Answereda year ago
What are the signs that my Bangkok Bank account has been frozen?
What are the signs that your Bangkok Bank account has been frozen? Today I was unable to pay for a ฿79 lunch so paid cash then I tried cardless cash withdrawals at two ATMs that also failed. Now I'm waiting with a ticket at a branch to ask. If it has been frozen then I believe I need to go to my account branch?
Answer summary
Signs your Bangkok Bank account may be frozen include being unable to make payments, failed ATM withdrawals, and a lack of notifications in the banking app. If you suspect your account is frozen, it's best to visit the branch where you opened your account, bringing necessary documents like your passport and proof of residence. Be prepared for potential delays in account access after resolving the issue.
61 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Edward ********
Your account is definitely locked.
I'm speaking from experience,you need to take passport bank book and house book or rental agreement, be prepared to wait at least 3 weeks after supplying documents for account to be unlocked. Can only go to bank you opened account with
I'm speaking from experience,you need to take passport bank book and house book or rental agreement, be prepared to wait at least 3 weeks after supplying documents for account to be unlocked. Can only go to bank you opened account with
Paul *********
Mine got locked Friday night. No indication in the app or email notification. When I tried to pay i got a message like invalid recipient.
Had to wait till Monday to go to the branch I opened the account from.
Wrong visa so account was closed.
Bangkok Bank...
Had to wait till Monday to go to the branch I opened the account from.
Wrong visa so account was closed.
Bangkok Bank...
Gianburrasca ********
@Pa**
, did they gave your money in the account back?
Fabio *******
@Paul ********
unpolite bank, it's not the right way, it's better when everything will be ok change BankNelson ******
OP@Paul ********
that's likely what is happening to me. Now queuing at my branch with paperwork.Paul *********
@Nelson *****
guy next me from the UK had a 12 month student visa. They checked his passport, saw the 90 day stamp and refused to unlock his account. Said it must be 12 months, he said it is but they stamp every 90 days. They said no and closed his account. I am sure they make this up as they go along.....Peter ***********
@Paul ********
University gets 12 months, language school 90 daysPaul *********
@Peter ********
the passport stamp identifies which it is? I genuinely do not know.Peter ***********
@Paul ********
Not really. It's already been reported weeks ago that university ED visas are good for bank accounts whereas language schools are notRobert *****
It's hard to understand why any foreigner or Thai for that matter would continue doing business with BKKB....gotta be the most non customer friendly bank in the whole world.
Gary ********
@Robert ****
I've had no issues at all and I had been ot of the country 16 months went to branch last week only thing was I had my passport renewed just let them photo copy it and signed told me they will never close it if I'm in the country or not. So don't know what the fuss is about.
Ron **********
@Gary *******
just hope that your bank doesn't block you accountGary ********
All accounts in Bangkok bank that where frozen are being opened up again i was told
Gary ********
@Ron *********
I've been into the branch they said they won't close it
Yo***
@Gary *******
Did you actually have transactions from your bank account or to your bank account? any in and out? it is often or very rare? and how much do you have in your thai bank account? it depends, but normally if there is few only left in the account, or very rare transactions, the bank does not care of this.
Perry *********
@Gary *******
Well if you are here retired and your account is frozen maybe you would understand what the fuss is.Perry *********
@Gary *******
Gary you can consider yourself lucky. My account was frozen for no reason.Gary ********
@Perry ********
what I mean is why have they are people keeping something from everyone because I've had no problem have they been only closing certain ones if so for what reason ?
Terary **********
@Robert ****
It's because of competition.. What are you going to do- go elsewhere?Robert *****
The only people having problems are the people who don't qualify.
Sue **********
@Robert ****
Yes but years ago it was the only bank where you could open a bank acc. as a tourist without agent or visa by just paying a one year lifeinsurance 😉
Nick *******
@Sue *********
Rubbish. I've had bank accounts with Krungsri & Scb last 16 yrs. And Kasikorn has always been the easiest bank to open an accRobert *****
@Sue *********
that must have been a lot of years ago....cuz I've been banking with SCB since 2001. And I also don't understand why a real tourist would need a local bank account anyhow.
Donald **********
@Nelson *****
No picking on you but so many people have been skirting on the edge of legality who are now totally outraged that Thailand is clamping down! There seems to be this pie in the sky belief that everything’s going to return to the old ways, but with shared, digitised information, that’s not very likely. The widespread abuse of the DTV is now under scrutiny so it should come as no surprise if there is a change coming there too. Big corruption allegations coming out about links between Cambodian casinos and Thai government officials too. To retain any credibility, while surrounded by corrupt regimes where people trafficking is the norm, Thailand has to rise above this.Peter ***********
@Nelson *****
Ironically, in the eyes of banks and immigration, retirement visas holders are better than DTV holders!Nelson ******
OP@Donald *********
don't get me wrong I'm not arguing with what's happening just looking for clarificationDonald **********
@Nelson *****
In the eyes of the Thai authorities, Elite and DTV visa holders are tourists, or what would you describe yourselves as?Nelson ******
OP@Robert ****
ooh so harsh, just because you may have a retirement visa doesn't make you better than us who don't.Robert *****
@Nelson *****
a real tourist is someone that comes for a short term holiday and has no intention of remaining in the country for an extended period of time and has a permanent residence in their home country. So called digital nomads and the like are NOT tourists. If you want to stay long term, then suck it up and meet the qualifications for a legit non O immigrant visa. The rules regarding bank accounts for those other visa types were clearly explained at the time of issue and have not changed. Learn to read and follow the rules.Nelson ******
OP@Peter ********
I might just fall back to carrying cashPeter ***********
@Nelson *****
Kasikorn have updated their criteria for bank accounts. It's got to be a non-immigrant visa nowNelson ******
OP@Robert ****
what's a real tourist? I think the definitions are confusing matters. Just because DTV and Elite Visa holders are holding so-called tourist visas it doesn't make them tourists. As long stay foreigners we saw an opportunity to use a Thai bank account and took it. Now they've changed the rules then that's fine we'll just have to work around it.
Tree *******
That’s the way I found out. Well, that and a message at the top of the bank app when I opened it. Yes, you’ll need to visit the branch you opened the account. We just did this 2 weeks ago and still frozen. They said 2-3 weeks 🥴
What I want to know is how will I know when my account is unfrozen? I’ve heard the bank will send an email but I’m certainly not holding my breath for that.
What I want to know is how will I know when my account is unfrozen? I’ve heard the bank will send an email but I’m certainly not holding my breath for that.
Phil ******
@Tree ******
they have numbers now to unfreeze. From my friend Greg. 🇹🇭 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐠’𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭: 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐞𝐬More and more foreigners in Thailand are facing the same nightmare: accounts suddenly frozen.
No warning. No access. No way to pay bills or even buy lunch.
So… what’s your Plan B?
✅ Smart Safeguards
Multi-Currency Debit Cards
Wise →
*************************
Revolut → revolut.com
N26 → n26.com
Payoneer → payoneer.com
Remitly → remitly.com
Hold THB or auto-convert from USD/EUR at real rates. Works at 7-Eleven, Big C, and ATMs. Add to Apple Pay/Google Pay → scan Thai QR codes like locals.
Keep an Overseas Account Active
Don’t close your home account. Link your Wise/Revolut card to spend in Thailand. Even if your local account freezes, you’re still liquid.
Fintech Platforms
Use Wise, Payoneer, or Remitly for cross-border bill payments and transfers. Faster and cheaper than SWIFT.
Local Anchors
Property ownership, marriage visas, or long-term visas give stronger eligibility. Banks are far less likely to target these than tourist accounts.
Split Your Risk
Don’t rely on one bank. Keep part overseas, part in fintech, part local. If one channel freezes, the others keep you going.
❄️ If Your Account Is Frozen
Call 1441 → press 2 (anti-scam/unfreeze hotline)
If unresolved, escalate via BOT hotline 1213 (Financial Consumer Protection Center).
File a complaint with BOT’s Financial Consumer Protection Center (FCC):
Call 1213 or email
*************
Submit via BOT Helps & Complaints portal
Include passport, account number, branch, visa, proof of address, and evidence of legitimate transactions.
Visit your original branch with:
Passport & visa docs
Proof of Thai address
Thai mobile number in your name
Bank statements / recent transaction evidence
Show proof of legal status (work, retirement, marriage, long-term visa).
Ask the bank to release only the “suspicious portion” of funds (per BOT guidance).
⚠️ Reality Check
Crackdowns on mule accounts and scams are driving this — but many innocent foreigners are caught in the net.
👉 Don’t wait until your account is frozen. Build your backup plan now.
Alan *****
It’s been frozen 😳😳😳
Colin **********
Call thier hotline
Harry ********
It gives no indication that your has been frozen I went to the nearest branch with all requested documentation and got it unfrozen about 24 hrs later all good
Wayne *********
@Edward *******
3 weeks BB I had mine unlocked less than an hourEdward ********
@Wayne ********
were you in Pattaya
Chris *****
@Edward *******
my BB account in Pattaya, locked on 19 Aug, unlocked 5 Sept.
Bent *************
@Edward *******
Pattaya is the capital of money laundering and economic crime!
David ********
@Bent ************
So Pattaya is the capitol of the world's second oldest profession too?🤣Steve ******
@Edward *******
exactly same as you had to travel from sakon nakhon to pattaya nearly 3 weeks ago still not heard anything 🙉🙉Edward ********
@Steve *****
mine took 18 days, if his account was in Pattaya he's in for a rude awakeningAlan *****
@Harry *******
so you can go to any branch to get it unfrozen. I’d have thought that you would have to go to the branch where you opened it.
Barry *********
It should say something at the top of BB app when you open it
Leonid ***********
My account is frozen (confirmed by BB branch), but anything in the app. So if you're unable to use QR code, ATM, and debit card - it's frozen.
Nelson ******
OP@Barry ********
strange, mine doesn't have anything in that bulletin box.Yo***
@Nelson *****
me tooBarry *********
@Nelson *****
mine had a yellow box at the top telling me to go to branch I opened my accountYo***
@Steve *****
at least you got a sign that your account is frozen. I never had it at all. Just I can not use my money at all.Steve ******
@Yo***
I only realised when I went to pay for a parcel delivered to my house I'd already checked my account see what money I had in,I went to scan for my parcel wouldn't accepted it so I paid cash then looked at my account again and the message came up 🙉🙉
Matt *******
@Steve *****
What are you supposed to do if the branch you opened your account has permanently closed?Steve ******
@Matt ******
you tell me 🙉they wanted me to stay in pattaya until it was sorted,I went to the bank the next day put my mrs on the phone she said I want my husband home tomorrow,she has 3 accounts with them and said close my accounts and transfer the money to kasikorn,they asked her not to close the accounts told me to go back to sakon nakhon and they will contact us by phone 🤣🤣🤣
Chris ************
@Steve *****
it only comes up sometimesChris ************
@Steve *****
the notification that your presence is required in the branch you opened your account.Steve ******
@Chris ***********
what does 🤔
Roberto *********
Which visa do you have?
Activity
30 joined30
people
Related
25Can I file my TM47 report in Samut Prakan or do I need to go to the Bangkok Immigration Office?
792762mo
What challenges have expats faced when trying to update bank account details with Bangkok Bank in Thailand?
8.2k341843mo
What should I expect when I go to Bangkok Bank to verify my identity with a tourist visa?
9.3k90804mo
Why was I denied a bank account in Thailand despite holding a 5-year DTV visa?
11.2k612165mo
What are the safest Thai banks for expats to avoid account freezes?
15.2k1241886mo
Have accounts at Bangkok Bank been frozen for users not having the banking app?
3.6k27281y
What does the error message AB09 from Bangkok Bank indicate about my account status?
6k49371y
Can I keep my Bangkok Bank account with a DTV visa after it has been frozen?
4.2k36371y
What are the issues expats face with Bangkok Bank's account freezing policy?
24.8k1134771y
What experiences have others had with frozen bank accounts in Thailand?
15.7k403441y
Are bank accounts being opened at Bangkok Bank after the lockdown?
7.2k70431y
What should I do if my Bangkok Bank account is locked and I'm not near my branch?
15.1k129951y
Are bank accounts from Bangkok Bank being rejected for Retirement Visa applications in Hua Hin?
6.1k56471y
Can I obtain a bank letter for my visa extension from any Bangkok Bank branch?
3.8k28341y
Why are Bangkok Bank accounts being frozen for DTV visa holders, and what are the alternatives?
14.2k1291181y
How can I resolve my locked Bangkok Bank account after two weeks with no feedback?
7.4k59741y
How can I open a Thai bank account with a DTV Visa?
2.7k11202y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand as a tourist, and what is the process?
3.9k27312y
What is the easiest way for expats to open a bank account in Thailand?
33.2k2614063y
What documents do I need to open a bank account on a student visa in Thailand?
2.4k18153y
Can I open a bank account with a 90-day O visa in Thailand, and where is the best place to do so?
1.6k1263y
Can I open a bank account in Hua Hin on a tourist visa without mandatory accident insurance?
4.3k37323y
How can I open a bank account in Thailand with a tourist visa?
20k1831773y
What do I need to open a bank account in Thailand while on a Tourist Visa?
6k50546y
Can I open a Thai bank account with a tourist visa?
1.9k7308y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served