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What can my friend do about his frozen Bangkok Bank account while living in the UK?
Bangkok BankFrozen Bank AccountsVisa and Banking IssuesExpat Financial ServicesThailand Banking Regulations
Oct 12, 2025
7 months ago
Pete **********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnd again - Bangkok bank problems. A freind of mine who now lives in the uk has had his Bangkok bank account frozen. He opened it circa twenty years ago when he used to do business in Thailand - but now only visits as a tourist. He now wants to just close the account and take the money in it out. However has been told as it’s frozen he can not close it! Question is what can he do?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A friend living in the UK has his Bangkok Bank account frozen and wishes to close it. Various suggestions are made regarding this, including that he must visit Thailand in person with proper identification to resolve the issue with the bank. Some comments also suggest exploring the possibility of hiring a local attorney to act on his behalf, while others question the reasons behind the account freeze, implying there may have been potential issues such as fraudulent activity.
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Fred *********
Just need passport and bank book to withdraw the money to anyone 😂
Peter ********
Why did they freeze his account? A bank wouldn't freeze an old account like that without reason?
There are 2 things he can do.
1. Ask on Facebook and get lots of different answers.
2. Go to the bank and ask. There he will get all the info he needs.
My friend has a business account here, but lives in UK. His account here was frozen as there were signs of fraudulent activity. He went to the bank and it was sorted out.
There are 2 things he can do.
1. Ask on Facebook and get lots of different answers.
2. Go to the bank and ask. There he will get all the info he needs.
My friend has a business account here, but lives in UK. His account here was frozen as there were signs of fraudulent activity. He went to the bank and it was sorted out.
Frank *********
@Peter *******
with the bank employee not knowing what to do or making things up as they go, add to that the miscommunication i doubt that he will get the info he needsReinhard ********
@Peter *******
Believe me!They do.If my account would be Frozen,I would inform the police that they want to steel my money.Would be interesting to see what happens.555Peter ********
@Reinhard *******
They are not stealing your money. No one has lost any money and if they did, it would be a case for the police. They are simply freezing the account until the holder meets the right criteria. Yes, it is annoying, but there have been so many "mule" accounts and other frauds. I have 3 bank accounts I Thailand and all 3 " reminded" me of the rules about telephone number and bank account being in the same name. I went with proof of this and 5 minutes in each place, everything was corrected. I had a bank account " frozen " in a European country where I lived and worked for 25 years, and have 2 children there. It was frozen because I didn't live there anymore. A simple call to the bank and they told me to transfer all the money to Thailand even though I travel to that country 3 or 4 times a year to visit my kids. Yes, it's annoying, but these rules exist because there are so many people who abuse the system. Btw, we still don't know why the OP's account is frozen.Reply to
Peter ********
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Bruce ************
@Peter *******
If he's out of the country comming here may pose a problem but asking in Face Book is probably not his best alternative. Kund of depends on thevamount involved. It may be considerably less than a ticket.David ********
Oh they definitely *will* freeze old accounts. The banks are being pushed by the government to update/come into compliance with 'know your customer' regulations. Freezing accounts is, IMO, going about it in about the dumbest and most ham fisted way possible, but they're not doing it without reason. Regulatory compliance is a perfectly valid reason.
Peter ********
@David *******
so there is a reason. The account holder needs to verify (maybe again) who is. Yes, it's irritating and I am also pretty irritated that I have to verify myself every year on another foreign banking app I have.David ********
@Peter *******
Hopefully it's a one time thing with the Thai banks. I don't expect they'll be re-freezing accounts annually. But yeah this has been super irritating, especially for those of us who've been playing by the rules all along.Reply to
David ********
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Peter ********
@Bruce ***********
well he does say his friend " visits" Thailand as a tourist, which implies that he comes regularly.Reply to
Peter ********
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Yo***
not possible to hire an attorney as represent of him in Thailand? Not everyone is able to come to the bank in person. Some situations. Normally, on behalf of someone, a lawyer can be act for him.
Paul *********
@Yo***
That would be quite long winded . As I recall & not as security sensitive as financials . A Power of Attorney & required passport & documents Notarized by a registered Notary lawyer .Having done that the required documents have to be further certified by an authorised registered Thai representative. The power of attorney as I recall is Thai language document so that would require translation service to satisfy home country Notary lawyerReply to
Paul *********
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จิมมี่ *************
I opened another account Kasikorn. Trying for 6 weeks get withdrawal limit up. Always refusing me. Bangkok bank allow me 2MB withdrawal. Kasikorn 50k and despite phoning numerous times told me deposit 1MB they will up limit, I did and they still refused so emptied Kasikorn. It's ridiculous what's happening now . I swapped 935k for 15 baht gold other day. It's my money I spend when and how much I want
Martin *****
@จิมมี่ ************
u can go to bank branch yourself with your bank book+passport and withdraw cash without limit.. just u need to go yourself instead of using atm or appจิมมี่ *************
@Martin ****
I did Tuesday. Withdrew 800k. Would rather do with scan but they keep refusing up limit . Bangkok bank is better for me.Reply to
จิมมี่ *************
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Allan *******
@จิมมี่ ************
Hi Iam from Scotland but now living in Thailand.I am hopeless regarding money.May I ask you a simple bit of advice? I have 50k in premium bonds in UK.Its all I have.Should I now close that account and buy gold instead? AllanRichard *********
@Allan ******
Hi Allan, I am also from Scotland. That’s a complex question and depends on many things. If you need the money to live on then it’s an easy answer..cash in and transfer to a Wise account. (Currently giving about 3.75%). If your question is about investment then gold has recently been hyped and increased in value exponentially due to risk in the last 12 months. And although the world is still a dangerous place and the value of gold is hedged to go higher. It could also just as quickly retrace significantly. So it’s a bit of a gamble. And if that £50k is your total pot then I’m not sure it’s a gamble I would take. The other thing is that gold in Thailand is high % 24k yellow gold (and there are lots of counterfeit around) whereas most U.K. gold (bullion) is produced by the mint and assayed accordingly. If you really insist on buying into gold within your budget. I would recommend buying gold brittania’s, 1 oz, 99.999% gold, from Wilkinsons Bullion in the U.K. Or if you are happy to just get some tax free interest then open a cash ISA for the maximum allowed.
Regards, Rich
Allan *******
@Richard ********
Thanks Richard I really appreciate that.Also I use wise all the time to make transfer from my bank of Scotland account and my First direct.How do you transfer funds ( pension money) from UK to Thailand? I am with K bank in Thailand.Richard *********
@Allan ******
I don’t transfer pension money Allan as I go the 800k baht deposit route. I have 2 accounts with K bank, Savings and Fixed a/c’s. I use Wise as well as the interest earned in Wise is so much better. Atb, RichJason **********
@Richard ********
thai gold is 23k 96.5% and fake gold is extremely rare here. The gold industry in thailand is closely regulated and most stores are generational businesses or large chains they wouldn't risk selling fake gold. Gold in thailand is extremely liquid with low premiums.Marcel *******
@Jason *********
You can also buy 24k, 99,99 %, investment gold here, e.g. Chinatown Bangkok . In licensed shopsJason **********
@Marcel ******
yes bangkok has everything available even large silver bars. I think if silver didn't have vat and premiums it would be more attractive to thai people for investment.จิมมี่ *************
@Marcel ******
need order 24CT. I go regularly to Hua Seng Heng ChinatownReply to
จิมมี่ *************
Reply
จิมมี่ *************
@Allan ******
yes . ISA matured this week. I already spent it on gold hereRichard *********
@Allan ******
Btw Allan, are you from the North East?Allan *******
@Richard ********
No s far better place that that! 'SCOTLAND!!!' LOLRichard *********
@Allan ******
Haaaa! Yes, I MEANT the North East of Scotland. Grant is a common name around Aberdeen, where I am from. 👍😂😂Allan *******
Which part of Aberdeen did you live?
Richard *********
@Allan ******
I lived in Mastrick then Altens before moving south to Barry in Wales.Allan *******
Reply to
Allan *******
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Jonnie *******
@จิมมี่ ************
you can increase transfer limits within the kbank banking app and make adjustments to that limit, I don’t know what the maximum limit for transfer between accounts is but last month I transfer around 400,000 thb to my wife’s account for final installment of a building project.จิมมี่ *************
@Jonnie ******
tried numerous times in app, phone calls and visit branch. Always refused. Said my daily limits meet my lifestyle ... i spent 935k on gold this week. What that know about my lifestyleReply to
จิมมี่ *************
Reply
Sylvia ********
@จิมมี่ ************
the limit on withdrawal is a security issue, also depends on age you can make large transfer within the branch. Locals over 70 also have restrictions some bank maximum ATM withdrawal 10,000 bahtReply to
Sylvia ********
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Tom ********
It's simple, he has to go there, verify, wait a few days/weeks for it to be unfrozen and then he can withdraw/transfer the funds out.
Jon ***********
@Tom *******
so I guess we buy safes or bury in clay pot at random place in field, the old-fashioned way in Myanmar 🤣🥳Sylvia ********
@Jon **********
why are you being ridiculous!! If you have long term visa you keep the account or have the alternative to open another. Go to another bank, passport, any other ID like driving licence is helpful, house book or rental agreement plus certificate of residence from immigration, they open an account in 20 mins then load app on your phone. Ensure your phone is registered in your name, min deposit 300 bahtJon ***********
@Sylvia *******
you have no idea what is going on or what the rules are 🤣that is because media is not doing its job and the bank apparently has no formal compliance procedure and due process 🤣 if you actually have hard information cite your sources ! 🤣Reply to
Jon ***********
Reply
Roberto *********
@Jon **********
That's the way crooks have done it since day one! Fortunately for those of us who have followed the rules, we're unaffectedJon ***********
@Roberto ********
it was a joke and you seem to be mentally challenged 🤣Roberto *********
@Jon **********
Actually my response was a joke too. Perhaps you can advise a good psychiatrist? 😂😂😂Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
คุณไรอัน ******
He can
Bob **********
Not much if he’s not here he needs to go to the bank and show documentation
Mma *******
Has to fix when he visits again.
Scott *********
Nothing
Tony *********
Go there . Show proof it's his account and get money out . Pretty simple yeah ???
Joe *********
@Tony ********
NOT that simple, I know 1 person that was told they have long que and it will take 10 weeks for access to her moneyGary ********
@Tony ********
he could try talk to Bkk bank in London. I did that a few years ago. It's situated at the base of the Gerkin on the same street. Exchequer Court, 33 Mary Axe LondonGary ********
@Tony ********
yes but is it cost effective. Unless he's going on vacationMartin *********
@Tony ********
Still takes a month from then onwards !Sylvia ********
@Martin ********
some 2 weeks, some 6 weeks as the queue got longer. But living here we all know everything is slowly, my friend's court case concerning her late husband Will is running into 3rd year. In the meantime she's borrowing funds to survive.Reply to
Sylvia ********
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Frank *********
@Tony ********
if it was simple all the Thailand related Facebook groups would not be blasted with questions about thisPeter **********
@Frank ********
The groups get blasted because people can't act and think normally.Check the posts about "I have problems with my neighbors".. Most of the time you get answers like "Go to court" or "They did something illegal, go to land office".
In a normal discussion, after two messages you get responses like "you are full of shit" or worse. And people think that is the normal way for adults to communicate.
Buy a cannon to kill a mouse. The simplest of answers: Have you communicated with them? Have you been at the bank to ask what you should do?
But in the age of whatsapp and messenger oneliners people are just not capable of normal communication anymore. Sad but it is what it is.
Frank *********
@Peter *********
you miss the pointPeter **********
@Frank ********
Inderdaad. You miss the point.You see, the point is that it is not very difficult, but too many people lack the communication skills to solve a (simple!) problem.
And then go whining on Facebook “they are stealing my money!” instead of simply communicating with the bank and solve it. 🙄
Frank *********
@Peter *********
by "too many people lack the communication skills" you mean the bank employee that does not know what he or she needs to doPeter **********
@Frank ********
Nope. I mean the idiots who come whining on Facebook, not having the ability to fix their petty little problems.Frank *********
@Peter *********
calling everybody who asks a genuine question an idiot and pretty reveals quite a nasty characterPeter **********
@Frank ********
Well… Then don’t do that and your obvious problem solves itself. 😉Reply to
Peter **********
Reply
Ian **********
@Tony ********
He's in the UK and probably has no plans to visit Thailand, so not pretty simple.Roberto *********
@Ian *********
So he's got a bank account in Thailand but has no plans to visit?Ian **********
@Roberto ********
if you had read the post properly, you would know that he used to visit Thailand, but now lives in the UK which is why he has the problem.Nick ************
@Ian *********
Roberto only understands his situation and as that appears to be just fine he is unable to understand why that might not be the case for other people whether they have followed the "rules" or not. He just enjoys annoying people.Pete **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ********
well luckily he has a holiday booked here next month, so everything now looks pretty simple!Reply to
Pete **********
Reply
Jay *******
@Tony ********
no, not that simple at all. 😆Pete **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tony ********
yes but he is in the uk so can not simply go to the branch located in Bangkok. Pretty simple yes!Tony *********
@Pete *********
Thats a him problem isn't itRoberto *********
@Pete *********
If he's in the UK, he simply waits until he's in Thailand again, and sorts it out then. Simple huh?Pete **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ********
what comes to mind with your comments is that you are pretty simple - yes?Jeff *********
@Pete *********
It's really the only thing your friend can do at this point. So why piss on the man giving you the best answer?Roberto *********
@Pete *********
I certainly don't go looking for complications the way so many expats appear to do. You asked a question. Several people have given you the answer, but obviously not the answer you want to hear! How about giving us a clue as to what you want to hear? 😂😂Pete **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ********
well the best thing would not to have any more comments from you! Simple yes?Roberto *********
@Pete *********
Obviously. Because I'm not telling you what you want to hear! 😂😂😂Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Damo ***********
@Tony ********
your advice would seem to be too logical for most people haha... but you are 100% correctLeonard *********
@Damo **********
using your logic Why are people having so much trouble.??? Being a smart arse does not help the situationDamo ***********
@Leonard ********
sometimes people (adults) need to be educated further in life.. but thank you for your comment.Reply to
Damo ***********
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Giuseppe **********
@Tony ********
right. But just a question and wondering, what fucking they want from us, is not enough we have to put money in bank to live here, or they want take it from our pockets as well? I feel it's mafiaAbu ********
@Giuseppe *********
, it's not like that. It's a temporary step by the Thai government due to a lot of complaints.The frozen accounts will be activated soon as the process is going on. Thanks.Giuseppe **********
@Abu *******
good for themReply to
Giuseppe **********
Reply
Paul ********
@Giuseppe *********
Thailand: the land of a constant flow of new bad ideas, masquerading as good ideas and improvements.Roberto *********
@Giuseppe *********
It's those not following the rules who are being suspended. Sadly, it was "mafia" before, with agents and lawyers opening bank accounts and paying bribes. Now those days are coming to a close, the affected expats are cryingNick ************
@Roberto ********
you have no idea what you ard talking about.Roberto *********
@Nick ***********
IdiotChristopher ******
@Roberto ********
not true, i followed all the rulesRoberto *********
@Christopher *****
There's a reason your account was frozenChristopher ******
@Roberto ********
who knows, they won’t tell me without going to that branch, many hours away. But i did proactively show my ID and visa 3 months ago to no avail. It’s on them, not me.Roberto *********
@Christopher *****
Which visa are you on now, and which visa when you opened the account?Christopher ******
Giuseppe **********
@Roberto ********
I always followed rules, and if I didn't put my feet on the floor, my transferring was reduced to 1000 per day. So, after I complaint I got my 50k per day. It's definitely mafiaPeter **********
@Giuseppe *********
It's not 50k per day but 50k per transaction. Almost every bank has a similar limit. But when you visit the bank you can transfer as much as you require.I had the same when moving 1mln out of SCB. Max 50k per transaction, max 200k per day. I used two days to move 400k and the third day I was near the office and transfered the rest in a single shot.
Roberto *********
@Giuseppe *********
Most of us have had zero restrictions. So you're on a non-immigrant visa and you've never used an agent?Reply to
Roberto *********
Reply
Sylvia ********
@Giuseppe *********
follow the rules, be calm when speaking to the staff and you'll find them to be more than helpful. Remember that person on the desk doesn't make the rules but sits all day listening to angry people. I've been with 2 expats who had problems and all is resolved. They definitely need proof who you are!Abu ********
@Sylvia *******
, perfectly said. Thanks a lot.Reply to
Abu ********
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Bent *************
Reply to
Bent *************
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