Why is Bangkok Bank considered unreliable for non-immigrant retirement visas in Thailand?

I’ve been using Bangkok Bank for 20 years now. This year is the first time I’ve ever had them lock ฿800,000 for four months, but I can’t use that money for five months anyway, so I am over it. I didn’t have the required amount since I was out of Thailand for a year and a half and arrived on a 60 day visa exemption and just changed to a non immigrant based on retirement. After Songkran I am applying for my one year extension. One year bank statement and letter will be available on 21-4 that I ordered four days ago. The holiday closure added to the amount of time to get my paperwork. My landlord is just as bad at doing the paperwork, if not worse.

Stupid as bank trying to regulate immigration requirements.

I mean think about it. You want me to put the money in 4 months before you give me the Cert and 3 after or you will call immigration and do what.

I have a family member who is a senior immigration officer and he doesn't even recommend using Bangkok bank

Welcome to TIDELAND where everything of yours goes out with the tide. All my friends have gone, all my family have left. Why in the heck should I stay, I just look stupid being the last

11.5 years with Bangkok Bank and a 1 year extension with a verification letter every year...never a problem.

Kasikorn would.not open an account 6 years ago despite 8 members of my family holding accounts at the branch. Even with a long term visa, tabian ban, ID card, drivers license. Somewhat disappointed I walked to Bangkok Bank and 30 minutes later departed with an account, a passbook, an ATM card, active phone banking and on line banking.

For the ones who have had your account for over 3 years, Bangkok Bank have changed their rules, Kasikorn is a friendlier bank when it comes to starting a new account as a foreigner, they follow all of immigration requirements and don’t ask for more stuff, they also didn’t go around freezing accounts

But locking the money isn't a requirement from the immigration ? 🤔

There were a tiny number of Bangkok Bank Branches where corrupt staff were openly in the pay of agents, for whom they opened accounts no questions asked. There never was an issue for doing so when it’s merely expediting long term Visa’s. Until organised crime exploited that to launder their dirty money. Bangkok Bank after all has a reputation to consider. Deal with the bad apples and best you can put it right, if that happens to piss off the Farang so be it. My branch in Pattaya Klang was particularly notorious. So I for one got the arse end of that. Blame the greedy agents and the Criminals if you will. NOT the bank,as they had no real alternative than to clean the swamp.

From the bottom (That’s us ☹️) - Up ⬆️

Then using them for my retirement Visa for 15 years zero issues

They are a great bank

I use monthly income method through Bangkok Bank since 2015, no major problems. However, I don't transfer money there myself, I use Direct Debit type BB account where USA social securtiy administrationdeposits directly into my Bangkok Bank account. I withdraw here in Thailand same day that SSA deposits it(wiith the time zone difference). That has the addedd advantage that I don't have to explain to immigration what my source of funds is, they see it right there on every transfer receipt. I was there yesterday to get account verification for immigration. In conversation they told me that if I ever use the 400k method, as long as that much money was in the account 3 months prior they don't freeze it and the same applies for 800k.

Will people realise its the new accounts that is a problem not the ones that have been opened when the ark was built

The problem is they are all franchised so one bank will tell you one thing and another will say something else and if its not the branch you opened your account they aren't making money from you ,so they will say anything to fuck you off.

Once you understand this you will change banks

5 years with BKK Bank not a problem

Why praise dishonesty?

…”give you a letter that you deposit the money and not lock your money”….

Most people don’t have any issues with Bangkok Bank, only if you deposit the 800.000 baht just before you require the statement they will ask questions and/or have extra requirements.

This is done against agents who lend the money only for the visa application.

You must have really screwed up.

Another example of unfathomable things at BKK bank. I went to do a wise transfer this morning. Estimated arrival time was April 16. I did cancel and tried to transfer to Kasikon, a few SECONDS later money had been deposited in that account.

If there are problems with the bank, the problem is usually in front of the counter and not behind it.

Banked with them business and personal for 25 years no real problems

12 years with Bangkok Bank, not one problem. I highly recommend

Worst bank in that sense. And they have lost most of their foreign customers during last 12 months.

We are all aware of this allready

As far as I know they only want to block the money for 4 months if the 800k has not been in account for more than 3 months

The option of having the money blocked is more in favour for bank client🤷‍♂️