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What issues are DTV visa holders facing with Bangkok Bank when making QR payments?

Jun 13, 2025
2 days ago
Roberto ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anyone here with a DTV visa having issues with Bangkok Bank? I'm currently outside Thailand and can't make QR payments
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TLDR : Answer Summary
DTV visa holders have been experiencing issues with Bangkok Bank, particularly when trying to make QR payments from outside Thailand. Reports indicate that accounts may be frozen due to recent stringent policies aimed at preventing financial fraud among foreign account holders, especially those on short-term or tourist visas. Users have noted that phone support can resolve account freezes, but many are finding their access restricted if they have not verified or registered their accounts properly. There is also discussion about the legal implications of using agents to open accounts, with varying opinions on the topic. Ongoing changes in banking regulations have caught many expats off guard, prompting advice to stay updated on the rules affecting foreign bank accounts.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Tommy ********
Likely froze account because DTV holders are tourists not valid work permit holders which are needed to open and operate Thai bank accounts
Andrew *********
Try again later; sometimes they perform maintenance, and the QR payment is not working.
Bob **********
Bangkok bank is freezing accounts opened on tourists visas and exempt stamps
Marcus ******
For those not in the know the rules and regulations change here frequently even if your in or out of the country 🤷‍♂️ so best keep updated.

See Below:

Baht off! Bangkok Bank shuts the door on tourist accounts -

Bangkok Bank has recently implemented stricter policies regarding foreign accounts, leading to some accounts being frozen and cards blocked for those who don't meet the new requirements. The bank is primarily focusing on tightening restrictions for foreigners opening new accounts, citing cybersecurity and fraud concerns. This is particularly affecting Russian nationals and other foreigners who do not hold long-term visas, are not married to Thai nationals, or do not own property in Thailand. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

New Requirements:

Bangkok Bank has introduced stricter requirements for foreign customers, including the need for long-term visas, marriage to a Thai national, or property ownership in Thailand.

Impact on Foreigners:

These changes are causing a lot of concern, especially for tourists and expats who rely on Bangkok Bank accounts.

Account Freezes and Card Blocks:

Reports suggest that the bank has begun freezing accounts and blocking bank cards of those who do not meet the new criteria.

Focus on Fraud Prevention:

The bank's actions are reportedly aimed at preventing financial fraud, particularly the use of "mule accounts," which are used to facilitate illegal activities.

Counseling:

Customers with issues are advised to contact the bank for clarification and resolution.

Temporary Measures:

The bank may not be closing accounts immediately but rather asking customers to withdraw their funds and address any issues.

In summary, Bangkok Bank is tightening its grip on foreign accounts, particularly those of non-long-term visa holders. The new policy has led to account freezes, card blocks, and concerns among the foreign community in Thailand.
@ Roberto **
A I would suggest you call the Bank? 🏦 and keep informed with what’s happening here in Thailand after all you’ve applied for and now have a 5 year Visa here.
Paul ********
Which country are you trying to make QR payments. I thought a payment thru BB was for domestic QR payments only
Wannikea *********
Need more information, general amount, payment to what and where and in what country are you trying this?
Anonymous ******************
Check your email if youre waiver expired for face scan proof. Happened to me with scb rn
Wales ****************
Anonymous participant 708 same but I’m out the county, can it be fixed?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Wales ***************
need to go see if you can set it up in app, otherwise you need go to scb branch in th
Andi ***********
Yes, there are DTVERS outside of Thailand whose Bangkok Bank accounts are frozen. You need to go in person to sort it out.
Nick ************
My account was suspended when I returned to the UK. A 10 minute phone call to Bangkok sorted it out. The app gave me the number to ring.
Fleace ********
Do a news search on the topic. The answer is there.
Paulie ********
Can you get on the app? If not then it's been frozen like most over the last months 😔
Roberto ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paulie *******
yes I can
Michael ********
Call the Bank. (I used to use Skype Voip, to call when outside of Thailand)

It happens to me a few times a year, usually API network issues with Bangkok Bank.

*I'm on DTV, been using Bangkok Bank for 13 years, current account is 3 years old.
Anonymous ******************
@Michael *******
skype stopped their business
Michael ********
Hence why I said "I used to use Skype Voip"

Skype Voip is still available only for existing customers though the web UI only.

Calls are made here:

calling.web.skype.com

*It still works, I made a call yesterday.

I don't believe it's possible to purchase/top-up credit.
John **********
@Michael *******
you can continue to use it until your credit runs out. You should also be able to access a Skype dialler via teams
Anonymous ******************
More than 50k transaction?
Will ************
Your account is frozen as it was opened on a DTV visa. Search other posts on here.
Mo *****
Plenty still have accounts with a dtv.. I do.. simply popped into Bangkok bank and confirmed my details without any prompt and advised no issues
Ben ********
I have no idea about this, but is it because you need to set your VPN to Thailand to make the QR payment?
Anonymous ******************
@Ben *******
I can make QR payments from outside Thailand with no vpn, I’m also with Bangkok bank
Anonymous ******************
@Ben *******
no haha
Roberto ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ben *******
i hope that's the reason
Anonymous ******************
If you opened the account illegally through an agent or recently opened on a tourist or DTV visa it’s a possibility that they’ve frozen your account.
Ja***
Anonymous participant 959 It's not illegal to use an agent to open a bank account. Nor is it illegal to open a bank account with a tourist or DTV visa. It may be against the policy of the bank, but it's certainly not illegal.
Angelo ***********
@Ja***
Actually it is illegal to open a bank account via an agent. The only exception is: you are seriously ill and appointed a layer, who will witness to know you in person.

It is the same in Thailand as in every country. A random person can no open an account for another random person. How should that work?
Ja***
@Angelo **********
I mean it's not illegal to use an agent to assist you with the account opening process. Of course you would still need to go in person to open the account.
Angelo ***********
@Ja***
Correct. But then you likely would not need the agent. "Via Agent" usually implies, you sent an email and photo copies to "some agent" and he gives you the details of the bank account later.
Ja***
@Angelo **********
I don't think the agents in Thailand that help foreigners open bank accounts operate in the way you describe. They just introduce you to a friendly bank manager that will overlook the bank policy of not opening bank accounts for DTV, tourist visa, etc. You may find it extremely difficult to open a bank account without using such an agent if you don't have a non immigrant, elite, or LTR visa.
Anonymous ******************
@Ja***
But if the "friendly bank manager" violates the bank's policies, it doesn't stop an account being frozen by the bank's auditors, as what appears to be happening
Ja***
Anonymous participant 791 I never said it did. I only said it's not illegal.
Roberto ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 959 I'm on a DTV visa
Anonymous ******************
@Roberto ***
but when did you open the account? Did you open the account through an agent? And what visa were you on when you opened the account?
Wannikea *********
How long have you been away, in the last few months banks have encouraged clients to come in and register their phone SIM to their account or risk suspended services.
Roberto ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
i believe mine is registered. I tried to make a QR payment outside Thailand today - I don't know if it's because of that
Angelo ***********
@Roberto ***
You should have an email, or a message inside of the banking app - or both. Did you get an banking error message, or just some random error?
Wannikea *********
@Roberto ***
doubtful a Thai bank would link to a bank abroad for promptpay/QR payments unless it's a nearby SEA country with recent compatibility
Ray *****
@Wannikea ********
he may have been paying a Thai QR payment, like electricity or True Internet. I do it all the time when I'm out of the country
Roberto ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ray ****
exactly
Wannikea *********
@Ray ****
yeah, they left a huge void of possible scenarios leading to a lot of blind wasted speculation
Ray *****
@Wannikea ********
that as well