Answereda year ago
What are the new Bangkok Bank requirements for proof of funds related to visa extensions?
Just read this and thought useful for some who deal with Bangkok Bank
Bangkok bank told us that since 1 July, they require you to have the money in your account for 4 months (!!), before they can issue a letter that confirms proof of funds for various visas. And if you do not meet this 4 month requirement, they will lock the funds in your account for an additional 4 months, before you can access it; while giving you the right papers that you need for immigration (proof of funds for 2 months). Its not an immigration or visa requirement, but rather a banking requirement to deter money laundering and people using agents (that is what they told us)
Bangkok bank told us that since 1 July, they require you to have the money in your account for 4 months (!!), before they can issue a letter that confirms proof of funds for various visas. And if you do not meet this 4 month requirement, they will lock the funds in your account for an additional 4 months, before you can access it; while giving you the right papers that you need for immigration (proof of funds for 2 months). Its not an immigration or visa requirement, but rather a banking requirement to deter money laundering and people using agents (that is what they told us)
Answer summary
As of July 1, Bangkok Bank requires that funds must remain in a customer's account for 4 months before the bank issues a letter confirming the proof of funds necessary for various visa applications. Failure to maintain the funds for the required period results in the funds being locked for an additional 4 months. This policy is not an immigration requirement but a banking measure aimed at deterring money laundering and agent use. The community has raised concerns regarding the impact of these banking policies on expats, suggesting potential challenges for visa extensions and the feasibility of banking at Bangkok Bank.
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Robin *******
Have considered changing banks
Kan ******
@Robin ******
yes right but even with my OA visa I was able to open an account only at Bangkok Bank
Neil ********
OP@Robin ******
well yes they messed things up, got a slap and now being more awkward than any of the others. KBank great
Kevin ******
It is true, and it is a bank policy, not immigration. I mentioned this with a photo of the notice from the bank and someone accused me of fabricating it 555.
Michael *********
It is now looking like I will not retire in Thailand.
Michael *********
@Andy ***********
Hope it will be easy if I meet all requirementsDavid *******
@Michael ********
Thailand is the best retirement decision I made
Steve *****
i have had a Bangkok Bank account for 9 years i just don't understand why Bangkok Bank are interfering with immigration business most people know the rules you have 800 thousand in your account for 3 months before or can prove you have 65 thousand a month freezing peoples accounts is totally wrong i opened a account with krung thai it was very easy i will close my bangkok bank as i think its liberty telling me when i can spend my money and rezzing accounts is totally wrong
David *******
@Steve ****
They're only freezing those which have previously abused the system. I've used BB for years, and I don't have any problem with them
Giraffe *********
Correct
Ling *****
A lot of Visa Agents are not using Bangkok Bank anymore for the same reasons mentioned here.
Nongnuch ********
it is doubtful that this will stop agents to front money for retirement visa applications for people who don't have own funds. They just don't use the Bangkok Bank any more. Other banks, at least for now, don't follow these absurd rules
Roberto *********
Bangkok Bank apparently has had a gutful of being used by visa agents, and are clamping down on their staff taking bribes. It reflects badly on the bank so they're the first to deal with the scam, but I imagine the others will follow
Neil ********
OP@Roberto ********
yep. The bank staff cause the problem and the Falange pay for it. Usual Thai posture to blame othersRoberto *********
@Neil *******
But it only affects those that are abusing the banking system. Those that do the right thing are unaffectedMalcolm *****
@Roberto ********
“apparently”Roberto *********
@Malcolm ****
Yes, it's scaring the crap out of people using visa agents to pay bribes on their behalf. Those doing the right thing are unaffected!Malcolm *****
Can you share the written confirmation of this Neil Fowell or anyone else?
Malcolm *****
@Roberto ********
Brandon Thurkettle yep - if it’s everywhere, why won’t someone just post the offical letter from Bangkok Bank?
Brandon ************
@Malcolm ****
there's lots of other posts about this including photos of the notice at the bank and the new form. Just search for itMalcolm *****
@Brandon ***********
yep - if it’s everywhere, why won’t someone just post the offical letter from Bangkok Bank?Malcolm *****
@Brandon ***********
being lazy? Haha. I searched for a copy of the Bangkok Bank letter in several forums and could not find it.Brandon ************
@Malcolm ****
Because they ALREADY HAVE. Stop being lazy and expecting us to do all the work for you that has already been done.Kan ******
So let's say you want to extend your OA visa the 1st of September, you put your 800k the 1st of June in order to meet the immigration requirements (3 months). From 01st of June to 01st of September is 3 months as required but the bank will not give you the paper, so how can you extend your visa ?
Brandon ************
@Kan *****
no one said they won't give you the paper. They said they'll require you to freeze the funds in your account for 4 months in order to get the paperKan ******
Pete *******
@Kan *****
the bank will give you the required documents on the day you request them.Max *************
@Kan *****
1) Immigrations requirement is 2 months prior to the day you apply for the extension. 2) Good question,ask your branch. It's basically a catch-22.
Alan *******
Thanks for the clear first-hand description. Regarding "they require you to have the money in your account for 4 months", do you know if it strictly 800k balance requirement for 4 months or what if for the months previous you maintained a progessively increasing balance above, say, 600k.
Max *************
@Alan ******
It's 800k in your account 4 months prior to the day you apply for the 1 year extension to obtain the bank letter.Nongnuch ********
@Max ************
It's 800k in your account 4 months prior to the day you apply for the 1 year extension to obtain the bank letter which confirms that the 800k have been sitting in the account for 2 months 😉Max *************
@Nongnuch *******
Imo,only clueless people uses agents.I have my money (+ some more) for immigration in an FDA at Bangkok Bank.But I also have money back home since many years in both an FDA and savings accounts. It's a perfect setup for me.Nongnuch ********
@Max ************
same with me, I got 800,000+ in my SCB account since 17 years (when I turned 50) and been doing yearly extensions for the usual 1900 THB. I don't care when people try to tell me that paying agents is cheaper than the loss of interest for 24,000 USD in a fixed term account back home. I like my sound sleep knowing I am doing everything by the bookMax *************
@Nongnuch *******
That confirmation isn't probably what Bangkok Bank means by this strange new rule. The reason might be borrowed money from agents,and they want to make it harder for them. I don't know,and I really don't care. It doesn't affect me the least. I've had my money in my accounts many years.Alan *******
@Max ************
thanks. It sure seems like they would be able to tell from the account activity whether or not it's laundering or otherwise illegitimate. But as long as they give the option to lock rhe funds for the necessary time after - my renewal comes up soon...Will ********
Why notbapply to the Thai embassy in your own country and get your visa squared away before going?
Jeremy ******
@Will *******
it still needs to be in the bank for extension purposes.Pete *******
@Will *******
it applies to in country extensions
Laurie ***********
thieving buggers, a nice bit of interest for them...
David *******
@Laurie **********
How is it thieving? Stupid commentBrandon ************
@Laurie **********
you're required to keep the money in your account for 3 months after you get your extension, and then it can never drop below 400,000. How is one extra month of 400,000 baht a huge inconvenience?Max *************
@Laurie **********
You need the same money in your account anyway.
Jesper *******
Is this for every bangkok branch? Or only some branch? I have a bangkok bank acct since 2017 but only did the 800k in 2022 my balance have gone less den 800k only for the month of June'25 and top up over 800k in july'25 ...I'm applying for extension in September does bangkok bank provide me the letter?
Pete *******
@Jesper ******
you will get the letter regardlessMalcolm *****
What sort of bank does this?
Nick ************
I've done with BB when I get back to Thailand. No bank suspends my account with no notice and then expects me to continue doing business with them.
Nick ************
@Malcolm ****
the sort of bank that suspends your account with no notice!David *******
@Nick ***********
Santander did it to me in the UK as they suspected I was no longer UK resident. A phone call sorted it out. It's a worldwide trend nowDavid *******
@Nick ***********
I was there only a month ago, getting a new book. Everything fine. Have used QR scan four times in the last week and three transfers. No problem at all!Nick ************
@Andy ***********
I would visit your branch before you get problems.Nick ************
@Andy ***********
no tried that. Copies of everything sent. They have said that the only way to sort the issue is in person.David *******
@Nick ***********
That's very strange as there appears to be no red flags on your account. I also use the monthly transfer method, but I've had no problems with BB since this banking issue started. Will they accept a scanned copy of your passport? Your branch will have a copy of your passport data page anyway, so it's only a case of matching one with the other.Nick ************
@Andy ***********
No. The original point of getting the account was to use monthly transfers instead if banked money. BB are more likely to show transfers using Wise as international which they have for the last 18 months. I got my last extension based on monthly transfers to Bangkok Bank last Februaruy. The account was opened on an extension based on banked money in a different account but also at local immigration.The bank have said someone else can present the required documents at my bank branch but one of them is my passport. How do they think I got to the UK without my passport?! It is absurd.
David *******
@Nick ***********
So you've never used your account for an agency-obtained extension?Nick ************
@Andy ***********
I get my stamp in the same town as the branch that holds my account. There is no excuse for suspending my mobile app without notice. I've sent them copies of documents and I am waiting to hear back. Holiday there yesterday I think.David *******
@Nick ***********
I didn't get four months with Santander - that was instant. However, a phone call fixed it. I've had no issues with Bangkok Bank, it might be those who use agents that are falling foul of the new rules. I've never used agents so it appears I'm "above suspicion"Nick ************
@Andy ***********
yes I had a uk bank account closed but they gave me 4 months notice so I had plenty of time to make other arrangements. Bangkok Bank gave me no notice at all.Pete *******
@Malcolm ****
banks trying to protect themselves from fraudulent practices.Ling *****
@Pete ******
well in Australia we comply to all international standards against money laundering and I can assure that i can order a statement online anytime without any problems at all. In fact I did just that for my non o visa on the evisa application, pdf issued and forwarded to the Sydney Consulate.Malcolm *****
@Pete ******
so this practice happens in banks all over the world does it?David *******
@Malcolm ****
Similar practices occur. The whole worldwide banking industry is undergoing a shake-up. If you're doing the right thing there's nothing to worry about
Jay *******
@Malcolm ****
banking in Thailand is going through big changes. Everyone just needs to weather the storm. It's going to be more difficult and confusing until they get everything lined out. Anyone expecting clarity or continuity is going to be greatly disappointed for a while.Pete *******
@Malcolm ****
no as other countries have more developed legislation.
Ken *******
Quite confusing.. I transfer my pension through Wise to Bangkok Bank every month but I dont use it for a visa so I dont require statements. I use it for every day living hope they are not going to lock this away for 4 months every month..
Frank *********
@Ken ******
it's almost as if they make everything confusing on purpose these days, govt and banks. Western minds have difficulty following all these erratic changesMark ********
@Frank ********
I don't find the changes "erratic". Those doing the right thing are completely unaffected. It's only those hellbent on paying bribes to get visa extensions that are melting down over this, as it appears to be the beginning of the end for many suspect visas
Lynnette *******
@Frank ********
why is it difficult for a western mind to follow this bank's rule?Mark ********
@Lynnette ******
Correct. I don't find this tightening of policy to be erratic and difficult to follow. It's easy enough. Keep the 800k in the account for two months before and three months after extension date, and 400k the rest of the year and your account will never be frozen and you will get your letter and your statementLynnette *******
@Frank ********
I'm the one who does comprehend. Lol.Frank *********
@Lynnette ******
i guess you just can not comprehendLynnette *******
@Frank ********
I have. It's not difficult to understand and I've posted accordingly. I don't need your approval fortunately.Frank *********
@Lynnette ******
read what it says exactly and then comment accordingly if you mustDavid *******
@Frank ********
The only people this will affect are those using dodgy agents to get extension. And it's about time tooDavid *******
@Frank ********
The banks will no longer support fraudulent actions. There's nothing wrong with that. Why should a bank put its licence and reputation on the line to support cheap foreigners. Makes no senseFrank *********
@Andy ***********
and what's wrong with that? It's the way of the nationMax *************
@Andy ***********
Yeah,that's what I thought when I read about it the first time.Lynnette *******
@Ken ******
edited my comment: as the op says, that is bangkok banks rule for issuing letter for immigration. So doesn't apply to you.Max *************
@Lynnette ******
It's about issuing the bank letter,not a bank statement.Lynnette *******
@Max ************
🤦 I know. Already clarified that.Max *************
@Lynnette ******
A bank letter is only needed when you're using the money in the bank-method.Lynnette *******
@Max ************
I'll amend the word. From statement to "letter". Fortunately I think he knew what I meant.Pete *******
@Ken ******
no they will not.Neil ********
OPSo I guess if you come on a short term visa you will not be able to open an account and have the money in place in time without locking it away for 4 months
Stuart *********
Lots of posts about this. Yep it’s a Bangkok Bank thing and nothing to do with immigration or any changes in laws or requirements.
Nothing you can do about their new requirement other than comply or get an account with another bank.
Other banks may implement this in the future (or they may not).
Nothing you can do about their new requirement other than comply or get an account with another bank.
Other banks may implement this in the future (or they may not).
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