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What should I do if my bank account in Thailand is frozen due to immigration requirements?
Bank Account IssuesVisa Support RequirementsThai ImmigrationForeigners in ThailandBanking ChallengesFraud ConcernsSIM Card RegulationsRetirement VisaExpat Advice
Aug 26, 2025
8 months ago
Michael **********
ORIGINAL POSTERIt's been 7 days since my account was frozen and the biggest joke is when you apply for your visa their biggest concern is that you can support yourself not much concern now
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the author's frustration regarding their bank account being frozen for a week, highlighting the disconnect between visa requirements and banking issues faced by expats. Various comments provide insights into the situation, including warnings about using specific banks, advice on managing finances, and the need for better preparation against banking problems, especially in light of recent fraud cases affecting banks in Thailand. Contributors also share experiences dealing with account freezes and the importance of having backup financial plans.
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Magnus ******************
I dont understand why people dont have cash for some months at home....
Robert *********
@Magnus *****************
I have at least two months cash at all times .I have been places were the banks closed ,wars ,earth quakes coupe .
No money no eat
Andy *******
@Magnus *****************
any chance of getting your address??Magnus ******************
@Andy ******
My adress its Soi 9 đ°Magnus ******************
@Andy ******
Even a small gold item can be enough....Reply to
Magnus ******************
Reply
Chris *****
I was at Bangkok Bank yesterday at the branch where I opened my account to unlock my account. The bank staff told me to wait 7-10 business days. But I also overheard another bank staff telling another customer 1-2 weeks. Who really knows đ¤ˇđťââď¸
Tony **********
@Chris ****
10 business days can be 2-3 weeks if there are holidays in that period...Reply to
Tony **********
Reply
Ian **********
Thailand's banking sector has been rattled by evidence of fraud discovered in one bank in particular. It's set off a chain reaction and reset, on personal accounts, phone numbers and SIM's linked to account, and daily transaction amounts. This is what happens when certain groups abuse the banking systems, and bank officers become tempted with incentives.
Billy **********
@Ian *********
dilly dilly đşBilly **********
@Ian *********
Jeez Ian, Dilly Dilly means I agree with your opineYou and Max are the same đ đwankers
Ian **********
@Billy *********
apologies Billy, didn't understand the language. I take it back.Reply to
Ian **********
Reply
Ian **********
@Billy *********
how childish and unhelpful to the chat conversation.Reply to
Ian **********
Reply
Max *************
Michael Scicluna. Which bank do you have? KBank or Bangkok Bank?
Edward ********
Im in the same boat, still locked out of account, you will get alot of people making rude comments, and they think they know everything that's going on when they truly don't. Yes I used an agent to open bank account and retirement visa , I think what triggered mine is Sim card not matching my nameI did go in 4 months ago and thought that i got that fixed through bank. But I guess someone didn't do something correctly.
I called that 1333 number went through prompts and found out mine was saying suspended due to Sim card, so I went in today and got slip of paper showing my name my number my address . Will take that back to bank tomorrow. To see if that's why Im still locked out since last Monday.
I called that 1333 number went through prompts and found out mine was saying suspended due to Sim card, so I went in today and got slip of paper showing my name my number my address . Will take that back to bank tomorrow. To see if that's why Im still locked out since last Monday.
Ernesto ********
@Edward *******
why didnât your SIM card match your account ?Magnus ******************
@Edward *******
I think up to 5 weekReply to
Magnus ******************
Reply
Nathan ********
There are many ways to reduce the risk of issues like this.
Jay ***********
@Nathan *******
such as????Nathan ********
@Jay **********
Ask politely and I might be happy to share!Reply to
Nathan ********
Reply
Leo *******
My solution was to never open one in the first place.
Reply to
Leo *******
Reply
Josh *********
Thailand wont support their own people let alone foreigners/expats⌠What are you expecting, Them to treat like royalty and pay for everything? A massive life lesson to be learnt here.
Have a Main Bank Account from your home country, Set up a Bank Account again where ever youâre staying and then just transfer what need over⌠Basic Common Sense.
Have a Main Bank Account from your home country, Set up a Bank Account again where ever youâre staying and then just transfer what need over⌠Basic Common Sense.
Sam ********
@Josh ********
Do you know that some visas require *****
0 baht in a thai bank account? I'm sure you wouldnt be happy if you had that locked up either would youGraham ******
@Sam *******
it only has to be "locked up" for just over 5 months if planned properly, a small price to paySam ********
@Graham *****
The reading comprehension on this post is crazy. The poster mentioned having his account frozen, this is why I commented about people not wanting their money locked up, nothing to do with the seasoning process...Graham ******
@Sam *******
if you mean frozen by the bank for 4 months surely that's not an issue as the conditions for getting a 12 month extension requires the balance to be 800k for 5 monthsSam ********
@Graham *****
I said would you be happy if the bank locked away 18k of your money for any reason they see fit? The seasoning period has nothing to do with my comment?Reply to
Sam ********
Reply
Max *************
@Sam *******
Why do you think every foreigner with a Thai bank account is affected? Did someone tell you that? I have several accounts in more than one bank and neither of them have been frozen, and it won't even happen.Reinhard ********
@Max ************
So I have.400k for marriage visa in my normal account in which my pension comes every month.It's a rule of my immi that the money is allways available.I heard from immies that approved that the money can be taken all the time.Sam ********
@Max ************
Where did I mention that I think everyone with a thai bank account is affected?Max *************
@Sam *******
Because that's what it sounds like when reading your comments. Get it?Sam ********
@Max ************
Then you struggle comprehending what I'm saying, that's okay.Reply to
Sam ********
Reply
Josh *********
@Sam *******
But as stated above bud, And Im gonna say what other people are gonna say also⌠Donât keep all your eggs in one basket. Plus there is no context to why he has had his account lockedâŚ
And the 25K is for Certain Visaâs only yes. I know and understand that, But use your common sense, If you only have that available to use and you have been locked out? Where do you expect to get funds from if you are stuck in a position where youâre unable to survive!
Yo***
@Josh ********
Actually for me, I am not worry about living when bank freeze my account in thai bank. Bangkok bank as well. I am on retirement visa for one year extension, so I need to put over 800,000 THB in a thai bank, probably in Bangkok bank. Still it is not easy at all to open another thai bank account. I do not know why? even I am on retirement visa. so it is. For me, only bangkok bank is available for my visa things. I have some other cards from outside of thailand, that I can also use too. However, I planed to live for long time in Thailand. So I moved here. Yes, I want to make Thailand my second home or home. But, if the bank like this in Thailand, sudden death of my accounts, life here seems really difficult. And how can I put considerable amount of money that I have in Thai bank? For the long term, I would move my money to Thailand, so that I can live like locals. For tourists or short term stayers, this problem is not big at all. They just can use some other tools to live on in Thailand. But if someone like me planed to live in thailand for long term or until die, They need to move their money to Thailand some day in future. My concern is now, how to extend my visa next year with bangkok bank? and how sure I can be with my deposit over 800,000 THB? What if the immigration rejected bangkok bank statements? And even I can extend my visa, but how sure I can put my all money to the bank in Thailand?? Honestly, for retirees especially, people like me, living mostly with savings and old, this bank issue is really important. Keeping the savings is a big issue for us too. However, if thai bank, especially bangkok bank will do things like this, it is really worrying for me and maybe this can change my whole life plan too. The bank is a trust and credit. so without this, there is no bank. The bank must show they are trustful to the customers. But, if BKB does jobs like this, suddenly freezing the account for no clear reason, how can I trust the bank? Is this actually bank?Sam ********
@Josh ********
I'm assuming that the comment about thai government not caring if you can support yourself was more of a rant and hopefully not his only source of money but I could be wrong.Josh *********
@Sam *******
I donât understand your question here? But If youâre referring to my comment as a rant, No, It was not. I am purely speaking from personal experience and multiple other peoples experiences that I have seen and heard about.Sam ********
@Josh ********
"their biggest concern is that you can support yourself not much concern now" This is what the guy posting said, I assumed this is why you spoke about not putting all of your eggs in one basket.Josh *********
@Sam *******
Yes and No, Why would they be remotely concerned in the slightest if you are unable to financially support yourself if your bank account has been frozen. I just donât understand the point of the Original Post. If anybody is ranting its the Author. No questions or Advice was wanted. Just somebody complaining about his Bank Account being Frozen and now he has no-way of supporting himself.
Sam ********
@Josh ********
I've just confirmed I'm telling you that I think the author was ranting about his account being frozen and that's why he said this. Let's just leave it here. đReply to
Sam ********
Reply
John *******
Immigration warned me yesterday not to use a certain bank for immigration. They were having many problems with it. Lucky that I am using the monthly method.
Stephen ******
@John ******
what is that bank if you don't mind me askingJohn *******
Yo***
@John ******
so, bangkok bank cant be used for immigration?John *******
@Yo***
Nobody said that. They are having problems. Probably that four month freeze.Stephen ******
@John ******
just had mine suspend from them what winds me up you could only open an account with them at the time take care thanks for the replyReply to
Stephen ******
Reply
Mark ********
@John ******
I use the 65k monthly transfer method for my extensions. I'm with Bangkok Bank and have had no problemsGraham ******
@Mark *******
it's the non-existent 800k accounts they are after ;)John *******
@Mark *******
I will not either.Reply to
John *******
Reply
Max *************
@John ******
Which office is that and which bank? I'm not buying immigration is"warning" anyone about a "certain" bank. Immigration can in seconds see if a bank account is kosher just by looking at bank statements and bank books.John *******
@Max ************
I am not selling u anything. Only what she told me. I was only there for stamp transfer to my new passport. Apparently, she was trying to help me out for December. She was probably was referring to the 800,000 in the bank. I use monthly.Reply to
John *******
Reply
Bob **********
I havenât heard of anyone including myself who open bank accounts legally having any problems
Peter *********
@Bob *********
I've never had a problem with Bangkok Bank.Bob **********
@Peter ********
me either another bank account I have has asked me to bring in my info which I did no problem had the account about 14 yearsMax *************
@Bob *********
Same with me..Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Mark ********
@David ********
Have you ever used your account to obtain an extension through a visa agent?Max *************
@Bob *********
They obviously don't understand that this is about relatively new bank accounts and it's just a very small portion of foreign accounts.David *********
Your full of it dude my bkk bank acc 13 years same sim no registered to me 13 years I got frozen out
Julian *******
@Max ************
not true. I have had my account ten years and yesterday I had to make a transfer to my wife and it blocked me. Thankfully I have two other accounts and a wise accountMax *************
@Julian ******
Are your account/s actually active? I've had mine for years and no problems whatsoever. What can I say?Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Billy **********
@Bob *********
had mine for 12 years. No problemsPhilip *******
@Bob *********
i opened my account legally last year but like many caught up in this have had account frozen until I present all the documentation that I presented on opening my account last year and had to present in June when I replaced my telephone. The closure happened without notice while I was in hospital. I've since been discharged but post surgery have mobility issues while I recover. I will be opening account elsewhere and changing bank Im not prepared to accept the treatment as a customer so I will vote with my feetX *************
@Philip ******
vote with your feet and leave Thailand. It's treatment of expats is horriblePhilip *******
@X ************
no ill stay in Thailand I find the respect I give comes back. Its a wonderful country and the people are greatDavid *********
Agree 100% just dump bkk bank close acc go to kasikorn bank
Reply to
David *********
Reply
James ********
@Philip ******
Well said Phil , and many ac holders are going to take the same action. If they are trying to catch the big boys : forget it , their connections and ability far out weigh this stupid banks efforts.Bob **********
@Philip ******
you probably got a message to come in before a certain date or your account will be frozen maybe you missed it in the hospitalYo***
@Bob *********
most of people did not get any notice before freezing. Me too. Even I got always notice about any kind of withdraw or transcations from the bank.Philip *******
@Bob *********
no it was frozen at midnight Sunday exactly same time as message arrive on the appReply to
Philip *******
Reply
Max *************
@Philip ******
"Like many"? Only relatively new accounts have been frozen, and your account is new. Very few are affected when it comes to the total amount of foreign accounts.James ********
@Max ************
Blinkered view there mate. Have another read of the variety of accounts frozen.David *********
Bullshite 13 years acc with bkk bank opened legally I was frozen out
John **********
@David ********
When you say opened legally, did you personally walk into a branch in the area you live with your identity documents and open up the account? Or did you have some assistance?David *********
I opened the account myself no agent no help
James ********
@David ********
Hey Max , are you there. Read this. Oh sorry , you just crawled back under your rock.Mark ********
@Max ************
This topic has been posted and discussed across many facebook groups I belong to. There have been quite a number of people with accounts frozen who have been with the Bank many years up to 20 odd from memory, who have always had the appropriate documentation and requirements but were caught up in this mess. Not sure what logarithm or logic the bank is using to freeze accounts, but it has been painfully obvious many innocent people swept up in this mess.Max *************
@Mark *******
"Quite a number"? There are several hundred thousand foreign accounts at Bangkok Bank. I don't know how many at KBank. Where did you read that 20 year old active foreign accounts have been frozen the last few months? Please tell.Mark ********
@Max ************
Maxy I belong to around 140 Face Book Groups and if you spent more time assimilating information instead of being passive aggressive with your, oh so so many similar response to people, then I wouldnât have to tell you anything. I knew this would be your response as you seem to just troll conversations and reply for the sake of it. All Star Contributor Badge earnt by your efforts like this post Maxy? Try and make a positive contribution Maxy đLike someone has already told you just before. You are not worth responding to again Maxy. Cheers
David *********
Well said
Reply to
David *********
Reply
Mark ********
@Philip ******
Bangkok Bank has been burned pretty bad by foreigners abusing the system. I think the bank will be happy for foreigners to move to another bank.Jeroen *************
@Mark *******
How can a foreigner abuse the system in such a way that BB got burned by it? Perhaps I am naive or lack experience but my question is genuineMark ********
@Jeroen ************
Staff at the Pattaya branch were selling accounts to Chinese customers who were using the accounts for money laundering. Visa agents have been opening accounts in Pattaya to fraudulently assist expats on retirement visas to bypass financial criteria implemented by Thai immigration. This is why accounts held by foreigners on tourist visas are being systematically closed down, and why accounts which show visa agent abuse are also being closed or are being frozen with the required funds held for four months to discourage agents from using their services
**************************************************************************************
Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Billy **********
Pops always warned me about keeping all your eggs in one basket, certainly not a foreign basket.
That was 40 years ago. Probably even more serious in todayâs world of cyber fraud
That was 40 years ago. Probably even more serious in todayâs world of cyber fraud
Stuart **********
@Max ************
what a genius you are,a bundle of knowledge,if you canât be constructive itâs better you go lie down and have a good sleepMax *************
@Stuart *********
Well, you don't have to be a genius to actually understand what this is about,but you're not getting it, thats for sure. You're just another clueless person whining on FB.James ********
@Max ************
Hello Max , are you there ?...James ********
@Max ************
What is about then Einstein?Reply to
James ********
Reply
Max *************
@Billy *********
So you think the majority of foreign accounts in Thailand are frozen? It's a small portion of them and they are relatively new. There are also reasons for these accounts being frozen.Stop whining about everything.James ********
@Max ************
I don't think he is whinning...he was just stating the situation. This inconvenience is being suffered by many people who are not crooks or criminals. It is their/ our money. Block the account , freeze or whatever , but , allow the account holder to withdraw THEIR MONEY , at the branch with their book. Block the phone app or w/e but allow access to the account holders money. Ok Max .Billy **********
Poor max needs to get laid đ
Go have a day âď¸
Youâre not too much help in your current demeanor
Go have a day âď¸
Youâre not too much help in your current demeanor
Max *************
@Billy *********
So, your saying your comment has nothing to do with the OP and his "frozen" account.ElĂas ********
@Max ************
he's not whining. He's just giving a very good piece of advice. Don't put all the resources in a single account, in case something, even temporary, happens.Billy **********
@Max ************
Have a day MaxReply to
Billy **********
Reply
Lynnette *******
The banks policy has nothing to do with the Thai govt or immigration who want you to have funds to support yourself.
Martyn ***********
@Lynnette ******
it has something to do with it, your suppose to have 800k for emergencies.. The banks decision to freeze it means it's not available.Lynnette *******
@Martyn **********
so is 800k always frozen for 4 months?Martyn ***********
@Lynnette ******
by Bangkok bank yes, I think it's very unfair and absolutely not in there remit.Reply to
Martyn ***********
Reply
David ***********
@Lynnette ******
Thatâs not necessarily true. This is a complex matter and the Thai government heavily influences the bankâs decisions. đ¤ˇââď¸Lynnette *******
@David **********
reading back it looks like BB are the ones creating this issue at the moment.Reply to
Lynnette *******
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