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What important updates should DTV visa holders know about Thai bank account policies as of May 2025?

May 30, 2025
3 days ago
Bank Account Update for DTV Visa Holders – May 2025

We are FITFAC Muay Thai Gym, a certified institution by the Ministry of Education and the Board of Boxing Sport. With over 250 successful DTV visa applications and more than 20 clients assisted in opening Thai bank accounts, we would like to provide an important update on the current banking situation in Thailand for DTV visa holders.

Current Situation

Thai banks are now closing accounts that were opened under tourist visas (including the DTV visa) for nationals from China, Russia, and other countries on the government watchlist. These decisions come directly from bank headquarters, and local branches do not have the authority to override them.

All local banks have temporarily suspended new account openings for tourist and DTV visa holders. To open a new account, applicants must now provide extensive documentation proving they are not part of a high-risk group. These documents must then be submitted to and approved by the bank’s headquarters before the account can be opened.

For DTV visa holders, the process has become significantly more complex. Each branch manager must prepare and submit a detailed file to verify that the applicant does not pose any financial or legal risks.

Status of FITFAC Clients

All clients who opened bank accounts through FITFAC are continuing to use their accounts without any issues. We do not accept Chinese nationals, so our clients have not been affected by the current restrictions. We work only with trusted partner banks and ensure that every case meets strict compliance standards.

Why Is My Bank Account Being Closed Even Though I’m Not Chinese?

Even if you are from a developed country, your account may still be flagged or closed if it is used in a way that violates the conditions of a tourist or DTV visa. For instance, receiving income from business activities—such as condo commissions, product sales, or freelance work—can result in your account being frozen or terminated.

Banks are actively monitoring accounts for transactions that appear inconsistent with normal personal use.

Visa-Mill Schools May Lead to Account Closures

Thai banks are blacklisting Muay Thai and cooking schools suspected of operating as “visa mills.”

Our sources confirm that banks are now cooperating with Thai authorities to crack down on these institutions. If your DTV visa is linked to one of these schools, your bank account may be closed, and immigration officers may begin screening your visa history more closely. Schools that offer low-cost visa packages without legitimate training are under particular scrutiny.

What to Do If Your Thai Bank Account Is Flagged or Frozen

If your bank account is flagged or frozen, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Bank in Person

Go directly to the branch where your account was opened. Most issues must be resolved in person.

2. Bring All Supporting Documents

Be prepared to present the following:

* Your passport and valid visa (e.g., DTV)

* Visa approval letter or other relevant immigration documents

* Proof of address in Thailand, such as a rental contract or TM30

* Training schedule or attendance records from your Muay Thai program (if applicable)

* Evidence explaining how funds enter your account, including:

* Freelance contracts, payslips, sponsor letters, or international transfer receipts

* Bank statements showing the source and matching details of incoming transactions

* Any documentation that proves the legal origin and purpose of the funds

3. Request Clarification Politely

Ask the bank officer why your account was flagged or frozen. It could be due to suspicious transactions, visa classification, or a routine compliance check.

4. Remain Calm and Cooperative

Stay respectful and transparent. If your documents are complete and your explanation is reasonable, the bank will conduct an internal review and may lift the freeze.

Good luck! if you want more info about our service at FITFAC reach out to us at visa@Fitfacmuaythai.com or visit dtvvisathailand.com

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TLDR : Answer Summary
As of May 2025, Thai banks are closing accounts linked to DTV visas for nationals from certain countries on a government watchlist, including China and Russia. The process for opening new accounts has become more stringent, requiring extensive documentation to prove applicants are not part of a high-risk group. Existing accounts may also be flagged for suspected violations regarding the use of the DTV visa, particularly if receiving income from business activities. The article warns that schools operating as 'visa mills' could lead to account closures, and it provides steps for DTV visa holders on what to do if their accounts are flagged or frozen.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Jonathan ***********
FAFO
Chris ****
Is opening a Thai account required for visa?
Greg ********
Chris ****
@Greg *******
then why the drama?
Greg ********
@Chris ***
People want local accounts for the convenience and avoid 220 THB charges each ATM withdrawal from foreign account.
Chris ****
@Greg *******
makes sense
Greg ********
@Chris ***
It used to be fine but the scamming has put a stop to it. With friend I worked with in Thailand. She is paid a good salary into Thailand. Accounts in Indonesia and Singapore. Has to be careful with transactions even though she is very legit. Literally just had a balck UOB car refused in a posh hotel. She transfers Thai salary to Thai UOB and SG UOB but transactions are monitored
Kool *******
With over 250 approved DTVs you are in fact a visa mill. Do you even have a facility that can handle 250 students at once.
Jesse ******
@Kool ******
FITFAC has 11 different locations across Bangkok and can accommodate well over 250 students.
Jesse ******
@Kool ******
Good thing they have an app as well that monitors attendance😎
Kool *******
@Jesse *****
but are they? How many of those 250+ are actually attending classes...lolol
Cliff *********
Thank you for the update.

These are challenging times.

Do you have a list of "watchlist countries"?
Fitfac *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cliff ********
As far as I know, Myanmar, Ukraine, Chinese, Taiwan and many african countries. The full list is not disclosed yet.
Toni *******
Bangkok bank started notifying customers early this year, to verify account with bank and/or sim operator by the end of april... I mentioned in the group long time ago that it might not be only app blocked, but account too, and was laughed at the group... great :)
Anonymous ******************
@Toni ******
I've been laughed at for trying to warn people from an anonymous account. The primary reaction is to dismiss anything written anonymously. Delightful 😂 They can now get ready to be scrutinised by immigration. 😜
Mo ******
Happy I did not open anything here. Will stay with my French bank account.
Anonymous ******************
@Mo *****
French banks also freeze your money if you are not politically correct
Mo ******
Participant anonyme 634 mets be serious here please. Thank you 🙏
Mo ******
Participant anonyme 634 hahaha yeah of course!
Robin *******
@Fitfac ****************
Well written and comprehensive information.

Thank you…
Greg ********
Great valuable info.
Anonymous ******************
Wow, it seems plenty of people will need to get ready for another surprise 😂. As if no one have warned them... 😝

"Visa-Mill Schools May Lead to Account Closures

Thai banks are blacklisting Muay Thai and cooking schools suspected of operating as “visa mills.”

Our sources confirm that banks are now cooperating with Thai authorities to crack down on these institutions. If your DTV visa is linked to one of these schools, your bank account may be closed, and immigration officers may begin screening your visa history more closely. Schools that offer low-cost visa packages without legitimate training are under particular scrutiny."
Jordan *****
The banks should mind their business. This is starting to get ridiculous, unless immigration cancels your visa (the one which you opened a bank account with) what business does the bank have to check attendance at a Muay Thai school?
Nick ************
@Jordan ****
because a DTV is a tourist Visa and the bank think that a tourist requesting a bank account is likely to be up to some sort of illegal activity.
Brandon ************
@Jordan ****
how is your account not the bank's business? They are now required to pay for any and all frauds and scams. They're going to eliminate every scrap of risk. Tourists present a risk and they'll close those accounts. They don't care about your attendance.
Anonymous ******************
@Jordan ****
That's not the bank, that's immigration. People are holding a visa for a purpose. Immigration is already conducting checks for other visas at borders and in the country.
Jordan *****
in the post they mention that in case the account gets frozen, you should bring your attendance records to the bank. The same bank that had no scruples in opening accounts for anyone who paid an agent.
Wannikea *********
@Jordan ****
banks have a duty to compliance, know your customer, to be able to operate within the larger banking infrastructure.
Jordan *****
@Wannikea ********
compliance does not mean checking school attendance. Thats is left for immigration police who can later revoke your visa for not attending. The only thing the bank has to do is prevent financial crime.

When have banks in the US ever checked university attendance records for the foreign students who own bank accounts.

Stop finding excuses for BBL. They dropped the ball hard and now they are overreacting and making things even worse
Wannikea *********
@Jordan ****
I agree generally. Altho checking attendance is extreme, banks do check businesses for legitimacy.
Greg ********
@Wannikea ********
I really cannot see banks checking attendancxe. They might report an anomaly such as someone living in a location very far from the schoo they opened the account with. I know in Chiang Mai ED attendance was checked by Immigration/Tourist police in the past. I have no idea what happens elsewhere. There are still Language School "Visa Mills" in Chiang Mai but everyone seems to be moving to the DTV. I doubt that will go unnoticed.
Anonymous ******************
@Jordan ****
Well probably because the scammers are not attending their classes and use them as an alibi... That's the easiest way to stay in Thailand for the long-term now. The government has recently made banks responsible in case of illegal activities.
Jordan *****
banks are responsible for illegal activities such as financial crimes (followed by police prosecution and jail), not checking whether some foreigner is attending a muay thai class according to his visa, which is not a crime, but just an act that carries an administrative penalty (revocation of visa).
Anonymous ******************
@Jordan ****
You don't get it. The government has passed the hot potato to the banks through an emergency decree, making them responsible for their customers' actions. Banks can't rely on the DTV, as it's a visa that almost anyone can obtain. It doesn't offer the same guarantees as other immigrant visas, which are subject to much stricter scrutiny. As a result, banks will request as many documents as possible to clear individuals.