Answereda year ago
What is the current status of Bangkok Bank accounts for expats on tourist visas?
Bangkok Bank update:
I have had this account for several years, initially opened on a tourist visa.
Because of all the confusion about accounts getting closed I visited the local branch today for peace of mind.
They said no problem with older accounts.
For these they look at cash flow to prevent money laundering…Large amount of money in and then out again.
Regular monthly deposits and bills paid online are normal and proper use of the account.
They are contacting people by email if there account issues.
USA passport on DTV visa. Account in Chiang Mai. 5 June 2025.
I hope this helps…..I was really freaked out with all the news of BB accounts getting closed.
I have had this account for several years, initially opened on a tourist visa.
Because of all the confusion about accounts getting closed I visited the local branch today for peace of mind.
They said no problem with older accounts.
For these they look at cash flow to prevent money laundering…Large amount of money in and then out again.
Regular monthly deposits and bills paid online are normal and proper use of the account.
They are contacting people by email if there account issues.
USA passport on DTV visa. Account in Chiang Mai. 5 June 2025.
I hope this helps…..I was really freaked out with all the news of BB accounts getting closed.
Answer summary
This post discusses the status of Bangkok Bank accounts held by expats, particularly those who opened their accounts on tourist visas. The author shares a positive update after visiting the bank, confirming that older accounts with regular transactions are generally safe from closure, despite recent concerns about the bank's stricter policies to prevent money laundering. Other commenters affirm similar experiences, noting that accounts opened years ago typically face no issues if regularly used. However, some express concern about recent account freezes and the difficulty in opening new accounts under the same circumstances.
36 repliesnewest first
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Ben ********
I opened my account on a tourist visa in November 24 and during my trip in may I got myself a permanent thai phone number and updated this at my branch in pattaya. Bank account is still active so far.
David ************
I personally find TTB to be much better bank , me and wife bank with them now after being with bangkok bank for years..We can still pay our bills even when we're back in Holland, transfers are free ..plus the app is so easy to use
Pierre-Paul ********
I’m worried that my account, which l have had 7 years will be frozen. I haven’t received an email or letter. So if l transfer some money from a UK account, and they’ve frozen it. Will my UK bank tell me the account won’t allow the transaction.
Cris ******
Yep. Was told almost the same thing
Ling *****
Same here, one of my accounts is 13 years old and the Bangkok bank one is 20+ years old. No issues, no messages regarding this, nothing blocked and all good.
Alan *****
Thanks for this post it’s very helpful
Do you know how old the account has to be 🤔
Do you know how old the account has to be 🤔
Cliff *********
OP@Alan ****
no…..
Fish **********
I open my Bangkok bank account on a tourist visa about 2 years ago in Pattaya. Have also updated my registered sim number to my account. No issue with the bank account so far.
Greg *********
I was just in a branch a few weeks ago. Other than my signature not matching perfectly, there were no issues.
Matt ********
Thanks can confirm that
David **********
Thanks for the info.
That was my sense.
That was my sense.
Robert *********
Same here. Went to Bangkok Bank in Chiang Mai yesterday (4 June) to update my passport info and ask about whether there is a risk of the account being closed, as I had opened the account on a tourist visa exemption in 2023. I was told I don't need to worry and everything is fine. However, new accounts would not be opened due to new rules.
Dave *******
Thank you for this update, just about all the other reports are YouTubers stirring up paranoia in the pursuit of content.
Jim ***********
Opened years ago on TR visa. Sent a big chunk over recently and will be buying gold with funds. See how goes
Jude ****************
@Jim **********
buy bitcoinJim ***********
@Jude ***************
prefer physically holding what I own .Jim ***********
@Chris ********************
shows how quickly changes. And how quickly I think will rise. You ever took jewellery back home country to sell? Bars not worth doing that but jewellery???.Chris *********************
@Jim **********
the wife buys and sells in the villages sold some last week 48k 1b 5 weeks ago it reached 52kJim ***********
@Chris ********************
few months ago people said same. I've been buying a few years. $4500 ounce end year I thinkChris *********************
@Jim **********
bad time for buying gold the price is sky high,
Marcel ***********
Well I open my account in January in pattaya on tourist exempt and Monday I deposit money went home and it was frozen went back to bank brought all my stuff within hours my account was good again
Douglas *********
I had the same experience at Bangkok Bank with a 7 year old account. Went in just to check, they said not to worry. I opened the account on a tourist visa, but am now on a Non-O marriage extension.
Adam *********
Definitely not contacting by email they closed mine without warning and had to go to original branch. All fixed now tho
Cliff *********
OP@Adam ********
this is what I was told Thursday at the bank.I went there because most of my time is spent outside of Thailand.
Brandon ************
@Adam ********
Then they didn't close your account. They just froze it pending further information.
Jordan *****
@Adam ********
They completely dropped the ball with the accounts used by criminals and in their panic they blocked honest clients accounts invoking some imaginary rules like people whose visa expired and now are seeking new status are not allowed bank accounts.
Nathan *******
Finally some honest feedback about the issue
I opened my account on a tourist visa and have regularly used the account for the past 6 years
They just updated my details and no issues no problems at all
Too many keyboard warriors spreading fear
I opened my account on a tourist visa and have regularly used the account for the past 6 years
They just updated my details and no issues no problems at all
Too many keyboard warriors spreading fear
Benny ********
@Nathan ******
If you didn't open the account at Bangkok Bank in Pattaya recently of course it have nothing to do with you, why would you think other wise, pretty clearly stated what branch & why police where targeting it & who would have their accounts closedNathan *******
@Benny *******
my account was opened in buriram 6 years ago before covid If you update your information when the bank asks you and you actually use your account they have no problems
It’s a shame there is so much false information on facebook
All Bangkok bank wants is stricter security for account holders to prevent fraud and they are just doing what they are legally required to do
Ant ******
Don't panic
Steven *********
Good post 🙏🏻
Rodrigo *********
Old account with this case has no issues, but anyone can’t open new account with the same case and normal use , right?
Benjamin *********
Pete *******
@Rodrigo ********
correct.Activity
29 joined29
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