Why does Bangkok Bank frequently lock expat accounts without notice?

K Bank is excellent. We've been with them for over 16 years.

Hey mate, they take defamation pretty seriously in Thailand.

If you move provinces with Bangkok bank you better close and open a new account. They always require you to visit the home branch to do anything.

Worst bank in Thailand by a mile

Next time smile and don't act like an aussie or brit with the attitude

SCB also decent

I keep saying it, Thailand sucks.

Been with Bangkok Bank 10 years. Never had a problem. Maybe l am not suspicious enough?

You can try opening an account with UOB. It's a Singapore bank but there is a branch at Sukumvhit Bangkok. Highly recommend

Kasikornthai Bank

always found SCB very helpful

I made new bangkok bank account 6 years ago because I moved to the north ( just for notice if you move make new bank account because you out of the province of your bank account they charge you for every withdrawal 20 thb, insane same bank same atm) but no issues besides the staff in the branch .. pretty uneducated

you can go to any bangkok bank branch i guess..

Bangkok Bank has a lot of issues. Including 0 customer service. Especially the one in HH. 🤨👎

But wait....Thailand is the promised land thats paradise right 🤡🤡🤡

Blame the commie pigs. I had the same problem last year. They all but blamed those bastards for all of the scams and fraud they do.

This is why I don't put 800k in any Thai bank. I'll pay 10 for the "special" visa service.

It seems, that the Banks, worldwide are holding onto the money.

I tried to do a remittance from HSBC.. after 2 weeks, no money transferred.

When I contacted them, they made some lame excuse that the account number I gave them for the receiver was incorrect. When I had given the officer at the HSBC bank my card to copy.

And the cheek of it was, they returned the money to my HSBC a/c and charged me the remittance fees for doing absolutely nothing!!! 😡

More shenanigans from a crooked Thai bank.

I use Bangkok Bank and have done for about 15 years. Never had a problem.

Welcome to BKK Bank

Ever since I transferred money from Australia into my Bangkok Bank Account they have locked my account 3 times in the last 2 years. It is not huge amounts, just a couple of hundred thousand baht. I work in Thailand and pay my taxes. I think they are targeting people who have lived in Thailand (me 11 years) because of the huge influx of Russian, Arabian & Indian. I have had this bank account for the entire time I have lived in Thailand, so I do not know why this has happened.

Chang bank they are useless, we left years ago .

Get a wise account all online

They give notice in the app bf lock

strict,, regulatory-driven crackdown on foreign accounts, resulting in widespread account freezes and closures, particularly for expats and tourists. This operation, which intensified in late 2025, aims to curb money laundering and "money mules” : If affected, you must visit a Bangkok Bank branch in person with your passport, bank book, and supporting, evidence (like a valid visa) to verify your identity.

Targeted Accounts: Foreigners—especially Russians, but also Westerners—without long-term visas (e.g., those on tourist or some, digital nomad/DTV visas) are facing sudden,, unexpected restrictions on funds, sometimes without notice.

In 7 years Bangkok Bank I never had an issue. Anyway, i just opened another Account at Kasikorn, just in case

KRB same.

Bangkok Bank is just the first one on the list. The others are to follow. Using an international service like Wise for banking is...well wise lol.

You can outfox them with a letter of demand for either immediate closure of your account and refund of the balance or a signature of receipt of your letter of demand. In 30 minutes, you walk out of the bank with your cash as the manager has no valid grounds for not refunding your ballance.

Stay away from Bangkok Bank always have problems, want you deposit for visa more long time then immigration want, freeze account without advice, change always the rules without advice... and if any problem must wait many hours in agency. prefer Kasikorn very better service !

For Americans BB is helpful because it's the only Thai bank with a branch in the US

We have 2 bank accounts now also. We rarely use BKK anymore.

All of the people saying Bangkok bank is not the problem when you clearly see how many of these stories every single day so clearly they’re the problem. Many of these people having these problems are on long term visas just because it hasn’t happened to you YET doesn’t invalidate the fact that it happened to others

Im also with KBank. 0 issues

This is why cash is king

Did you receive any payments for goods? If yes it could have been from a flagged Bank account and that’s why it’s blocked again

You have chosen to spend your life there, You have chosen to put your money in that bank, You have chosen

To live by Thailand standards,

In other words

Its Up to you 555

Over 2025 I know at least 30 people who have had their BKK bank locked. All different visa types, all sorts of stupid reasons, non of which are valid. I am also worried mine will eventually be locked as I lack the patience to go to a branch. My last visit just to get a new card when mine was about to expire took 4 hours. That was even being at the bank on opening and being about the 6th person to get a ticket.

it's just a friendly reminder that they wanna make life more difficult for farangs. ;)

Hmmm....never had a problem in 28 years of living here in Bangkok with a proper visa and work permit (and paying my Thai taxes). Many of my friends who are staying here under "dodgy" circumstances have reported similar stories.

I use Kasikorn and KrungThai. Never a problem.

It seems Thailand has been on some BS the last few years. Everyday is a visa program update or a street brawl. I can't imagine putting my money in a foreign bank. I'll deal with any fees before I ever do that.

Move to Cambodia

Why anyone still has an account at the Bangkok Bank beats me. You all should have closed your account with the worst Bank in Thailand.

You do know Iran hacked the veriphone banking system right?

The heck with foreign banks, just keep your home banks. Simple

Get a few beers on the bus and enjoy your trip. Life hard I shed a tear fpr you.

Blame the Chinese they created this havoc scam center

Cash is king

I have a Bangkok bank account for 6 years now and they have been great the only issue is when I came to Thailand this time I had to get phone in Thailand cost me 300 bath a month

But k bank has a 50k daily limit which is mostly fine until you want to make a big purchase

Iam with k bank . No worries

I switched yrs ago

be very careful with your words, there's a reason people don't name and shame Thai businesses. And, bkk bank has been told to do this by the Royal Bank of Thailand. it's about massive fraud via phone and internet scams, and the use of "smurfs" to launder the money. it is a multibillion baht criminal enterprise, and getting smaller as banks help to curtail smurfing and sim cards are being regulated to stop it. it is a pain in the ass, I know, but so is crime. and, don't think you can't be sued for your words above.

Kbank works for me

As the Thai economy gets worse and worse, you're going to see this happening more often. Long term foreigners being in Thailand is not a winning move.

I tried to open an account with Bangkok Bank. They refused and said they only accept retirement visas with farang. I have a thai wife visa for the 7 years now.

They locked mine last year with drew money via my debit card have never looked back Kbank & Krungsri best 👌

I have three accounts and all made me verify my account. But BB took it a step further. They just didn't want a phone bill receipt, they wanted my retirement visa copy (again) and a copy of my lease. So I brought down my lease extension which was for the current period I was in Thailand. They wanted me to drive back and get the first (expired) lease. I had it at that point and closed my account.

Now I've learned Bangkok Bank is the only bank that will directly accept Social Security payments. I'm going to start my SS in December, so it looks like I might have to crawl back there. LOL.

Fucking Bangkok bank. I have three accounts and all made me verify my account. But BB took it a step further. They just didn't want a phone bill receipt, they wanted my retirement visa copy (again) and a copy of my lease. So I brought down my lease extension which was for the current period I was in Thailand. They wanted me to drive back and get the first (expired) lease. I had it at that point and closed my account.

Now I've learned Bangkok Bank is the only bank that will directly accept Social Security payments. I'm going to start my SS in December, so it looks like I might have to crawl back there. LOL.

Don't go to thailand that's what I would do. Other countries are more welcome to retirees, or people who are emigrating to their countries in general. Granted, you don't have the party atmosphere. But there is something to be said for having access to your money.

Bkk bank is useless

Going back to a tainted trough time and time again is not smart. But opening Kbank was. Eff BKB off as soon as you can get your money out. And remember, all the trouble started in Pattaya with that mob

Actually what happen? Bangkok bank is Thai national bank. Is impossible simply locked people account unless they found something suspicious activity in your account.

Had bkk bank account for 15 years never a hassle but I guess if you here getting dodgy visas and not following the correct procedures you going to be in the shit

Bangkok Bank is only having these issues due to dodgy agents opening accounts for people on tourist visa, and providing money for their visas. So, you can thank these people, for these issues, not the Bank. The bank is responding to the government cracking down on them. I am betting this guy has a tourist visa.

Saving money thought

Not only do i use BKk bank. I transferred visa required funds.

The manager told me they wont close with a legit visa and registered number

I haven't had a bank account locked here in Thailand but I think everyone should have two different banks and keep some cash and gold in reserve just in case it is needed. I started doing this after my Canadian bank locked my account last year and force me to fly home before I ran out of money. Now have two bank accounts in Canada with different pensions going into both accounts plus a reserve in cash and gold here.

Did the same last August when Bangkok Bank froze our accounts. Opened one with SCB in 25 minutes. A monthly later opened one with Kbank in roughly the same time.

Use kbank or scb. I avoid the others

why do people still use Bangkok Bank with all their bad history, it’s astounding

I keep saying to everyone .

DO NOT put your money into a foreign back account .

They will block it and you will lose you money .

Especially a destination that is not stable .

Did the same to me but I could still use my card without any issues

KBank is the best :)

At one point, the media was reporting that Bangkok Bank had frozen the accounts of over 10,000 expats.

There's always more to the story. Wonder what he's not telling us?

Charles Schwab and fidelity have ATM fees reversed and give you the best exchange rates. No need to fuck with a Thai bank.

Banks are cleaning up the mess. That’s good sign that Thailand is no longer heaven for criminals and money launderer

Karma.

Too much scamming history.

The banks are ‘once bitten, twice shy’ now.

Why the people on here keeping putting their money in a Thai bank ..u will always be at the mercy of the Thai System...

Tried Bangkok bank first, it was an exercise in futility, a disastrous experience. Switched to K bank, it’s been smooth sailing ever since. As others have noted, have a plan B open another account with a different bank in case things get wonky.

Never had any problem with Bangkok Bank. Debit cards, oh yes those are artifacts they still use in Europe right?

What visa you in Thailand on?

I guess some people do something wrong, I live her and have never been blocked

You're not meant for living in Thailand, mate. Back home !👍

Never any issues with Bangkok Bank. Got another account with Kasikorn though and I’m ready to close that. Very frustrating to be with them. I can withdraw 20k daily and my limit for transfers is 50k. Not enough for a first grade student I’d say. But when I apply for a higher limit K’bank says that THEY think it’s enough. Despite me asking for a higher limit repeatedly.

Some friends had this issue resolved by sending email to head office, ask them to explain what the problem is before driving particularly with fuel situation

I started keeping a significant amount of cash at home just in case of this scenario.

Yes they don't like Americans over here 🤣🤣

Kbank has the most inferior banking app atm as well!!

Let's go on FB and scream 😱

Just ditch BKK Bank.. I did, they became a bank who said NO to everything I asked... Even down to paying my electricity and water bills... Or setting up direct billing.

Many alternatives out there...

They did the same to me. Always paid money in every month and used the account for payments. When I asked why I was told some people are using fraudulent documents. I have only just renewed my retirement visa and the documents were the same. Like you I am going to open an account with a different bank.

Siam bank

I've never had any problems with the Bangkok Bank. Always very accommodating and friendly. The problem is usually the customers themselves. If all documents are complete, pass. registration form, Writing the immigration, own registered phone number, eye scan personally in the branch, then it works without any problems. As with computer problems, the problem is usually 60 cm behind the Screen

And what visa are you here on.

Yet ur still putting half ur money into it , the mind boggles 🤷

I'm with the kasikorn never had a problem, but I also have a account at home where my pensions go on, I would never let all my money get sent to Thailand.

have had the same account with Bangkok bank for over 25 years. Never an issue and always good service.

ya been with bangkok bank since 2010, been a good deposit customer as has my wife , lately every thing is wrong , they can not do things as in the past, there service has collapsed , I am changing banks as soon as I speak to immigration regards my 800k for visa account , bangkok bank has lost the plot !

Visited Bangkok Bank Pattaya Central road office 2 times this week (one of those brances who got caught with scam accounts) to get new debit card. Used to be full packed . Both times just 2 or 3 customers.

I use K bank 3 years no problems. I also have 2 debit cards from US banks where most of my money is.

I withdrew all but 15baht from my BangkokBank account two days ago after hearing all kinds of stories. Transferred it all to my Kasikorn account which has been issue free for decades and who refunded a fraud amount within hours once reported - and all over the phone.

Yeah we all know already... NEVER bank with Bangkok Bank. Any bank but them.

Figure this, I have had a Bangkok Bank account for 14 years, the branch was from Thabo near Nong Khai.

I received notification that on 15th January Thabo branch was closing and my account would be managed from that date by Nong Khai branch.

On the 25th January I attended the Nong Khai branch to see about having my account transferred to Sattahip branch near where I was living.

They said go see that branch and should be able to open an account at the Sattahip Branch.

I successfully opened a new BKK Bank account at that branch, transferred ALL my funds to that account and left 100 in the Thabo account.

I rode my motorcycle to Phuket a couple of weeks ago and received a call from the Sattahip BKK Bank Branch informing me that they had been Audited by their compliance team and that I would need to obtain a certificate from my home country Embassy stating and confirming my address here in Thailand 🇹🇭.

I informed the clerk that my Embassy would have NO CLUE where I reside within Thailand, nor would they care.

I said that the ONLY agency that knew my address and confirmed it was Jomtien Immigration and that I would obtain a Certificate of Residency from them and present it to the bank upon my return from my road trip to Phuket.

Yesterday I attended BKK Bank Sattahip branch and the freshly obtained COR, only to be once again informed that it needed to be issued by my Home Country’s Embassy in Thailand.

I decided to close the account, much to my SHOCK the customer service agent told me that my Thabo account was still active and I could simply TRANSFER all my funds via the Banking App to that account and everything would be fine.

When I asked, what about the COR for that account, I was duly informed that the Thabo account was NOT subject to the same RULES/SCRUTINY as the newly opened 2026 account at Sattahip. 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

Go figure???

Amazing Thailand 🇹🇭

My BB account was locked last year

They say I need to visit my original branch and show a one year lease

But I’m renting month by month

No can do

Horrible bank

I’ve been here retired for several years, doesn’t matter, one year lease or nothing

Bangkok bank froze my account without notification because I didn't give them my new address when I moved. I spent 1 hour at the bank today and they restored access immediately.

i completely feel and empathize with you although it never happened to me. I have SCB opened because I was married and ignored my visa

that bank went quickly from being the best and goto bank for expats to be the worst within just a year.

another reason to just not have a bank account here at all or just use it for on demand tranfers and have only little sums in there but no savings.

Sad they did the same to me months ago !!!!! For no reason they said it was Head office !!¡! So I can my account and opened a new one with Kbank now problems crazy !!!!!

Cash is king

Kasikorn Bank- 15 years - never an issue- always courtesy and helpful.

Happened to me this week too, and I already verified everything last October, this time though they wanted to see land papers etc, so my guess is this is about whether your property (if you own one) is in a Thai Company name or not, BKK Bank really do suck!

I did k bank 11 yrs ago and have had no problem s

SCB also good. Fully electronic account opened without physical paper. No need for a paper passbook from the 20th century either.

I have had absolutely no problems or issues of any kind with Bangkok Bank. I just had an issue resolved with them today. My mobile banking app got uninstalled by me on accident. They just re-did everything for me and all is good. They have always been extremely helpful to me.

Always safe to have a couple of accounts. I have 3.

Krungsri bank, been with them 22y, never a problem.

Maybe the third time you’ll learn. Can’t have a bank account on a tourist visa !

Why did they lock your account twice ??

Yes don't touch Bankok Bank. Loads of people closed their accounts