Answered3 months ago
What challenges have expats faced when trying to update bank account details with Bangkok Bank in Thailand?
I recently went to Bangkok Bank in Central Festival to get my telephone number updated as I have a new SIM. They told me I have to have a receipt from AIS that's how I had bought the sim and I was the owner. They sent me to the AIS branch and they were very helpful and issued me an invoice. I went back to Bangkok Bank and they then told me they couldn't update the phone number because my account was in Phuket. I have had the account in Phuket since 2021. I mainly use it to keep the 800,000. Bangkok Bank went on to tell me that I had to go to Phuket to update the details. They told me that the passport number was wrong and the address was wrong and my visa was wrong and of course now my telephone number is wrong. I asked them to transfer the account from Phuket to Pattaya. They said they couldn't do that it was against policy. It was a also policy that they could not update my account in Phuket. I had to go there. So I asked if I could open a new account here in Pattaya and then I would transfer the funds from Phuket to Pattaya. I would close the account the next time I went to Phuket. Bangkok Bank told me I could not open a new account with them unless I OWNED a condo in Pattaya. I have all of the documents that would normally be required to open a bank account. At this point I realized the battle was lost and that Bangkok Bank were not interested in me as a customer even though I have banked with them for 5 years. However in this crazy world they were quite happy for me to continue to operate my account using internet banking with an incorrect phone number and without any of my main details being correct. I was quite surprised to find that Internet Banking worked OK even though I didn't have the correct number! I would be interested to know if other people had had a similar experience with Bangkok Bank and whether anyone has recently opened an account with them who doesn't own a condo in Pattaya.
Answer summary
The post recounts a series of frustrating experiences faced by an expat trying to update their phone number and personal details at Bangkok Bank due to branch policies. Despite being a long-time customer, they were told that they must return to Phuket to update their account and that they cannot open a new account in Pattaya without owning property there. The comments reveal a shared dissatisfaction among various users regarding Bangkok Bank's customer service and policies, with many suggesting switching to other banks like Kasikorn or Krungsri for better support.
105 repliesnewest first
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Alastair *******
A severe case of mai dai! Use Kasikorn instead much better.
Adventuro**********
In Thailand bank branches are different than the USA. Yes, to do any significant business with your bank, you have to go to the branch, where you opened the account. In the last few years Thailand has placed extra scrutiny on foreign bank accounts, due to many being used by scammers, money launders... I wouldn't recommend shutting your Phuket branch, until you are able to open a new account in Pattaya.
Johnny ********
don't close the old bank wwithout getting a new one first. It is not the same as it was
Woody *********
Avoid Bangkok bank. Not easy to deal with when trying to open an account. Where as SCB and K Bank, we’re a pleasure to deal with and no issues.
Temel ********
Change Bank
Steve ********
I have had similar experiences with Bangkok Bank, I opened the account in Pattaya (Walking St) when the branch opened, they were literally dragging people in off the street to open accounts. Now living in Mukdahan and the main branch here has multiple personalities, so much so I keep the account for some regular deposits but opened an account with K-bank as well, much better.
Giraffe *********
Give them the flick
Mark ********
12 years with Bangkok bank no problems,changed address 3 times and mobile number 5 times,.
Graeme *********
They closed the branch at Big C Pattaya and transferred my account to another Pattaya branch. THEY CAN DO IT IF THEY WANT TO
David *********
F**k Bangkok bank
Jita****
I had the same experience regarding an account originally opened in Buriram, but I now live in Bangkok.
Moved my retirement funds to a K-bank account. Updated Bangkok Bank account when I was last in Buriram. But now I only use that account as a backup.
Moved my retirement funds to a K-bank account. Updated Bangkok Bank account when I was last in Buriram. But now I only use that account as a backup.
MNathalie *********
This is a first..need to own a condo to open a bank account 🤣🤣🤣. I don't own a condo and I do have a bank account with them.
Alex ******
🤣🤣🤣🤣
John *********
Sounds like Bangkok Bank is the most corrupt bank in Thailand.
Stephen ********
Read your post with great amusement. I also had an interesting, but different experience with Bangkok bank today. Earlier today I went to an ATM to take out some cash and discovered that my Debit card wasn’t in my wallet. Most likely left it in an ATM about a week ago while on a road trip with my wife. Not the first time this has happened, but the big problem this time is that I sent my passport to the embassy in Bangkok for renewal earlier this week, so I can’t use it to get a replacement card at my home branch. Asked the agent at their call centre if I could use a copy of my passport along with supporting ID to get a new card, but she said no way, need the original passport. Fortunately, after canceling the lost card, she told me how to use the cardless withdrawal option from the ATM, which is something I’ve never done. Turns out to be almost easier than using the card. Just might use that from now on so I don’t forget my card in the machine.
Once I get my new passport, first stop will be at immigration to get stamps transferred and second stop will be at the bank to change my passport registration and get a new Debit card.
Once I get my new passport, first stop will be at immigration to get stamps transferred and second stop will be at the bank to change my passport registration and get a new Debit card.
Jeff *************
Go to Kasikorn bank, open account, transfer your money out of BS Bangkok Bank to them
Rc *******
Barney Ontour the OP didn't have any problem with bangkok bank at least not until he wanted to do some updates on his phone contact number.
It looks like different branches even though it's the same bank, have their own policies.
It looks like different branches even though it's the same bank, have their own policies.
Allan ********
BBK unhelpful to the point of being rude. Customer service non-existent.
Krungsri have been total opposite .
Not sure why but BKK being very xenophobic last couple of years!
Krungsri have been total opposite .
Not sure why but BKK being very xenophobic last couple of years!
Trevor *******
Grok doesn't agree; try another branch...
"You can update your mobile number directly through the Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking app if your new SIM card data matches your ID. If you cannot do it online, you can update your details at any Bangkok Bank branch nationwide, not just your home branch."
"You can update your mobile number directly through the Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking app if your new SIM card data matches your ID. If you cannot do it online, you can update your details at any Bangkok Bank branch nationwide, not just your home branch."
David ***********
Thailand joining the common reporting standards with all of the EU style compliance has been a complete shit show. This is good example of that.
Barney ********
I like bangkok bank, had two accounts with them for over ten years, all legit, never a problem )
Todd *********
They can check who the owner is by sending a ussd code - something like #1167# (send)
But don’t try it it’s just an example
But don’t try it it’s just an example
MagentaGo**********
BBL is the worst bank in Thailand now.😂😂😂
Oliver ***********
Bangkok bank was my first bank of choice it has turned out to be a pain in .y side for years
Dar *****
why are you surprised?
Donald **********
You’re banging your head against a brick wall. Do you like doing that? Just open a bank account with another bank in Pattaya and learn a lesson. There has been so much negative press about the Bangkok Bank and you chose to ignore it and not have a plan B.
Matthew *********
People have closing their accident for 2 years and they don't give shit. Customer retention is not talk in Thailand. It's strange Thais can update number online but foreign people. Have jump tru loops. In was at least allowed to update my phone without original branch bit tjey mailed the info from udon thank to Bangkok. Took 10 days. Worst banking systems in the world
Joaquin ***********
Many customers complain about Bangkok Bank, and even visa agencies advise against working with them. They have unfair terms, such as freezing 800,000 baht in your account for four months to obtain a certificate, when immigration only requires three. In short, find the best way to switch banks without affecting your visa.
Jani ********
One hour to day to have a new bank book, they ask now your old address from you country, I am here 15 years, it comes very ridiculous, and copy from all the passport, I can understand from my IO not from a bank.
Adam ******
You summed the whole saga up in your first six words.
Malcolm **********
I think you will find that this is an example of why people don't like Bangkok bank. I'm with Kasikorn and have an account in Pattaya even though I now live in Khon Kaen and last year the Kasikorn app on my phone stopped working so I went to a random Kasikorn branch in Khon Kaen and was told that is was because the phone sim wasn't in my name and I needed to change it, it was in my wife's name as it was easier at the time to get a post paid phone (monthly billing), I went to AIS and got them to change it and they sent me a text message to state it has been change, back to the same Kasikorn branch and showed them the text and they updated my details and re-activated the app. I also use my Pattaya account to hold the 800k for my retirement extension and I can get the letter and statement for the renewal at any Kasikorn branch without having to make a booking or wait, I just go to a Kasikorn bank in Khon Kaen on my way to immigration on the day I want to apply for the extension renewal. Try doing that one with Bangkok Bank.
Massimo ********
Change branch,those in central festival are stupid...go to the beach road branch around soi
****
or ****
Roger *********
Bangkok bank robbed me and my Thai daughter, I told them to their face they are Mafia, don't touch 'em with a bargepole, robbing bastards!
Denny *******
I’ve just opened one up with Kasikorn and my frozen BB account I’m leaving it frozen they can keep what baht is in there it’s not going to change my day but the hassle of trying to unfreeze it certainly would
They are a nightmare to deal with even for Thais my wife can vouch for that
They are a nightmare to deal with even for Thais my wife can vouch for that
David ********
People who put up with this type of treatment in Thailand need to grow a pair. If you all got organized and formed a united front you would have so much power over Thailands decision makers but no, you all let the system treat you like pussys. Never would I submit to being treated like this
Dennis *********
Never ever had any problems in 18 years.......... Had to do one update, due to new passport only
Russell *******
I stopped reading at Bangkok Bank.
Chuck **********
Russell Lynch stopped reading????
Mitchell *******
This is called CYA. I can assume they have been fined for something similar in the past, so they are doing everything by the book, including the whole KYC stuff. Each branch is its own mini bank. So, moving branches can sometimes feel like moving entire banks. You would need a new branch code etc etc.
Jan ****
Bangkok Bank wants you to have 800k in it for 4 months before they issue a bank letter for the renewal of your non-o visa.and they don't even want to give a bank letter for your Visa with a 65k income every month anymore.
Morten ********
Kasikorn and Scb
Open scb 2026
Open kasikorn 2008
Very happy
Open scb 2026
Open kasikorn 2008
Very happy
Brook ********
It’s your own fault for banking with a company with a well known reputation
Bobby *******
I agree with the comments, dump them, sounds like you have a retirement visa, can open an account anywhere. On a side note, you could try the branch at the top of soi 5 Jomtien, the customer service staff there I found very helpful
Caleb *******
Still baffles me to this day that you can’t update minor details at any branch!! You should be able to go into any branch for any inquiries
Hans *********
Caleb Poole I forgot my bank book at home country, I found out if I wanted to change phone number I'd need book, I could've said it was lost but I'd have to file a f ing police report., crazy laws.
Caleb *******
Hans Collins that’s crazy! Like how is it possible you’re not able to go to any branch but when they need something from you then they’re quick to say visit any branch
Edward ********
Within Pattaya, had to go the branch where I opened the account to update information. Lost ATM card, able to replace it at another branch. Account with Bangkok Bank for now historic reasons, good service.
Paddy *****
Only certain transactions they will text you a one time passcode which will text to your phone, then you can’t proceed.
Jay *******
Welcome to the Bangkok bank experience, where if you are a foreigner they make sure you understand that they do not want your business.
Kevin ********
Thai Immigration is the absolute dumbest of almost any country. Changes every month or two. Completely ridiculous.
Dave ****************
@Kevin *******
maybe, but this post is about a bank and nothing to do with immigration..
Tom ******
If its not visas its bank accounts.
Thailand is such a mess and getting worse everyday.
A joke these days I'm afraid.
Thailand is such a mess and getting worse everyday.
A joke these days I'm afraid.
Paul ********
Tom Pola agree big pain n. More
TaupeRasp*********
Had a BKK Bank account for 22 years, issued in Bangkok, never had a problem servicing it in Pattaya. Can't deny that many customers have had problems due to compliance issues, but seeing as they have multi x more foreigner accounts than the other banks, there will be more customer issues. Be interesting to know if a K Bank foreigner account opened in Phuket would be able to make the same changes without issues ? People only recommend K Bank because of issues with BKK Bank, won't be long before K Bank start greater compliance procedures.
Jeff *************
TaupeRaspberry5284 k bank just follows the immigration rules, they don’t make up stuff saying you need this or that
John ********
I suspect your problem is not the overall bank but the branch causing your problem, I have been with Bangkok bank nearly three years now and found them very helpful but I am in Nakhon Sawan.
Bill **********
I too left 800k there and shifted the rest to kasikorn, bkk bank called me a couple of weeks ago asking if I actually had a visa still, I am using non- o visa , methinks they were looking to freeze me again ,last year 42 days frozen account
Kenneth *******
Ohh boo hoooo
Graeme *******
I've been with them 5 year's never had a problem wentnin when new passport issued, try to create the same signature from 5 year's ago, ladyblete try numerous times finally got it close to original signature all happy.
Glennstev ***********
Graeme Drake very difficult to sign with your finger on their i-pads.I can imagine it's very difficult to replicate...I will have to do the same soon as I have a new passport...I'm wondering if I would have to go to AiS first to update there as well as the bank
Graeme *******
Glennstev Repairman yea went there also and did the phone.
Craig **********
Seems sometimes they aren’t interested in helping to figure out situations
Should have a Thai person support you much easier anytime I go by myself I have a challenge when with my Thai wife always get sorted
Should have a Thai person support you much easier anytime I go by myself I have a challenge when with my Thai wife always get sorted
Andrew ***********
Bangkok Bank are absolutely useless when it comes to dealing with foreigners. Get your money out and open an account with Kasikorn. All your problems will be over.
Bill *********
Is K bank Kasikorn or Krungsri banks? Which is the better bank ?
Dave ****************
Bill Gilbert k bank is kasikorn. My wife (not Thai) is with them, no problems. I'm with krungsri, also no problems. But we've never moved province or changed phone number
Bill *********
@Dave ***************
thanks for letting me know 👍👍Bill *********
@Roger ******
kbank = Kasikorn ? Just to confirm
Roger *******
Bill Gilbert I have both and a Bangkok bank account (I don't use). but kbank is awesome. I go to any branch to fix whatever and they are very helpful. I can't recommend them enough.
Mike *************
Bill Gilbert kbank is kasikorn bank
Eduardo *********
Im telling you man…. Stupidly is in the root of their DNA.
Jason ****************
This is how banks in Thailand treat foreigners.
John ******
I moved from Hua Hin to a small seaside village 30 km south. Went to the Bangkok Bank Pranburi, no issues at all.
Statements letter for IO
Updated bankbook
Change of address
Total costs 200 THB
Statements letter for IO
Updated bankbook
Change of address
Total costs 200 THB
GreenPo********
Open k bank acc tell bkk bank to shove it
David *******************
Bangkok bank terrible customer service, worst of them all change banks.
Jim *********
I had a similar experience. I opened a account with BB Phuket small amount 70k ฿. Account was frozen. Was told in Bangkok I would have to go to Phuket unfreeze it. When I went there next time they said I would have to close account as I did not live in Phuket area.
Tony ********
Since Bangkok Bank got caught in a Chinese fraud scandal. They have made it difficult for anyone especially foreigners. I use K Bank, best service ever from any branch
Marcello *************
Really I don't understand why , after the second 'we couldn't', you didn't say them 'I'm changing bank. Good bye forever' !
Richard *******
I only ever hear bad stories about the Bangkok bank.
I'm with Krungsri bank and so far they have been great 👍.
I suggest changing banks.
I'm with Krungsri bank and so far they have been great 👍.
I suggest changing banks.
David *******
Richard Evans Krungsri bank are not treating customers over 70 very well, can't get banking app on phone, and no internet banking, all because of age
Ian **********
My Thai GF has a BBL account at a branch in Bangkok, and as we now live in Udon Thani, she asked if she could transfer the account. They said no, and she must go to Bangkok, close the account and then return to Udon Thani and open a new one. I always advise people to avoid BBL
Paul *******
Ian Morrison Ive been with Bangkok bank 24+ years and never had an issue. account never frozen or any other such issues. it just work.
TruthfulCr***********
Ian Morrison She doesn't have to close the old one. Just open another and transfer the balance.
Rok ********
TruthfulCrocodile2896 cannot have two; must close one first and then open a new one - which takes a week or so as must be processed at the head office …. BKK bank also requires a chanote or yellow book now.
Steve ********
I use K Bank have done for years. Money from the UK lands immediately.
Simon *********
Change banks, Kasikorn, much better.
Ji *************
Simon Edhouse been using them for 23 years. Can’t fault them. Great service everytime.
Alan **********
Open Kasikorn bank account better service
MagicalR********
Bangkok Bank
*****
5
Van ********
This is getting ridiculous 😔
Brandon ************
This is why everyone should be getting rid of their Bangkok Bank accounts and switching to banks that actually have rational policies and don't treat their customers like an annoyance.
Mike ******
@Brandon ***********
Sounds about right for Bangkok Bank. Opend my account in 2017 at the Kad Suan Kaew branch. KSK was closed in 2022. I was never told but my account was transferred to the Chang Phuek branch. So Bangkok Bank at one time (like back in 2017 to 2019 was a great bank. I am stuck with this bank because I doubt I could open an account anywhere else. "Welcome to Thailand". At the 10 year mark I am planning to go back home to CA and take a trip to Panama and see if I like it or not. "always have a plan B".Ken *******
@Brandon ***********
easier said than done! The other banks say no.
Wayne *********
Ken Hulme Kasikorn didnt say no to me.
Wayne *********
Ken Hulme No and nor does the person who did the post
Ken *******
Wayne Roberts do you live in Mahasarakham?
Chris *********************
Ken Hulme k bank as Brandon said is the easiest and best bank to bank with, we all know the thai Banks are a pain in the arse, but go from branch to branch, take a thai speaking person with you helpful
Petro ************
Ken Hulme krungsri told me the same, that is why I opened Kasikorn
Ken *******
Chris Topher Ian Fowler I didnt find K bank easy they wanted a letter from the British Embassy to confirm my passport!
Banks and Goverment offices are only as good as the person behind the counter each person can have their own interpretation of any rules on any given day.
Banks and Goverment offices are only as good as the person behind the counter each person can have their own interpretation of any rules on any given day.
Brandon ************
@Ken ******
then go to the next branch and the next one, and the next one. The manager of each branch sets the requirements. As long as you're on a long term visa and have a residence certificate from immigration, you should find one eventually.Petro ************
Ken Hulme nonsense
Ken *******
@Brandon ***********
easier to stay with Bangkok Bank and work out any problems with calmness and respect to the people who work there, I've been with my local branch 15 years now.
Tim **********
@Brandon ***********
and which banks would that be?Wayne *********
Tim Hallmark kasikorn and Krungthai i am with both and treated very good by both
Brandon ************
@Tim *********
Kasikorn, SCB, any bank that's not Bangkok Bank really
John **********
This is the problem with having your account somewhere else, every branch is like it's own little fiefdom.
Did you have a residence certificate from immigration when you asked to open the account? That's now a basic requirement
Did you have a residence certificate from immigration when you asked to open the account? That's now a basic requirement
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