *******
but that’s the thing.. lots on here are following stipulated procedures but still getting jerked around 🤷Tee *****
@Sasha **********
I say, if you’re not comfortable, don’t come… It’s your life and there are lots of other places besides Thailand, where maybe you would feel more comfortable? Don’t be afraid to change your mind.Sasha ***********
@Tee ****
yeah yeah… I was living on Samui in 1987… I know all about this place thanks!Reply to
Sasha ***********
Reply
Frank **********
@Sasha **********
the problems are usually self made. Different Immigration Offices may require additional documentation. If people would go to the office and get the requirements it would reduce the problems on the first time. People only have problems if they don't follow the previous years financial requirements.Michael ********
@Sasha **********
All my mates that have done visas this year had no problems,Sasha ***********
@Michael *******
doesn’t mean everyone has a smooth ride, does it?Donald **********
@Sasha **********
People whinging on many of these forums are not open to change. Because they bent the rules, using agents, 10-20 years ago, they can’t accept that the Thai government is clamping down and using modern technology and databases to do so. Likely all driven by money laundering by foreign criminals but also an opportunity to clean up the system.David *******
@Sasha **********
Also can be interpreted that a minority are having problems because they're trying to cut corners and not play by the book! Remember, in these groups you generally hear only from the whiners. There's tens of thousands cruising through year after year with no issuesNick ************
@David ******
we are not talking about years gone by. We are talking about NOW!David *******
@Nick ***********
Yes. Things have changed this year. Can now get the Bangkok Bank 12-month statement through the app - so that saves ordering it from the branch and waiting five days and going back to collect it, and the time taken at CW for a 12-month extension - this year in and out in 35 minutes - a record for me!Nick ************
@David ******
old news I did that last year and my IO was quite content with it. I have done everything by the book but they still freeze my account. As I am in the UK there is nothing I can do about it until I get back. Any bank that prevents access to my money with no notice at all is NOT one I will continue to do business with. Both my other Thai accounts are functioning as normal. I'm done.Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
David *******
@Sasha **********
Who?Peter ********
David Scott ME. Some on here speak absolute crap and clearly have little idea. I have a 20 year privilege visa obtained with no agent involvement. I went to Nakhon Phanom immigration to get the one year stamp renewed. I was told it was easier if I went to the friendship bridge and crossed into Laos and came back. I said I have all the paperwork, copies etc that you need. I was told to go to Laos as it was easier. Yes easier for the immigration office as they don’t have to do anything. So as it was clear it was my only option I did . Bus across the bridge , pay for a visa , get quizzed why I was there for just one day , finally got visa then wait for a bus for 2 hours before back to Thailand. And the immigration guy Thai side was great but 5 hours wasted when if the office had done it was probably an hour. But because I left the country I then had to go back to immigration with 24 hours to get TM30 notification of residence for foreigners so another 3 hours with travelling wasted the next day.
So don’t preach about problems are cause by using agents or trying to take short cuts or cut corners . All my paperwork was correct but Nakhon Phanom did not want to deal with it. Maybe I was unlucky. All I can hope is that karma gets you idiots that think everyone is trying to cheat the system
So don’t preach about problems are cause by using agents or trying to take short cuts or cut corners . All my paperwork was correct but Nakhon Phanom did not want to deal with it. Maybe I was unlucky. All I can hope is that karma gets you idiots that think everyone is trying to cheat the system
Nick ************
@David ******
me for one!David *******
@Nick ***********
That's ONE - any advance on ONE?Chris ************
@David ******
who ? Anyone who used bangkok bank to start.David *******
@Chris ***********
I'm with Bangkok Bank! No problems, just like the tens of thousands of expats who are unaffected! 😂😂Sylvia ********
@David ******
to date only affects accounts opened since 2023 so I'm also not affectedSasha ***********
Scroll through the 800 posts about this topic and read the comments of people pulling their hair out regarding different rules from different immigration officers, yet peeps providing correct documents as required!
Lynnette *******
@Sasha **********
if you're so convinced it's too difficult and other countries are better, then you have got your answer. Thousands live happily on their chosen methods of stay.Sylvia ********
@Sasha **********
Yes one friend was angry and asked me to go with him to unlock his bank account. Found he had not followed the requirements (been online dozens of times for 6 months) phone number wrong, new Sim never registered it to passport nor bank, also moved condo and now advised change of address. Many are self inflicted and appears to be those who used an agent. If you bring funds, follow the procedure no problemReply to
Sylvia ********
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