The main reason why it has become more difficult to open a new bank account. https://www.facebook.com/100064875510284/posts/1231849388987567/?

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

Why has it become more difficult to open a new bank account in Thailand recently?

bank account opening Thailand banking regulations Royal Decree on Technology Crimes financial fraud expats in Thailand fiduciary responsibility of banks visa regulations

Aug 8, 2025

2 days ago

Chris *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

The main reason why it has become more difficult to open a new bank account.

[members only]/?

1,451

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The difficulty in opening a new bank account in Thailand has been attributed to a recent regulatory change. The Royal Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes passed in April 2025 has increased banks' liabilities concerning financial fraud, causing them to adopt a much stricter policy toward account openings.

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

Nancy ******

Thanks for this. Always someone to stuff things up for others.

2 days ago

Stephen ********

@Nancy *****

2 days ago

Andrew ********

Makes sense, they made these changes just after I arrived would be helpful to have a bank account makes moving money alot easier that way less fees associated with it

2 days ago

Max *************

@Andrew *******

The requirements when opening a bank account haven't actually changed that much It's just about the correct visa and proof of residence via for example the certificate of residence from immigration. There are always minor differences in requirements between banks.When I renewed my Fixed Deposit Account at Bangkok Bank in March, customer service at my branch asked if I had an ID-card. Yes,a digital one, I answered and lo and behold, she said,yes that works. I opened the ID-app and showed her how I logged in via fingerprint and she took a photo of the ID. Done. Sometimes you get surprised in a positive way. I wonder what they will come up with next time I go there. 😎

2 days ago

Andrew ********

@Max ************

yes I have all that i did qualify in my student visa but its not a university school the ed visa is 1 year up to 3. They did open accounts with that till may.

I have resident certificate with thai license ( 2yr ) and letter from school as well

2 days ago

Reply to

Andrew ********

Bobby *********

Yup

2 days ago

Brandon ************

It might be a contributing factor, but THIS is the reason it has become more difficult.

*******************************************************************

"In April 2025, Thailand made a bold regulatory move by passing the Royal Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025). Supported by the Bank of Thailand (BOT), this legislation holds financial institutions accountable for failing to prevent fraud—even in cases where the victim seemingly authorized the transaction under false pretenses."

Thai banks are no longer willing to take ANY risk at all, as they are now liable for any fraud. It all comes down to them not wanting to lose a single cent.

2 days ago

Maxim ***********

@Brandon ***********

The reality is that some rich Chinese got scammed. They were with Bangkok Bank. It made waves and the pressure got to Bangkok Bank to crackdown. It's been repackaged to save face, so the article is correct about what happened. That's why it's only a new Bangkok Bank policy, and not the other Banks. Bangkok Bank cave in. Such scams are going on with every bank, and for many many years, but this time rich Chinese got scammed so finally one bank felt the pressure to do something about it.

a day ago

Marty *********

@Maxim **********

Bangkok Bank still in the dark ages. Having to get a 12 month statement (in CM for visa renewal) that takes a week and can only come from Bangkok is just one of many gripes I have with them.

21 hours ago

Reply to

Marty *********

Max *************

@Brandon ***********

It's imo a totally understandable move to prevent fraud.

2 days ago

Reply to

Max *************

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.