What steps can I take if Bangkok Bank is refusing to return my money after three months?

@Dana *********

your account is probably being investigated as a mule account in that case. Quite distinct from dtv accounts being frozen. It will likely take as long as it takes, particularly if the bank person you paid is under suspicion of opening many accounts this way.

@John *********

💯

@Dana *********

You bribed someone? Ok. That's why your account is frozen. The bank is carrying out investigations into accounts which were not opened in accordance with the policy. I think they want to find the staff responsible and terminate their employment. Was it in Pattaya?

@Mark *******

pure speculation ... without fact.

@James *******

The OP actually admitted paying money to open the account! How is that speculation?

@James *******

You need to read all the posts

@Dana *********

again not true

@Dana *********

With due respect you must have known things might go wrong if you had to bribe a bank official to open the account in the first place. I think you just have to be patient

@Mark *******

again 😭. IF you went into a Thai bank and requested to Open an account... IF they say Yes that's possible ...if you purchase a Cancer / Accident policy from the bank. Do you consider that a bribe? Because it's been that way for a long time in Thailand.

@James *******

I can't believe the denials! You think the staff terminated at Pattaya were fired because they sold insurance policies?

@Mark *******

thank you for your replies. I read many posts over the 4 FB forums in which I am one of the Moderators. And I receive many PM Messages.

We both know how the Thai Immigration and banking system functions in Thailand.

And we read about the recent MONEY LAUNDERING being investigated by Thai banking authorities, among others.

That has brought about the freezing of some bank accounts is issued with Visa Exempt Entry, Tourist Visa, of which the DTV visa is a tourist visa.

Hopefully, in the months ahead more clarity on those who are eligible to open a Thai bank account will be issued.

Take care... Enjoy your life in Thailand.

@Dana *********

ahhh that's the reason. You need to head to Bangkok where you setup your account and get your money there

@Mark *******

no reports are they freeze your account for 30 days and after that you go to the bank in person and release after you have your id. You cannot get your money if your say back in your home

@Mark *******

no it’s to stop the use of the account for transfers ect.close it they will return your money

@Bob *********

you are right, but to close it you need the same documents needed to unfreeze it, for security reasons to make sure it is your account.

@Mark *******

they cannot keep your funds if you close the account period yes when the account is frozen you can’t do anything but close it or wait and hope they don’t close it and if they do do you think they keep your funds??

@Bob *********

we don‘t know the reason why they the account is frozen for such a long time …

@Bob *********

Freezing of an account means freezing the funds. The account cannot be accessed for anything. If the bank suspects money-laundering they have every right to do this until their investigation (and any subsequent police investigation) is concluded

@Peter **********

it’s not a police investigation it’s most likely about what visa you were on when you opened the account

@Bob *********

It depends what the bank investigation uncovers. If it's money laundering of course it becomes a police matter. That's what started the whole thing

@Peter **********

of course but the majority of all frozen accounts are do to visa type

@Bob *********

I don't know of specific numbers. Do you have a link to your source?

@Peter **********

watch the news

@Bob *********

I do every day. So I take it you don't have a source?

@Bob *********

If you've been keeping up to date with the Bangkok Bank issue, you will have seen that many expats have been trying to close their accounts and have been advised whilst the account is frozen it cannot be closed

Yes that's because they need to do it att the original branch where the first opened the account

@Dana *********

sounds like BS, go tell someone else