Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Why are my Bangkok Bank accounts frozen and what should I do?

Bangkok Bank account freezing Thai banking system visa requirements expat banking issues Chiangmai Pattaya Thai bank branches account management

Oct 9, 2025

8 hours ago

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Multiple accounts with Bangkok Bank

I have BB accounts both in Chiangmai and Pattaya. 

On Saturday morning, I received a phone call from a lady at the Pattaya branch, asking me to come in on Monday and show my one year lease. 

I don’t have a lease as I’m currently traveling and staying at hotels. 

So on Tuesday morning I find both my accounts frozen. 

I didn’t think that one branch could freeze an account at another branch. 

Anyone has been in this situation?

What happens if I open a new BB account where I am currently staying, could they unfreeze my accounts?

2,968

views

8

likes

89

all likes

39

replies

0

images

12

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is facing an issue with both of their Bangkok Bank accounts being frozen after receiving a call from the Pattaya branch regarding a lease requirement. They are currently traveling, do not have a lease, and express confusion as to why one branch's action impacts accounts in different locations. Comments suggest that all Bangkok Bank branches use a unified system for account management. Users recommend visiting the bank directly for clarification and inquire about specific identification and visa requirements.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Wayne *********

Head office is responsible for the closure. The branch would have entered the documents required and satisfy head office hence why both frozen as connected to your passport all on one computer system

Like

Reply

Farhana ********

At least they call ya, mine didn’t receive any call and they did that 2 times..at last I close my account and open to Kasikorn.. And they provide better service

Like

Reply

จิมมี่ *************

Both accounts linked to same phone number?

Like

Reply

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@จิมมี่ ************

Yes, and same passport number, both show up in the app

Like

Reply

จิมมี่ *************

@Matts ************

that's why both frozen. Basically classed as same account

Like

Reply

Reply to

จิมมี่ *************

Reply

Dca *****

With Thai banking, it's a different world nowadays and all you can do now is just go into any branch right now and see what they say:

Subsequently, if they say you have to go back to a particular branch, then that's all you can do nowadays

Like

Reply

Craig ********

No you need to show your visa TM 30 and your sim card details need to match your bank accounts

Like

Reply

Steve *********

yellow book for Bkk bank in roi-et. To unfreeze. Nothing else will do they say. !!!!

Like

Reply

Craig ********

@Steve ********

not everyone has a yellow book so for those that don't a TM 30 is the same proof of adress

Like

Reply

Steve *********

my bankok, said no yellow book only. They did not know what a tm 30 was.

Like

Reply

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve ********

my landlord didn’t know about yellow book or tm30

my lawyer came over and explained it to them

anything is possible if you can pay

this happened 20 years ago, not exactly relevant to my situation now

Like

Reply

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

everyone on a long term visa can get a yellow book

it might be difficult, but it’s definitely possible

Like

Reply

Roberto *********

@Matts ************

Maybe many people don't want a yellow book?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Roberto *********

Reply

David *********

@Steve ********

not true I un froze mine in bkk bank robinsons roi et no yellow book just residence certificate ais paper sim registered 2 me and non o retirement

Like

Reply

Cris ******

@David ********

I think every branch is requiring different things.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Cris ******

Reply

Ruud ******************

Why didn’t you go on Monday; you could have solved the problem

Like

Reply

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ruud *****************

because I’m far away, and I don’t have the documents they asked for, and I figured I could still use my CM account

Like

Reply

Ruud ******************

@Matts ************

in that case you always could have contacted them;

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ruud ******************

Reply

Paul ********

The answers you receive here are worth slightly less than what you paid for them. The only answer that matters is what Bangkok Bank tells you to your face.

You know what you must do, no?

Like

Reply

Roberto *********

What visa are you on?

Like

Reply

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Roberto ********

Retired, but my question is in regard to how branches cooperate.

The Pattaya branch could not close my CM account when I moved there, but they can apparently freeze a CM account

Like

Reply

Asim ********

@Matts ************

To teach you not to misuse the system. Because you think Thailand is using 100-year-old technology. It's all over the world, even in your country, you can not open multiple accounts in the same Bank.

Like

Reply

Jay *******

of course you can open multiple accounts at the same bank.

Like

Reply

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

it’s not misusing the system

you should always have an account in the branch where you live

it cuts down on atm fees, and travel time when there’s an issue

Like

Reply

Asim ********

Matts Kallioniemi, in that case, transfer your same account to the city where you are using your account.

Like

Reply

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

only SCB can move an account

all other major banks will tell you to open a new account

Like

Reply

Asim ********

@Matts ************

Ok, then close and open new if their policy is like this. Please be sure you won't be able to play with the system. Then what is the use of crying like a child on Facebook? Can Facebook solve your problem? You're big enough to understand everything.

Like

Reply

Bernard **************

speaking from the perspective of a US citizen the banking system is different in Thailand. I think he is asking questions because banks operate differently so he is asking for clarification.

I can access banks throughout the US without ever needing to visit the branch where the account was opened and there are no regional fees charged for ATM.

I think he is trying to learn from others experiences.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bernard **************

Reply

Istvan *********

@Matts ************

they can. One company. Doesn't matter if it's a different branch.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Istvan *********

Reply

Yo***

I think Bangkok bank has one system. All branches are all in one system of bangkok bank. So that is why one account of you in a branch is frozen, then automatically another one is frozen too. Well, I guess, you can not open another account in another bangkok branch. Try other thai banks?

Like

Reply

Stephen *********

Why BB if they are causing problems?

Like

Reply

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stephen ********

I like having accounts at several banks.

Like

Reply

Cris ******

Ah, ya well it sounds like your accounts are linked, then when they were flagged for whatever reason, it gets sent up to the head office, to where its closed. Is my guess. But ive also heard that branches have the power to freeze and unfreeze accounts as well.

Like

Reply

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

that’s what I’m hoping for, that someone can confirm that one branch can unfreeze accounts at other branches

so that I don’t waste time and money traveling

banks have different atm fees at home province and other provinces, so you’d think they are independent

Like

Reply

Cris ******

@Matts ************

its Thailand. Nothing makes sense haha

Like

Reply

Lim ***********

@Matts ************

if your BBL account is in City A, you need to show up at the branch in City A to validate and they will still need to send documents to HQ for approval before unfreezing. It's not immediate. You can't go to your branch at City A to unfreeze account at City B. Speaking from personal experience.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Lim ***********

Reply

Cris ******

@Matts ************

I think hes asking why would you stay with bangkok bank and not another bank

Like

Reply

Matts *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I do have three other banks

I realize that if I lost all my accounts, I’d be in trouble

My question is only about how branches cooperate with each other

Like

Reply

Bob **********

@Matts ************

it’s all done by a computer the lady has nothing to do with it do you have a long stay visa ??

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bob **********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What should I do if my Bangkok Bank account is frozen due to my DTV visa?

12 comments

3 days ago

How can I recover funds from a frozen Bangkok Bank account without returning to the original branch?

31 comments

7 days ago

What issues are expats facing with Thai banks regarding account freezes and visa types?

20 comments

8 days ago

What are the signs that my Bangkok Bank account has been frozen?

61 comments

9 days ago

Why does Bangkok Bank keep freezing my account after I opened it on a tourist visa?

55 comments

10 days ago

How long does it typically take for Bangkok Bank to unfreeze an account after submitting paperwork?

15 comments

17 days ago

What are the challenges of opening a bank account with Bangkok Bank in Thailand?

26 comments

20 days ago

What are the common experiences and solutions regarding frozen bank accounts at Bangkok Bank's Central Pattaya branch for expats?

24 comments

21 days ago

What are the issues expats face with Bangkok Bank's account freezing policy?

113 comments

22 days ago

How can I unfreeze my bank account in Thailand without a formal lease or condo ownership?

33 comments

25 days ago

What are the recent issues with bank accounts in Thailand, especially for foreigners?

46 comments

25 days ago

What are the options for unfreezing Bangkok Bank accounts and closing them if necessary?

12 comments

a month ago

What experiences have others had with frozen bank accounts in Thailand?

40 comments

a month ago

What should I do if my Bangkok Bank account is frozen before I can visit Thailand?

6 comments

a month ago

What should I do if my Bangkok Bank account is frozen due to the need for a resident certificate?

27 comments

a month ago

Why is my Bangkok Bank account frozen and why can't I make daily withdrawals for expenses?

71 comments

a month ago

What can expats do if their Bangkok Bank accounts are frozen and remain inaccessible?

20 comments

a month ago

What should I do if my bank account in Thailand is frozen due to immigration requirements?

97 comments

a month ago

Why is my Bangkok Bank account unable to make transfers or top up despite no notifications?

14 comments

a month ago

How can I unfreeze a Bangkok Bank account while on a DTV visa?

37 comments

2 months ago

What are the implications of Bangkok Bank freezing accounts for verification on expat visa applications?

122 comments

2 months ago

What should I do if my Bangkok Bank account is locked and I'm not near my branch?

129 comments

2 months ago

Why did Bangkok Bank lock my account without notice?

141 comments

2 months ago

How can I resolve my locked Bangkok Bank account after two weeks with no feedback?

59 comments

4 months ago

Why was my Bangkok Bank account frozen, and how can I unfreeze it as a DTV visa holder?

73 comments

4 months ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.