I just received a message from my bank saying that my account has been blocked and will be closed because it was opened under the DTV visa. Has anyone else experienced this?
The account was opened in November at Bangkok Bank.
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Many expats, especially those with a DTV visa, have reported their bank accounts being blocked or closed by banks in Thailand, particularly Bangkok Bank. The issue has sparked discussions across various social media platforms, indicating that the closure is not limited to just one bank but is expected to extend to others. Participants in the conversation speculate that this is a regulatory measure driven by concerns over compliance and money laundering, rather than a targeted action against specific nationalities. It's noted that accounts opened under the DTV visa, which is categorized similarly to a tourist visa, are particularly at risk, while those who meet certain criteria—like owning property, having a long-term visa, or being married to a Thai citizen—might retain their bank accounts.
I'm confused, how do they expect you to pay taxes if you can't have a Thai bank account?
Jirka ********
Open next bank..babgkok bank was always the worse
Duncan ********
Went to Bank today , they said focusing on last 6 months , looking mostly at Chinese, Had my account 3 years he said you have nothing to worry about ,, interesting that they are looking at last 6 months ,, around the same time they relaxed all there visa laws
retirement Visa 3 years ago , bankkok bank airport plaza ,, but just go to bank and speak to them , they will sort it out for you , as I said the man in bank said they were focusing on the Chinese accounts , ( anywhere else in the world that would be racist but not Thailand , no woke here 😂)
Anonymous participant 985 it’s an e wallet that lets you scan qr codes for payments, so it acts like a Thai bank account. It’s quite new though and only accepts USD deposits.
I tried it, with my wise usd wallet. Not supported
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Anonymous ******************
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Anonym*******
I have the DTV, and I opened a Bangkok Bank account during the purchase of my new condo. I believe they will allow me to keep the bank account.
Elías ********
Anonymous6161 yes, they will, there are three conditions that allow you to hold an account, and one of them is owning a place. As long you meet at least one of the three you're good. That's what I read today on the news.
yes, owning a property, having a long term visa/work permit or being married to a Thai national. Without any of those you're up to the luck of the day, but if any of these three, you're totally "safe".
Anonymous participant 363 hold a long term visa or be married to a Thai
Elías ********
Participante anónimo 987 yes, and by the Thai authorities themselves, the DTV is "not" a long term visa (I know, this doesn't sound about right, but legally speaking, it isn't one)
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Elías ********
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Erik *******
Yes. Other banks are going to follow . It’s a political move decided at the highest level. Bangkok bank won’t be the only one affected.
Has nothing to do with politics. The laws recently changed in Thailand holding banks responsible for all fraud and scam losses. They are hedging their bets and getting rid of all risk.
I think it's more regulatory than political. The bank was caught out involved in money laundering, and waiving due diligence, and now they are trying to save their reputation, butt, and image.
You opened under a DTV? Or did you open it with a different visa type and then change to DTV? Sorry this happened to you. So stressful.
Declan *******
Anonymous participant 359 does not seem to matter what visa there opened with
Kelly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 359 under DTV visa
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Kelly ********
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Dany ********
yes its happening and it is kinda funny actually 😅 all the people that insulted other people for not beeing able to open an account and with their tourist visa bank account and their immortality 🤣🤣
You should follow the (Thai)news. It’s everywhere and other banks will follow soon.
Banks ********************
Anonymous participant 231 they already are. I just saw a recent Reddit post of someone that had their KASIKORN bank account frozen.
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Banks ********************
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Anonymous ******************
Try Krungsri bank
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 282 2 weeks ago I was in Krungsri changing my address. I asked about opening a new account and on what visa etc. She held up a paper with list of requirements and said to me "Immigration Visa" only. I took that as visa issued by Immigration only or Non-Imm.
True. BUT Elite visa gets you stamped for 1 year everytime you enter Thailand AND allow you to extend for 1 year every year if you want . Unlike DTV which stamp is for 6 months only and allow you to extend only once in 5 years. With Elite visa you can stay inside Thailand for straight 5, 10, 15 years (given the duration of the visa) if you want. It’s impossible with DTV: at some point they want you to leave the Kingdom.
With DTV you can extend every time your in Thailand for 6 months. Maximum stay is 1 year after that you have to leave and can return the same day if you like.
there was also a recent Reddit post with someone having their KASIKORN bank frozen today, so looks like it’s not juts Bangkok bank..
Chris *******
Banks freezing accounts I witnessed it today , I was at Krungsri and the fellow was quite agitated.. let's leave it at that. He was told 2 choices: Close account or provide documents- no idea what they wanted.
yeah it’s happening as we speak. Luckily I have two Thai accounts, one that I opened with a work permit the other that I opened on a tourist visa many years ago. Both are okay as for now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the one I opened on the tourist visa gets frozen at some point.