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What risks might arise from switching from an Elite Visa to a DTV regarding my Thai bank account?

Visa Status Change Elite Visa DTV Visa Thai Banking Regulations Bank Account Closure Risks KYC Regulations Expatriate Visa Options

Jun 3, 2025

25 days ago

Stephen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

For someone who may want to switch from the expensive Elite Visa scheme to the DTV, and who already has a Thai bank account, are there any risks that the bank might close the account due to the visa status change? Any relevant experiences to share most appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The transition from an Elite Visa to a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) poses questions regarding the stability of a Thai bank account. Concerns revolve around the bank's awareness of the visa status change, as banks may request visa information during transactions or account maintenance. While some community members express doubts about banks proactively closing accounts based on visa changes, it is recommended to check with the respective bank for specific policies, especially considering KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations. Switching to the DTV is perceived as a potential risk depending on individual circumstances, particularly for long-term residents on an Elite Visa.

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Teddy ********

How much is the elite visa?

24 days ago

Wannikea *********

Banks follow KYC know your client. I truly doubt they are wholesale closing accounts from clients that are obviously not mule accounts etc.

24 days ago

Charles ********

No one is going to have experience, since it all new. The DTV itself is a risk. If you been living here on elite, switching the dtv might turn out to be a big mistake. If you just a frequent traveler to Thailand, then the dtv might be a reasonable option.

I live in Thailand on elite, and it is expiring in another year, and likely will extend it unless something new comes a long better.

As an alternative, you do appear to be old enough for a visa based on retirement.

25 days ago

Stephen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Charles *******

- right. I am on a retirement visa. I was asking for a friend who's been on an expensive Elite visa and is OK with the six month (180 day) stay limitation as she resides in Argentina half the year, and is thinking about the DTV which costs only THB 15,000, apparently.

25 days ago

Reply to

Stephen *********

Jeremy ********

Nobody really knows with all the new developments that have transpired over the past 2 weeks

25 days ago

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

Banks don't have any information about your visa unless you share it with them.

25 days ago

Stephen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks. They do require you to submit your passport when renewing a passbook or to do other things at the bank, so they can check it at the time. Bangkok Bank has always made photocopies of my passport for such transactions, and may also photocopy the visa page (I'm not sure however).

25 days ago

Maksym ***********

@Stephen ********

they will see when elite visa is expired and can call you and ask what visa do you have now. And invite to the branch.

25 days ago

Stuart ***********

@Stephen ********

good point, they took a photocopy of my visa last week when I changed my address.

25 days ago

Ronny *****

@Stephen ********

can confirm they checked my visa when I forgot my PIN

25 days ago

Stephen *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks.

25 days ago

Colin **********

@Stephen ********

I've just had a new passbook, and they copy the bio page, but I'm not certain about the they visa page, I think once the account is finally approved, it's unlikely to be subject to checks every time you update it, many of the tellers won't have the experience to check. Also there have been a few reports of people with a frozen account who have shown a DVT and had them unfrozen, so it's not a clear case either way maybe check at your local bank or the bank you will use.

25 days ago

Reply to

Colin **********

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Does the DTV visa qualify for keeping a Thai bank account?

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