Answereda year ago
What issues are expats facing with Thai banks regarding account freezes and visa types?
Excuse me: I always read (or maybe I missed the other topics) about problems involving Bangkok Bank. But what about other banks? Has anyone had their account frozen? With which bank? Thanks.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the account opening and transaction policies of various Thai banks, with a particular focus on issues with frozen accounts and customer experiences. Many users shared that all Thai banks, not just Bangkok Bank, have become more stringent with their KYC requirements and have been limiting transactions, especially for accounts opened under tourist or DTV visas. Some mentioned reporting account freezing with SCB, while others highlighted the stricter practices that have emerged recently, making it difficult for expats to open accounts without the proper visa or documentation. Overall, there seems to be a trend of tightening regulations across all banks, prompted by concerns over illegal account openings.
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Anonymous ******************
I just opened a bank account 2 weeks ago with SCB with a student Visa ( language school) at least that’s still possible
Colin ********
Yes SCB is, also freezing accounts.
Andrew *********
Other banks you have had to go in and do facial recognition, update details and phone numbers. But not closed due to the type of visa you are on. Transactions limited to 50k per day.
The simple matter is other banks stopped opening accounts on tourist visas etc several years ago and only accepted work permits or retirement visas. Maybe marriage visas.
Bangkok Bank kept opening on tourist visas and doing banking money through agents for retirement etc visas. Unsurprisingly they attracted all the criminal element. Now they've got to do something about it.
The simple matter is other banks stopped opening accounts on tourist visas etc several years ago and only accepted work permits or retirement visas. Maybe marriage visas.
Bangkok Bank kept opening on tourist visas and doing banking money through agents for retirement etc visas. Unsurprisingly they attracted all the criminal element. Now they've got to do something about it.
Sean *******
@Andrew ********
Exactly.
Anonymous ******************
No one is opening accounts for DTV. BKK Bank is the one closing accounts for now. But was also the main one opening for DTVs and tourists exemptions... Thailand is tightening banking rules fast (KYC, CRS, etc.), and people are betting on what they can’t control. Don’t rely on keeping a Thai account under DTV unless it was opened years ago under the right visa without an agent and even then, no guarantees. Play it safe and have a plan B instead of trusting random advice.
Benjamin *********
Same. Too many agents corrupted bank agents and now banks are cleaning.
Fact is no bank open any account for tourist ou dtv visa
Fact is no bank open any account for tourist ou dtv visa
Zakhar ***********
Other banks don’t freeze accounts yet, but do limit transactions to 50K per day. Multiple occasions with Kasikorn and SCB.
Pete *******
All Thai banks have been asked to tighten their KYC requirements for new account openings. It is not limited to Bangkok Bank.
Gianburrasca ********
OP@Pe**
, which other bank accounts have been frozen?Pete *******
@Gianburrasca *******
any Thai bank will freeze an account if they cannot fulfill their KYC procedures. Most recently there has been a clampdown on the phone number associated with the account not matching the bank details.
Nelson ******
@Sean ******
One Stop Visa opened up my Bangkok Bank account in the first placeSean *******
@Nelson *****
Then it will get closed if you're not on the correct visa now.Kieran *******
@Sean ******
so far…Sean *******
@Kieran ******
The other banks had a better get a wriggle on then. They're just watching BB at the moment 😆Kieran *******
@Sean ******
then you will be invincible :)Sean *******
@Kieran ******
I'll be on a retirement visa by the time KrungThai get to my account 👍Kieran *******
@Sean ******
well, I’ll just put it this way: I’m prepared for any outcome :)Activity
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