Answered2 months ago

What challenges have expats faced with Thai bank apps and cards when using DTV visas?

DTV visa Thai bank accounts bank app activation bank card ordering non-o visa TM30 report

Marcin *******

asked Aug 13, 2026

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If you have:

- opened a bank account on DTV 

- had a phone number in your name and linked to the bank account 

Have you faced any difficulties:

- activating bank app after changing phone ? 

- ordering a new bank card ? 

Which bank ? 

Thanks

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around the experiences of expats who opened bank accounts in Thailand, particularly those with a Digital Tourist Visa (DTV). Participants share insights on challenges faced when activating banking apps after changing phones and ordering new bank cards. There's a consensus that banks may impose difficulties for those on DTV compared to other longer-term visas like the non-o. Concerns are raised about account stability under DTV, and specific banking procedures are mentioned, like needing a different customer number for app activation.

12 repliesnewest first

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Simon *********

If you previously had a bank account on an Education Visa, (which is allowed), if you subsquently swap over to a DTV, can you keep your previous bank account?

2 months ago

Darren *********

Simon Edhouse until the next time the bank asks to see you long-term visa. But on a DTV it is just a matter of time before it is frozen and closed.

2 months ago

Bruce ***********

I opened a account at kbank in june. Everything went fine. Needed a non-o and tm30

2 months ago

Steve******

Bruce Macdonald that's cool but what does that have to do with the topic here?

2 months ago

Bruce ***********

oh because kbank has a app that has worked fine. But I guess I am not addressing the phone number change. Best.

2 months ago

Sam *************

Bruce Macdonald you also arent on the DTV, which was the entire question

2 months ago

John **********

Certainly for a new card they'll want to look at your passport so what happens then will be up to the bank clerk doing the looking. I've always activated the app on a new phone myself so can't answer that if your bank requires you to visit the branch

2 months ago

Marcin *******

@John *********

what bank do you use? I'm just wondering what is the process because I heard some people are unable to sign into their account on a new phone.

2 months ago

John **********

@Marcin ******

I use Bangkok Bank, but to enable the app on a new phone you have to provide your customer number, which is different from your account number. No idea how it works with other banks.

2 months ago

Colin **********

The DTV is seen as a tourist visa, the non o visa and other long term visas tend to be the minimum requirement for opening a bank accounts.

2 months ago

Yo***

Even you opened a bank account on DTV ( normally on DTV, thai banks wont open an account), freezing and closing your account is always waiting for you. The only question is when.

2 months ago

Dante **

Young I find it interesting that they absolutely do not care about getting your business whatsoever if you have the “wrong” visa.

You could show up with a dump truck full of gold looking for a place to keep it and they would tell you to ‘eff off.

2 months ago