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What should I do if my Thai bank account is tied to an old phone and my DTV visa complicates app access?

Oct 2, 2025
5 days ago
I went to the Bank with my DTV:

So previously I had an education visa and opened an account with Krungthai. Everything works and I’ve had no problems at all.

However I wanted to move the Krungthai Next app to my new phone so I went in to ask if they could do it (because it would not let me login on my new phone without going in person)

First they asked straight away “visa”. I showed them my DTV and they were confused, speaking in Thai with each other then they called the call Center, as the visa I registered the bank account with was different.

At the end they basically said DTV holders aren’t meant to have a bank account so we can’t register you for the app on your new phone. However you can keep the bank account open and continue to use it.

So now I’m stuck with a very old phone just to use for scan pay.

Not ideal but better than nothing. If anyone has a work around or any advice I’d appreciate it. But yeah seems like they’re a lot stricter now
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user encountered difficulties accessing the Krungthai Next banking app after trying to transition to a new phone while holding a DTV visa. Initially, they had no issues with their bank account, which was set up on an education visa. However, bank representatives were confused when they tried to register the app on their new phone, as they stated that DTV holders are not typically allowed to have a bank account. Consequently, the user has to continue using an old phone for transactions. Commenters provided various workarounds, including using alternative apps like TrueMoney, ATM options for generating new login credentials, and advice about navigating bank restrictions.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Yaron ******
You can install the true money app it has scan features same as the bank apps.

You csn top up the wallet of true money by connecting it to your existing thai bank account, this way you can easily recharge the truemoney digital wallat everytime and uae its scan for everything 😀

Another great benefit is that true money also enables free digital master card credit cards so you can use it for all the online payments and add it as a legit credit card for all the common apps such as Grab, Bolt, Lazada and many others.

Remember that you always have to male sure you have sufficient money balance in your truemoney wallet for payment when you use the credit card or for any scan payment.

If balance too low just recharge it instantly by topping with the bank account you connected to the app.

The other alternative is to top up (recharge) using cash at 7 Eleven or dedicated truemoney money machines, there are multiple ways and options to recharge it, don't remember all of them.
Jesper *******
Have u tried requesting for a new login id using your debit card at the atm? I request for a new login id using my debit card at the atm after verifying my phone number and birthday the atm give a transaction slip with the new login id and received the password tru sms ....which after I use the new login id and password on the app of the new phone and it works...hope this helps
Ibrahim ******
Get Truemoney Wallet on your new phone, you can transfer to that with your Thai account and still use QR through the true wallet on your new phone but also true money. Doesn't fix still having to have your old phone, but its a workaround so you don't have to have your old with you when you need to pay for something.
Karla ********
I'm happy to read those because this will be my case but seems illogical that you can keep the account but not be able to log in? Doesn't make sense 🤣 so basically I can never loose my current phone?
Nina *********
Welcome to thailand
Jonathan *****
Go to a different branch, preferably in a different region/city. The further you go from touristy branches, the easier it will be. Helps if you speak Thai too.

I did whatever you did, not even having a visa, and they did it for me without even asking for any documents.
Anonymous ******************
@Jonathan ****
So now it’s a matter of time to have it closed if you are in DTV. Regulations changed and banks are forced to close them
Anonymous ******************
@Jonathan ****
nice way to get your account closed. The ladies were nice to him this time, might not be so lucky next time
Jonathan *****
Anonymous participant 535 like I said, further you go from touristy places, the less the branches are “subject to strict rules”

You have to understand that the government is clamping down on foreign accounts because of money laundering - and where are most of these foreigners? In touristy areas - and thus those branches are the first to get targeted.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jonathan ****
thank you, when was this if you don’t mind me asking? Because I think they’ve got stricter now
Jonathan *****
Anonymous participant I did this in Buriram sometime in April this year.
Alain ***************
Years ago i set up mobile banking at the ATM. It was another thai bank but maybe yours allows it, too. I needed the phone with ne as it sent a temporary password. The ATM never asked for my visa 555
Anonymous ******************
They also didn't allow me to activate the app even with still valid ED Visa and I'm actually going to class. Living in Thailand slowly become a nightmare.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 906 Say thank you to russians and Chinese for doing shady stuff and scam mules…
Christer *****
Anonymous participant 906 Google "ED visa Thailand Bank".

AI gathers a lot of tips and caveats. "It depends" is the summarisation of everything it says.
Anonymous ******************
@Christer ****
as does everything in the world. It depends on a million things lmao.
Christer *****
Anonymous participant 906 Well, then you already have your answer. Carry on
Christer *****
Maybe make a sticky announcement in the group?

"Tourist visa, no bank account"
Oleg ***********
To get an account need 1 year visa. Dtv not qualified
Anonymous ******************
Use it to receive your money but then take it out and teach yourself how to use cash again.

Cash is king.
Christer *****
Anonymous participant 550 at the same time as thais are moving over to app payments.