Bangkok Bank or others causing you issues? Many thousands affected. It is singling out foreigners without any evidence and it is maybe breaking the Thai consumer rights laws.
Make a formal complaint here...
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Foreigners in Thailand are facing significant challenges with Bangkok Bank, which is reportedly singling them out without justification, potentially violating consumer rights laws. Users are encouraged to lodge formal complaints through the relevant regulatory authority. Discussions highlight concerns about the necessity of having proper visa types to open bank accounts and share experiences of accounts being frozen unexpectedly, leading to skepticism about banking services for expatriates.
Not the banks making anything they just comply with the Authorities.
Ran ****
I am on Non immigrant visa(married) sim card on my name. My account was frozen 3 days ago. Today I went bank. Cant withdrawal my money. They say the need 1 week for investigation to open it. I have not done any doggy transfers or simila... Only sent once money for visa extension.
Richard *******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Krung thai seem to be quite popular. I still had a problem with them. I had multiple proofs of ID and address, including new TM30. Their own website never listed a resident certificate but the staff at my local bank insisted I must get a resident certificate. Their customer services insisted, despite whatever rules they list on their website the local branch always has full discretion to ask for anything else they choose to. I am a retired Thai uni tutor, my house owners are local vips, I have broken no rules done it all correctly snd no evidence produced anywhere by anyone for concerns, so another wait until Monday maybe to collect resident certificate from local immigration office.
when I tried in July Bangkok Bank refused me an account saying they would only give me a bank account when i had extended my visa. I went to K Bank and had no issues. A lot of the problems seem to be coming with Bangkok bank.
I live in North. Nan city. We had letter from immigration to open bank. We went 4 different banks only Bangkok Bank was willing to open it. Most of them were saying the want to see Yellow Book or work premit. Even Bangkok bank asked too many documents for us, took few days to run around and collect all the necessary documents.
that's one of the main issues I can see with the whole banking system in Thailand. City to city and branch to branch seem to have no consistency, they don't have a base set of rules to follow and for so long they've just kinda made it up as they go. I think a lot of problems nowadays are because of that. Now they are trying to implement a base set of standards and they are realising so many of their accounts never met any.
some were, some were or, some on a OA or different. Some being hit, some not. Some contacted, some not. Some think they will never have a problem... and next, bam. Good luck.
I was asking because I know a lot of the people who are now having issues, not all of them, are people who opened bank accounts when they weren't entitled to one, they got them because the banks were poorly controlled or used loopholes to get them.
i think there was no rule at the time they opened them, the decision was an after thought. And some who have non O and OA visas when they opened are being told their accounts are frozen or being closed, but without explanation of any reason, or any evidence for any cause for concern.
I opened mine on a visa exemption and the rules were clear at the time that it was permitted. Since changing to non immigrant O this is the 3rd time to sign and submit the same documentation required to prove my I'd, the banks choose not to give any reason, so I feel disinclined to believe any explanations off Facebook. I see cases of new OA visa holders who are now having their new accounts closed a few weeks after opening. No communication, no reason, no evidence of any wrong doing or rules being violated. Many millions of baht are leaving as a result.
I've also seen some of newly opened accounts also getting frozen. Unfortunately most people don't update their posts with what the final outcome was so we can't learn from, and help people, based on others experiences. A very common cause for accounts being frozen is the wrong name on the SIM, a friend of mine had this and it took him a branch visit, a visit to ais, another bank visit and then a 1 week waiting period to get his account bank.
The requirements for some visas is to deposit a specific amount in a Thai account for a specific time. Yet now, many are having problems any acvount without having a long term visa. Have you heard of the book Catch 22? Same, same but different.
Sharine *****************
First of all, why do you need to open up a bank account in a foreign bank if you’re underneath a Tourist visa. Only one should be open up a bank account is the ones that have a retirement visa or a long-term visa and after seeing all this, I’m gonna be skeptical of opening up any bank account. I don’t think I wanna open up no bank account and I get up the next morning and somebody have basically froze 25 or more thousands of my dollars. Why can’t you just have your own banks account if you are a foreigner.
asking for an explanation can just be met with silence. Trying to understand why many things are done like they are is something not even many Thai nationals or staff at some of the businesses and bodies say they understand. Even talking about it can make some angry that you should even have an opinion or ask a question, they seem to consider it some kind of threat against the general order. Some may say it is all designed to milk more from foreigners and make those in power gain more wealth, and keep those in poverty where they are. Critical thinking or questioning can be met with differing levels of intolerance, or worse, although not all responses are this way, some are quite understanding and as confused as the rest of us.
Reply to
Richard *******************
Reply
Naja ***********
Hahaha and Bangkok Bank was once condisdered "the best bank for foreigners". By who, I think the foreigners themselves.
it was because it's the only bank that allows foreigners to open acct with tourist visa NOW they are filtering those genuine long term visa holders against those that shouldn't have acct at all .....only those that are affected are making lots of noise
so they created this shitstorm for themselves by allowing tourists to open accounts. Now they have to close them all. Are these the actions of a "best bank"?
they created this OR the foriegmers trying to beat the system? I've been there and was happy that I was able to open a acct back in 2018 with a tourist visa(no agent) changed my status immediately after covid and never have any problems all these years and I still think they are one of the best....maybe it's about 1% of foriegmers affected the rest of the 99% couldn't care less
erm, lots of justified concerns. Freezing accounts without any communication, explanation, or evidence of any concerns, that's a pretty good reason for concern. And how about those who opened acvounts on a long term visa and are now having them nit just frozen, but closed, again without any communication or explanation. And how about the banks' codes of conduct and service specifications? Why even bother, just make it up as you go along and no need for any care or concern about anyone, including anyone with vulnerabilities.
your comment is bizarre. Nobody here is trying to do what you suggest. You seem a little but wired. Maybe you should go. Thailand has its rules, including consumer rights and banking standards and procedures. Why do you think that might be? It sounds like you have got no eye deer. How do you suppose anyone can close a frozen account? "I am Jesper and you will follow my orders..." ???
Thailand's Consumer Protection Act grants consumers five fundamental rights: the right to safety, the right to information, the right to choose, the right to a fair contract, and the right to seek redress for damages. These rights are enforced by the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), which can handle complaints, mediate disputes, and take legal action against businesses that violate these consumer protections. Consumers should keep records, report issues, and know that they have avenues to resolve problems with goods and services.
Key Consumer Rights
1. Right to Safety:
Consumers have the right to purchase products and services that are safe and will not cause harm to their life, body, or property when used correctly.
2. Right to Information:
Businesses must provide consumers with accurate and adequate information about the quality, price, features, and terms of sale for goods and services.
3. Right to Choose:
Consumers are free to select goods and services from the market without coercion or unfair persuasion.
4. Right to a Fair Contract:
Contracts between consumers and businesses must not contain unfair or exploitative clauses.
5. Right to Redress:
Consumers have the right to seek remedies, such as refunds, replacements, or compensation, for damages or harm caused by faulty products or services.
How to Seek Redress
File a Complaint:
You can file a complaint with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) through its online platform, call center (1166 or 02-141-3490), or by email.
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
The OCPB often offers mediation and other dispute resolution services to help resolve issues with businesses.
Legal Action:
If mediation fails, the OCPB can appoint a legal officer or public prosecutor to initiate civil or criminal actions on behalf of the consumer.
What You Can Do
Check Labels and Information:
Pay attention to product labels and descriptions to ensure you have all the necessary information.
Keep Records:
Retain receipts, warranties, and other relevant documents related to your purchases.
Report Issues:
Report defective or unsafe products to the OCPB or other relevant authorities, like the FDA.
How about you read the Terms And Conditions of operating a bank account with Bangkok Bank? They have the right (which every account holder agreed to) to freeze an account if they believe there is any breach of the law or bank policies.