Answereda year ago
Why are Bank of Bangkok accounts being closed for holders of long-term DTV visas?
Had my Bank of Bangkok bank account
Closed today . They are closing all accounts that don’t have a long term visa including DTV visas .
My advice is sort your online bank accounts before you come ( Wise , Revolut ) etc
Closed today . They are closing all accounts that don’t have a long term visa including DTV visas .
My advice is sort your online bank accounts before you come ( Wise , Revolut ) etc
Answer summary
Recently, there have been significant issues for expatriates in Thailand regarding the closure of bank accounts for those holding long-term visas such as the DTV. The Bank of Bangkok is reportedly shutting accounts that do not meet certain long-term visa requirements, causing frustration among residents. Many users shared experiences of sudden account closures and the complications that arise from being required to provide specific documents to reopen accounts. There is a growing concern about the implications for DTV holders and whether further restrictions might be put in place. Users are advised to consider alternative banking solutions such as online banking services (e.g., Wise, Revolut) to avoid these banking issues.
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Passionate***********
Why people put money in thai banks I don't know, I understand its supposed to make life easier but having bank accounts closed randomly isn't a place I'd like to be especially if there is considerable sums involved.
Anonymous ******************
It’s not in any DTV holder’s interest to have a Thai bank account, this puts you on the hook for tax liability. Use Wise and debit/credit cards from foreign banks. Many Western banks have stronger protections for customers anyway, like better fraud protection and FDIC.
Anonymous ******************
I opened my account last year using my DTV visa after simply explaining to the bank manager I wanted to pay for food and basic amenities via scan, and I wouldn't receive any salary into thay account. That's all they cared about. Mine has also been frozen today and I've been told to come to the branch via a phone call. They say if I provide my condo rental contract and passport they'll remove the block, but who knows.
Anonymous ******************
Same happened to me and my friend on Thursday. In June I was able to unlock it. Right now not a slightest chance. Together with me there was a line of at least 20 people with the same issue.
Anonymous ******************
what visa did you open it?Tell this first then i can tell you something
Anonymous ******************
I wonder if a crack down on the actual DTV is next? They are upset with large decrease in Asians visiting Thailand. With a lot going on in the government I would not be surprised to see more than just bank accounts being cracked down on. Will be interesting to see what happens. But they are pushing people into neighboring countries
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 877 The banking changes and the DTV are not linked except that the DTV is caught up in it as are other visa types. If the DTV did not exist what is happening with banking would still be happening.
James ********
Anonymous participant 877 Just how many times are you going to post THIS scaremongering reply ?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 877 its like they are trying to make it unappealing and add some regulatory mechanisms but as of now DTV might be a complete fiasco, a lot of DTV holders are simply abusing this visa to work in Thailand running real estate and rental businesses
James ********
Anonymous participant 299 FALSE !
James ********
Anonymous participant 299 you are under the assumption that the DTV visa is going to be changed. That's your prerogative.
While I recognize what you are saying...
I believe that the DTV visa is among the best Thai Visa available.
Especially for the Target 🎯 market of the millions of DIGITAL NOMAD workers worldwide. Without a doubt it's an excellent way for Thailand to compete for the DIGITAL NOMAD.
The added soft power activity option too, is appealing to many.
IF there's anything to change with the DTV visa it may be with the soft power activity requirements.
That I believe may happen, but nothing has been done yet.
Therefore the issue of a 5 year DTV VISA is a good choice for many.
In short...get the DTV visa ...as offered NOW.
While I recognize what you are saying...
I believe that the DTV visa is among the best Thai Visa available.
Especially for the Target 🎯 market of the millions of DIGITAL NOMAD workers worldwide. Without a doubt it's an excellent way for Thailand to compete for the DIGITAL NOMAD.
The added soft power activity option too, is appealing to many.
IF there's anything to change with the DTV visa it may be with the soft power activity requirements.
That I believe may happen, but nothing has been done yet.
Therefore the issue of a 5 year DTV VISA is a good choice for many.
In short...get the DTV visa ...as offered NOW.
Anonymous ******************
@James *******
how is it false? I personally encountered lots of those. If you choose to be in denial, so be it. No amount of exclamation marks and caps lock will outweigh the facts and the immigration is slowly catching upPaul *******
Anonymous participant 877 Nothing new in this regard, unfortunately.
Sean *******
Anonymous participant 877 It is Chinese scammers opening mule accounts which has caused this problem. Nothing to do with the DTV.
Anonymous ******************
@Sean ******
it's kinda deeper than that, they seem to target DTV specifically. It could be because of the widespread visa abuseJames ********
Anonymous participant 299 what's your beef? The DTV visa is a good option for many to live in Thailand with a variety of choices.
Anonymous ******************
@James *******
whatever makes you sleep at nightJames ********
Anonymous participant 299 NOT 🚫 factual
Sean *******
Anonymous participant 299 Not really, if you're on any tourist visa/exemption then BB will close your account.
Anonymous ******************
@Sean ******
nothing to do with DTV? Why they specifically say no bank account on DTV.Sean *******
Anonymous participant 877 It's all tourist visas which has been a rule for years. But people used agents to get around it.
Scott **********
OPFor all of those people saying just show your ID no problem you are going to find out that this is not true. I had a phone call from the bank four weeks ago asking me to bring ID which I did and everything was OK for the next four weeks. Just today, I tried to scan for a small payment and it said my account was no longer accessible.I called them. They asked me to bring my documents back into the branch at which point they said this Visa is no longer allowed to have a bank account and they are in the process of closing all bank accounts. You have been warned.
Scott **********
OPI went today and got all my cash and account closed . They are closing all accounts that don’t have a long term visa . All other banks to follow
Benidorm *******
@Scott *********
if they close your account can you take ypu money out in cash ?Scott **********
OPBenidorm *******
@Scott *********
can you let me know what they said or did just incase it happens to me pal thanks.
Begona ***************
@Scott *********
what visa do you have?Anonymous ******************
@Scott *********
why was your account suspended?
Zakhar ***********
@Scott *********
you are absolutely right. They close down accounts absolutely randomly and nothing can be done about it in most cases.Get yourself revolut+wise+account in Cambodian bank (so far they open for expats on tourist visas via agency)
Yacine *****
@Zakhar **********
is there any specific reason to have a Cambodian bank account while living in Thailand? Can it be used here for scan, bank transfer without fees, etc... ?Paul *******
@Yacine ****
Yes. You can transfer funds to Thai bank accounts instantly for USD 5. Scan pay is available, though not sure if personal accounts work. Their debit cards are reliable and the account currency is USD, the world's foremost reserve currency.Zakhar ***********
@Yacine ****
transfer yes but makes sense for larger sums only; QR-scan limited to business payments (no personal QR-scans). Debit cards work everywhere, including ThailandPaul *******
@Zakhar **********
Cambodian bank accounts need to be opened on ordinary visas, valid for at least 6 months. This is easy to do...just enter on an ordinary visa (best to get an e-visa) then extend for 6 months through an agency then open your bank account in person.Paul *******
@Zakhar **********
It's very easy to obtain an ordinary visa and extension through an agent in Cambodia. Many banks, including ABA require an ordinary visa, 6 or 12 months to open an account. There is absolutely no need for an agent to open a bank account considering how easy it is to do it yourself.Greg ********
@Michael *********
I remember a guy leaving a bar to get some money from ATM in PP. He came back in with three 100 USD bills. All the same serial number - 1 genuine and 2 copies. They had not even tried to split them up lolZakhar ***********
@Paul ******
they do require BUT there is a workaround through an agent. Did this several times already, including this weekend for my friends on tourist visasAccount at the biggest bank which everyone knows.
Paul *******
@Zakhar **********
Nope, most banks require the 6 month extension.Zakhar ***********
@Paul ******
there is no need to get a 6-month extension. Just use a proper agent and get it done through bank salesforce that works with remote clients (eg open account at your home)
Michael **********
@Ray ****
Well, as safe as walking around naples showing a 100k rolex ;)
Ray *****
@Michael *********
had an account there for years. No issues whatsoeverMichael **********
@Paul ******
are there people putting their money into a cambodian bank system? For real?
Anonymous ******************
Closed or blocked?
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 956 suspend…
Anonymous ******************
You just have to go in with your ID and they turn it back on again in a week
Nelson ******
Anonymous participant 860 everything that I've read seems to indicate that once the bank sees that you have a 'tourist visa" they will allow you to take your funds but will close the account.
Anonymous ******************
@Nelson *****
unless you own property here. But I have also seen on Facebook a lot of people saying they got their accounts back after going in and providing ID
Jared *********
Anonymous participant 860 nope. Not doing this anymore
Anonymous ******************
@Jared ********
weird they just did that with my mate todayScott **********
OPAnonymous participant 860 I just had a long chat with branch manager and they are going to freeze and close every account that is on a tourist type visa . It’s also coming across all Thai banks in the few months
Jared *********
Anonymous participant 860 your friend is with Bangkok Bank and he has a DTV visa (and the bank knows which visa)? Wow, then he is exceptionally lucky and rare. Read all the other comments....
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 609 Bangkok bank Phuket
Anonymous ******************
Anonym deltagare 860 Withs Bank Office?
Anonymous ******************
Wow never heard of this before..
Harry *********
They Close also when u are the Owner of some Condos for Rent + Thai driver license + 12 month rental contract ? I have also dtv same my Friend. I want to try to open Account same him.
Anonymous ******************
@Harry ********
Condo probably will be OK. Driving license/vehicle ownership/ confirmation of language school attendance a big NOHarry *********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 991 yes my friend has 2-3 Condos and still has a bank account so i want also 💁🏽♂️ i think just 1 condo is not enough.
Amir *********
@Harry ********
yes. they did it to me, and i am owing a condo.. they didn't really care about that fact though. 😐Harry *********
@Amir ********
ok crazy 🫠 so what u do now ? Work Permit Visa ? Or u dont care about bank account?Harry *********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 609 ok 👌
Anonymous ******************
@Harry ********
Im have applied for Elite Thai Visa. Its cost me 650 000 baht.Anonymous ******************
@Harry ********
You have a company?Harry *********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 609 i dont think so that my friend has a Company.
He has 2 Condos with 12 month rental contract. And he can open a bank account before easy 🫠 is this true ?
He has 2 Condos with 12 month rental contract. And he can open a bank account before easy 🫠 is this true ?
Anonymous ******************
@Harry ********
Thats what i have heard. If you have company you can have bank. You can take the rent to the company instead.
Sasa **************
More info please... Which branch, which visa did you use to open that account and when, did they see your passport to know you switched to DTV... tnanks
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