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What is the current status of Bangkok Bank accounts for expats on tourist visas?

Bangkok Bank visa issues expat banking Thailand non-o visa tourist visa bank account security

Jun 5, 2025

2 days ago

Cliff *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the status of Bangkok Bank accounts, particularly for expats who opened accounts on tourist visas. Many users have reported that older accounts are still safe and functioning, with no issues as long as account holders maintain regular cash flow and comply with bank requirements. However, new accounts for individuals on tourist visas are not being opened due to stricter regulations. Concerns about account closures have been raised but users share experiences of positive interactions with the bank, including recent confirmations that no problems were encountered after updating their personal information.

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Cris ******

Yep. Was told almost the same thing

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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.

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Alan *****

Thanks for this post it’s very helpful

Do you know how old the account has to be 🤔

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Cliff *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

no…..

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Cliff *********

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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.

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Greg *********

I was just in a branch a few weeks ago. Other than my signature not matching perfectly, there were no issues.

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Matt ********

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Matt ********

Thanks can confirm that

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David **********

Thanks for the info.

That was my sense.

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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.

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Dave *******

Thank you for this update, just about all the other reports are YouTubers stirring up paranoia in the pursuit of content.

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Jim ***********

Opened years ago on TR visa. Sent a big chunk over recently and will be buying gold with funds. See how goes

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Jude ****************

@Jim **********

buy bitcoin

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Jim ***********

@Jude ***************

prefer physically holding what I own .

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Jim ***********

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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

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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.

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Adam *********

Definitely not contacting by email they closed mine without warning and had to go to original branch. All fixed now tho

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Cliff *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

this is what I was told Thursday at the bank.

I went there because most of my time is spent outside of Thailand.

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Brandon ************

Then they didn't close your account. They just froze it pending further information.

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Jordan *****

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.

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Jordan *****

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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

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Benny ********

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 closed

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Nathan *******

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

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Nathan *******

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Ant ******

Don't panic

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Steven *********

Good post 🙏🏻

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Rodrigo *********

Old account with this case has no issues, but anyone can’t open new account with the same case and normal use , right?

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Benjamin *********

@Rodrigo ********

no

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Pete *******

@Rodrigo ********

correct.

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Pete *******

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