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Why did Bangkok Bank lock my account without notice?
Bangkok BankAccount SuspensionsVisa RequirementsExpat Banking IssuesKYC (Know Your Customer)Fraud PreventionIdentity Verification ProcessThai Immigration Rules
Aug 19, 2025
8 months ago
Eyal *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI have Bangkok bank account and today i tried to use the account but I couldn't. It's not about the SIM card because my sim card registered with my account. But after I couldn't used the account I called the call center and they inform me the account locked and I should go the my branch. It's crazy! Just locked the account without any notice
TLDR : Answer Summary
Many expats are experiencing account lockouts at Bangkok Bank due to enhanced identity verification measures, primarily impacting non-Thai residents. Though some customers received notifications about the need to verify their identity, others were caught off guard, leading to frustration. This process includes providing documents like passports, visas, and proof of current address, typically requiring a visit to the bank branch. Several comments indicate that this is part of a broader crackdown to prevent fraud and scams. The experience has prompted discussions about the impact on customers living abroad and the bank's communication practices.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
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
Ernest ****************
I have a non-O retirement visa and my visa agent said to bring my passport, bank book and receipt for my latest Thai phone number bill to be able to unlock my account.
Stefan *******
TIT
Hans-Georg ******
The bank policy and these procedures are just unacceptable.
Sungnam *****
은행가서 해결해 여기다 올려도 해결안된다
Giraffe *********
Did what Bangkok Bank wanted with sim note from ais phone company back in early June at bank all good as they said account still lock went ATM with drew all monies
Open 2 new accounts at different bank no problems 😊
Open 2 new accounts at different bank no problems 😊
Sandro-Sam *********
I think its a new Promotion they are running to piss off expats so they pack up and leave.
Jon **********
Seem the government can just rob no. Thai when they feel like it
Susanne *********
Does it happen with Pattaya branches only?
Eyal *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Susanne ********
omg, now I saw from the picture is the same branch where my account.Reply to
Eyal *******
Reply
Alan *****
@Darren *******
what happens if you can’t get there within the 30 days. If you don’t live in ThailandDarren ********
@Alan ****
just present the required documents upon your return to ThailandReply to
Darren ********
Reply
Luigi ***********
Because most of the Chinese scummers were BB clients. Furthermore, they sold out the opening of Savings Accounts to all sorts of people, using various agents as sponsors.
End of a dream !
End of a dream !
Steve ***********
Happens to me every time I go back to the states, only seconds to restore
Andrew ********
This happens to alot of people
Jim *********
Is it they have only frozen the bank account of tourist visa holders
James *******
@Jim ********
no it isn't.Jim *********
@James ******
so what other visa groups are frozen.James *******
@Jim ********
the ones where their registered phone numbers don't match the accounts. The bank has no idea i'm on a DTV now as they didn't care when I popped in to reactivate my account that I opened on an Ed visa 5 years ago.Jim *********
@James ******
I matched my phone and account in a BB branch. But originally opened the account in Phuket. Contact Phuket BB and they said you have to go back to the original branch that opened the account . My problem is I'm back in Ireland and won't be back for a few months. Account frozenReply to
Jim *********
Reply
John **********
Join the club, it’s happened to 1000s
Braulio *********
@John *********
YepReply to
Braulio *********
Reply
Alan *****
Do you live in Thailand
John-Paul ******
They need facial recognition pics to be taken. I had the same issue. Was not my sim card or phone or passport... they needed to enter my picture. They took it at branch. But did make we come back the following day (AM). All worked right away though. Yes a pain in the backside... and rather silly really.
Marty ******
Maybe they've spent everyone's money
John **********
Better to be safe than sorry
Willem **********
Let’s shine a different light on this matter. I’am having doubt upon this topic. I respectfully read all these Bank related questions. Nobody ever, never thought about :throwing false information into the arena? Like the YouTube influencers? Make’s you a kind of confused and opens doors for the Visa agent who are bringing in these messages? Food for thought. Get it properly done. Either by the Visa agent or directly at the Bank by transfer a sufficient sum of money. If the sufficient amout of dough isn’t available by application through the Visa agent; the Visa agent can arrange this. Obviously, this way is being an extra charge. Thanks
Michael *******
@Willem *********
i am in uk too! I dont go back until December. I sent them email. They did reply. Nothing i can do until i return. :-(. Unacceptable 😡Nick ************
Preventing access to your account with no notice is not acceptable. Some seem to have been given notice, I was not. As i am in the uk it is impossible to rectify the situation. I've had a self obtained non o for 3 years and my phone number for 7 years. My BB account was opened over 2 years ago. Everything is in my name. As soon as I get back to Thailand BB account will be closed for good. The worst case scenario is that if I am unable to return to Thailand then there is no way to access the money. A few days notice would have saved me endless issues. Biggest joke is they said someone else could take the documents to the bank for me. One of them is my passport and guess where that is?
Nick ************
@Willem *********
what are you talking about?Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Steven *********
It's only been spoken about for the past 3-4 months
Braulio *********
@Steven ********
TrueReply to
Braulio *********
Reply
Eyal *******
ORIGINAL POSTERUpdate: I went to the branch. It's not about sim card or face recognition. They just made copy of my passport and visa and tell me I need to wait until Friday or Monday. Meanwhile the account locked. Hundreds of people was in the bank in same situation
Kat ******
5 years with Bangkok Bank with a credit card too. They locked my mobile app because the "Bank account name and sim card name registration are different" which is really the same. Went to the branch and showed an electronic certificate from my mobile provider that I've been using my number for more than 13 years and together with my passport and bankbook. After 3 hours, was able to use my account
Phil ********
Did you open the account on your own or use an agent?
Angy ********
maybe they want face recognition mandatory for the app
Phil *********
Same has happened to me again, it happened 2 months ago was in bank 3 hours had to show passport, passbook and rental agreement now I have to go through it all again, proper pisstake
Michael **********
Join the club
Matty ****
I'm so glad I use Chase Private and keep my money out of Thai Banks.
We keep the bare minimum required for business and we don't touch it....
I've seen so many friends in the past month have problems with multiple branches here.
.
Not to mention the homeless people sleeping outside of the ATMs, and ATMs that remain broken for weeks at a time.
The banking system here really needs to clean up their act.
We keep the bare minimum required for business and we don't touch it....
I've seen so many friends in the past month have problems with multiple branches here.
.
Not to mention the homeless people sleeping outside of the ATMs, and ATMs that remain broken for weeks at a time.
The banking system here really needs to clean up their act.
Trevor *******
I've had no problem with Bangkok other than that I did not respond quickly enough to facial recognition, and that prevented an increase in the daily limits.
A five minute branch visit (any branch) rectified this, and everything's now fine.
A five minute branch visit (any branch) rectified this, and everything's now fine.
Michael ********
Now they are asking proof of your visa
Euan ********
Is a certificate of residence required to verify the account?
A few people received messages today giving 30 days to visit a branch and verify their account.
Looking forward to another day sat waiting for my number 🙄🙄
A few people received messages today giving 30 days to visit a branch and verify their account.
Looking forward to another day sat waiting for my number 🙄🙄
Steve ******
Yep mine got blocked today I've got to go to the branch I opened the account in pattaya but I live in sakon nakhon 🙉🙉
Barry *********
@Steve *****
yep, mine today as well. Same opened in Pattaya and I now live in Nakhon ratchasimaSteve ******
@Barry ********
I've got 70 baht cash cant use my card cant transfer can't scan 🤣🤣🤣🤣Barry *********
@Steve *****
🤣🤣 a little better 130 baht. Just hope my gf has enough money in her account 🤣Steve ******
@Barry ********
my mother in law has got a bum bag full 🤣🤣Reply to
Steve ******
Reply
Bernd ***********
BB posted messages ,beginning this year, on the App and asked their customers to do the KYC ( know your customer ) check. As it is online only available to Thai citizens, Farangs have to contact the nearest BB branch.
I did it in April and in July again with my new passport.
I did it in April and in July again with my new passport.
Max *************
@Bernd **********
I never got a message saying that, and my account works perfectly well. Can you explain that?Frank **********
@Max ************
I got the message several times over the course of about 2 months but kept ignoring it until about 3 weeks ago when they froze my account. 5555.Kevin ******
@Max ************
mine works fine, too.You might get that message when you go into your settings and click on , “Identify Verification.” That message may pop up.
Max *************
@Kevin *****
Yes,I know. But it's not what this is about.Kevin ******
@Max ************
right, it’s about ppl discovering the bank has blocked access to their accountsMax *************
@Kevin *****
Not for every customer,though. Get it?Kevin ******
@Max ************
exactly, aren’t we lucky? Seems like you are having a bad day, Max.Max *************
@Kevin *****
I'm never having a bad day and my accounts and bank apps works.Kevin ******
@Max ************
mine too. 🍻Reply to
Kevin ******
Reply
Bernd ***********
@Max ************
No,I can't explain why you haven't.I got an SMS message, I'm using their message service.
Max *************
@Bernd **********
I just checked Personal Information (KYC) in the app and all my info is there. So, I guess I'm covered. 👍Max *************
@Bernd **********
When did you open your account?Bernd ***********
@Max ************
does it matter....?Max *************
@Bernd **********
Yes,because this is not affecting older active accounts. Get it?Leon ********
@Max ************
not true. My account since 2012. Got my messages since before end 2024. This is the bank trying to help prevent clients from being scammed and money laundered by crims. So its in your own interest. If you get scammed you will end up being one of the 1st to complain.Bernd ***********
Max *************
@Bernd **********
Thats not new imo. My account is older,and my app opens as it should. 👍Bernd ***********
@Max ************
My app was never blocked either. I just followed the recommendation out of caution to avoid any potential problems later. So, that's it, have a nice day.Reply to
Bernd ***********
Reply
Wannikea *********
No notice? This has been big news and daily talking point for 6 months.
Glenn *****
@Wannikea ********
It is not the responsibility of the client to follow facebookFrank **********
@Glenn ****
they have also been sending messages on their app. That is how I was notified.Leon ********
@Glenn ****
wasnt facebook. Was mailed to clients repeatedly since before end of 2024. Your account at end of the day. Suffer the consequences if you dont react.Wannikea *********
@Glenn ****
news media. Situational awareness in a foreign countrySylvia ********
@Wannikea ********
one friend in pattaya called me today, he's received an email and given 30 days to go verify his detailsReply to
Sylvia ********
Reply
Ant ***********
Sadly it’s been happening for a few months
If you are in Thailand you need
To get a statement from your phone company which includes your address & passport number , take it into a BKK bank branch , they will take a photo of you and if you are on a current approved Visa it could / should be sorted 🤔
If you are in Thailand you need
To get a statement from your phone company which includes your address & passport number , take it into a BKK bank branch , they will take a photo of you and if you are on a current approved Visa it could / should be sorted 🤔
Alan *********
@Ant **********
I went yesterday to sort my account out, no one there had their photos takenReply to
Alan *********
Reply
Leon ********
They do it because of the high incidence of fraud and scams lately.
Max *************
@Leon *******
Bangkok Bank is fed up with agents lending money short term,800k pops up in an account, then disappear after 2 months. I do believe this is the right thing to do, despite the inconvenience for some customers.Nick ************
@Max ************
you are joking! The money is in your account for less than two hours not two months.Max *************
@Nick ***********
It depends on agents and how they work.Nick ************
@Max ************
no it doesn't. If they left the money in someone else's account for two months like *****
0 baht then a lot of people would simply steal it. Do you resly think they are going to risk that happening?Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Leon ********
@Max ************
i also read recently regarding money laundering e.a. Cambodia and some chinese opening and closing accounts channelling illicit funds. Thats why Bkok bank has upped the ante.Max *************
@Leon *******
Yes, you're correct. Some Chinese has done the same in Thailand at Bangkok Bank.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Leon ********
@Max ************
agents in cahoots with people who shouldnt retire in Thailand in the 1st place. But money talks. Fact is, immigration will ramp up requirements more and more as agents and clients cut more and more corners.Reply to
Leon ********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
it was reported in many groups: Bangkok Bank wants all these account holders to show up at their branch, and "re-verify" their identity. A passport is not enough - they also ask for another document on top, verifying your identity, like a driver's license or a national ID-card
Nick ************
@Nongnuch *******
not exactly convenient if you are 6500 miles away.Ekkehard *******
@Nongnuch *******
I was last month at Bangkok Bank branch and "re-verified" my bank account together with my new AIS mobile number. Showing my passport as identity verification was enough in my case.Max *************
@Nongnuch *******
I still think this is about relatively new accounts or for some reason not used on a regular basis.Nongnuch ********
I have an active account despite the Thai phone number not registered to my name
Nongnuch ********
@Max ************
yes, exactly that was reported in February and March - newer accounts are hit , not older accounts. I remember the limit was two yearsMax *************
@Nongnuch *******
I know for sure the problems with non-corresponding phone numbers,were numbers from sometime in 2022. KBank had same problems.Nongnuch ********
@Max ************
the problems even hit accounts which have corresponding phone numbers. Non-corresponding is just another reason of all of themMax *************
@Nongnuch *******
Well, an old account and an old phone number seems to work. 😎Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Graham *******
Bangkok Bank has decided to lock thousands of non-thai accounts - I just been to bank and it will be Friday at earliest before card can be used - they take your visa and passport details plus copy your thai driving license
Lynnette *******
@Graham ******
I was asked for ID like driving licence, but don't have one. They accepted my bus pass 😆 lol.Max *************
@Lynnette ******
I have a digital national ID. It worked for me once at my Bangkok Bank branch. I was really surprised.Lynnette *******
@Max ************
I don't have one. So after much discussion I convinced the bank my bus pass with my photo was an ID.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Ken *******
@Graham ******
Do they require a long-term visa?Lynnette *******
@Graham ******
it's been in the FB news lately advising people to go and get account verified again at bank, especially if using apps.Sylvia ********
@Lynnette ******
yes many times for last few monthsMax *************
@Lynnette ******
Can you explain why my account is working perfectly well, including the app?Lynnette *******
@Max ************
no idea. Why are you asking me to explain? I mentioned FB had 'news' stories about it a while ago that I'd read.Jay *******
@Lynnette ******
that was verification of phone numbers, this seems to be visa related and is a new round of accounts being frozen. I verified my number 3 weeks ago, but was still on 90 day non O at the time. They took all my new visa and sim card information and said all good. My account froze yesterday.Lynnette *******
@Jay ******
ok. Not sure if that's going to happen to us as both myself and my son have accounts with Bangkok bank. Though I don't use apps or online banking with mine.Max *************
@Lynnette ******
There's only been one "story' in FB about Bangkok Bank (as far as I know), and it was about verifying phone numbers.Lynnette *******
@Max ************
no idea what you saw. I've seen several mentions of it, but it's not "bank info" from me anyway, I just said I'd seen mention of it previously.Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Max *************
@Graham ******
Where have you heard this? My account, since many years, works just fine.Needing a copy of a drivers license is just nonsense.Ling *****
@Max ************
mine the same. Opened it 20 + years ago. I had never been asked to update anything either. However on a recent branch interaction the lady did mention to have my phone verified just as a precaution. No drama, went to dtac and got a print out with my name and passport number on it.Kevin ******
@Ling ****
that’s all I had to do, too.Reply to
Kevin ******
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Max ************
you just answered the question yourself. Your account is still up and active because you hold it since several years. You are not a valued customer, that's too far flung, you are an active customer since many yearsMax *************
@Nongnuch *******
Of course I'm an active customer. Why would a long term resident not be active when it comes to a bank account? I have both savings accounts and a Fixed Deposit Account. Since years back.Nongnuch ********
@Max ************
and that's why older accounts are not gonna get blockedReply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Graham *******
@Max ************
I was at the bank today along with many others!Max *************
@Graham ******
Well, that must mean I'm a valued customer. 😂Erik *******
@Max ************
No. Your turn hasn’t come yet. Be patient: it surely will come. They don’t process all accounts at once but by groups.Max *************
@Erik ******
It won't come,that I promise you. 😁Nick ************
@Max ************
it is wiite likely to if you have not taken the necessary action already.Max *************
@Nick ***********
What necessary action would that be? I haven't taken any action whatsoever and won't need to. If you're thinking about Personal Information (KYC), that's been taken care of by Customer service at my branch when I opened a new Fixed Deposit Account.Nick ************
@Max ************
so you have taken the necessary action and verified your details. Stop arguing.Max *************
@Nick ***********
I haven't taken any actions whatsoever or verified my details. Get it?Nick ************
@Max ************
let me know when your account us suspended then. Get it? Because it is going to happen.Bruce ***********
My account transfer limit was reduced from 500k to 20k without even telling me apparently l need to go get a face scan. I've had the acc for 9 years
Bruce ***********
@Nick ***********
it won't be locked until it isReply to
Bruce ***********
Reply
Andy *******
you and 5000 others
Max *************
@Andy ******
My account works just fine.Kim *********
@Max ************
yeah and so does mine - but is that relevant to those who have problems? Not at all.Andy *******
@Max ************
you must be #5001, me 5002Max *************
@Andy ******
If I have to guess, if this story is accurate, it's about relatively new accounts. My account isn't.Andy *******
@Max ************
people think that once they've reached the one year Visa they're safe but if the account was initially open on a tourist or a 90-day it's not a valid account ever, anymoreMax *************
@Andy ******
The 90 days Non-O is a valid visa.Andy *******
@Max ************
I don't doubt you but if the bank doesn't see one year they freak out now with the new laws.Max *************
@Andy ******
We're talking about Bangkok Bank, the largest bank in Thailand and in some provinces the bank with most foreign accounts, and there are no new laws.Andy *******
@Max ************
oh really, you must live in an isolated village and have 3 friends, at the most, on Facebook. They're #1 right now in the bullseye.Max *************
@Andy ******
I just live in Jomtien Beach, a 20 minutes walk from my branch. And again, there are no new laws. Don't confuse a law with a regulation/requirement.Reply to
Max *************
Reply
Max *************
It most likely got to do with your phone number (sim-card) and if it's registered in your name.
Robin **********
@Max ************
it happened to me after I verified everything with them.Eyal *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
no. It's not about thatRichard ***********
@Eyal ******
not about phone #. I have had an account with Bangkok Bank for almost a year. Today they called me in and locked the account. They said it was because I originally opened the account with a tourist visa. ( have had a retirement visa for over 9 months), I am supposed to hear more in 3-5 working days, but uncool they originally asked me to open with tourist visa, and now my money is frozen.Robert **************
@Richard **********
same thing for me. Since I’m out of the country they told me to send documentation of my retirement visa with receipts for the extensionReply to
Robert **************
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Eyal ******
but it might be. And they want it re-verified.Max *************
@Eyal ******
And you know that how??Eyal *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Max ************
because my sim register with my bank account. Have hundreds people in the branch with same problem they just locked all.Max *************
@Eyal ******
It's totally irrelevant if you used your phone number when you opened the account. When did you open your account and when did you get your sim-card?Reply to
Max *************
Reply
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