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Why is it impossible to access Bangkok Bank's phone banking services in English from abroad?

Dec 29, 2020
5 years ago
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bangkok Bank Phone Banking in English : Impossible...

Hello there, I am trying to check my account balance from outside Thailand through the Bangkok Bank vocal phone banking (+66) 02645 5555). When one choses the English service, it does not work : some long message in Thai is given... Have tried more than 20 times, still no English. Does anyone else have the same problem ? Thanks !

PS : No problem to download the Apps, but to activate the Apps : you have to do it on an Bangkok Bank ATM & a Thai SIM (for the OTP) i.e. only in Thailand... And no e-banking possible when on a Non-O / Retirement visa... I have neither Apps activated, nor e-banking facility.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user expresses frustration at being unable to access Bangkok Bank's phone banking service in English while outside of Thailand. Despite multiple attempts, the service defaults to Thai. Comments on the post suggest possible workarounds such as using a VPN to download the banking app or attempting to reach a representative through the Thai banking hotline without selecting English initially. However, several users point out that setting up apps or e-banking is complicated by the necessity of a Thai SIM for OTP verification, which is impossible without being in Thailand. The conversation highlights difficulties faced by expats regarding banking services in Thailand, particularly under certain visa conditions.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Robert **********
Also when I asked BB for an account, they said no Internet no mobile no ATM card I must come into the bank I told him to F. Off, went to Krungsri
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Michael **********
I heard Bangkok bank is connected to Chase and JP Morgan bank in USA you might be able to use your account number at them banks
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Robert *********
@Michael *********
not a chance...
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Michael **********
@Robert ********
@ I opened account at Chase Bank she showed me on her computer screen a phone number and address to to Bangkok bank that it show they were sister banks to each other but I have to get account at Bangkok bank and see what happens I tried asking her she was president of that bank but did not seem to know much
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Michael **********
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Robert *********
Try the office's in the States considering they are listed on the Exchange...
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Jeff **********
it may not help your current situation, but it is possible to get electronic banking access (what they call iBanking) on a non-O visa with a retirement extension. I did it a couple of months ago. You just have to go to a branch with your passport and bank book.
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeff *********
I tried in my branch and 5 other branches in Bangkok, even at the HQ. They all told me that without a work permit, the Bangkok Bank does not allow iBanking. :-/
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Dana *******
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Richard ******
Disorganized
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Eddie *******
Get a trusted friend to buy a sim card. Get the info sorted.

Have them send you the sim card by mail.
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Mick *********
ATM balance
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Dave ******
Get the App
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Naravadee **************
@Dave *****
She couldn’t because she couldn’t get the OTP number on her British SIM... I think.
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Dave ******
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Dave ******
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Naravadee **************
What is your branch? I can call to get the Manager’s number for you to call directly to him or her. I will PM you when I get his or her number.
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Naravadee *************
Kao San Road branch... ;-)
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Naravadee **************
@Dana ******
okay Dana. But today all banks is closed so I will get you the number after Jan 4th when Business es resume after holiday.☺️
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Naravadee **************
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Gregg *************
Welcome to thailand please enjoy your stay press any number to speak to a robot
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Lurcho ********
Kasikorn Bank has a great English service . The two ladies I talk to have great English and comprehension skills . Makes life easier .
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Reg ********
I dumped them a long time ago. The purple bank is good.
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John **********
I downloaded Bangkok bank online here in the UK but my mobile has a UK and Thai sim so I can get the OTP code .
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Did you request international roaming of your Thai SIM BEFORE leaving Thailand ? It seems once you are out of Thailand, it is impossible to get international roaming. At least with True...
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John **********
@Dana ******
I’m with true I must be honest my Thai wife sorted it for me in Thailand while I was in the UK
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Maybe I should have married a Thai guy... :-D
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John **********
@Dana ******
I suppose it’s an option !!!!!! Unless you know somebody in Thai now who could sort it for you
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John **********
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Stella ********
Find staff personally on LinkedIn and chat with them.
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Bob **********
Sounds like you screwed up I can watch my accounts from anywhere with the APP or e banking
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Steve *******
Welcome to the magic that is internet optimization in Thailand.

They are about 15-20 years behind when it comes to proper implementation of technology into public services, here.
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Terary **********
First thing that comes to mind. If you listen to the message 20 times. Did it ever once change? Did you expect it to change?

I have no advice for your situation. However, I use a friend local to deal with the bank when I am away. Usually I leave the sim card but I guess phone banking is an option too. The local person - is, of course, Thai.
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James *******
@Terary *********
you seem a very useful person in in this issue. I bet the OP really appreciates your input.
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James *******
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Lopsee **********
I had somehow managed to get to a person who spoke English few times. I think I kept on pressing random numbers 🤣🤣
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Janin ******
For us was the same story, we give up till we arrived in Thailand
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Paul *******
I just go to sainsburys ATM and it gives me the balance, only problem with there cards is you can’t book a flight or buy anything over 5000 Baht even tho it sends a code to the phone to identify your transaction it still declined it😂 crazy, my wife spoke to the bank and they said it will only pay up to 5000 if payment is made over the phone
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সুখি *******
Can anyone say, when will be open Thailand tourist visa....?
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Kool *******
@সুখি ******
there are three options for tourists now, but you still must do the 14 day quarantine, and the other requirements to get a certificate of entry from the Thai embassy.
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Kool *******
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Alwyne ********
They not want to your vires
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Sanjeev ******
If your bank passbook still in thailand then anyone can go bank and check your balance .
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সুখি *******
@Sanjeev *****
Can anyone say, when will be open Thailand tourist visa....?
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Sanjeev ******
@সুখি ******
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Sanjeev ******
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Robert **********
If you have a thai Sim, and you have it with you, try calling your phone company such as True or AIS. Ask them if they can give you international service. I did it when I was in Thailand with True, they were glad to give me international service and 10,000 baht credit in case I need to use it extensively. I never had to use it, but that way when I traveled outside of Thailand, I would be able to use my Thai -number as normal even at a high cost per message and receive the OTP.
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Shalev *******
Did you call with the 0 after the 66? If yes , what's you're hearing is an error message
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Shalev *******
@সুখি ******
it's already open for most of the world for a month now. You'll have to check with your nearest embassy , as regulations differ and they are the ones issuing it
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সুখি *******
@Shalev ******
where are you from dear...?
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Shalev *******
@সুখি ******
same continent , a bit to the left
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Shalev *******
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সুখি *******
@Shalev ******
Can anyone say, when will be open Thailand tourist visa....?
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সুখি *******
@Shalev ******
are you sure, Thailand open for Bangladesh...?
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সুখি *******
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shalev ******
No, I dialed +66 2645 5555... :-/
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সুখি *******
@Dana ******
Can anyone say, when will be open Thailand tourist visa....?
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@সুখি ******
Thai Embassy in New Dehli...
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Brian ********
@সুখি ******
you can have a visa on arrival
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Shalev *******
@সুখি ******
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Shalev *******
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Phil *********
No problem with Android 8
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Peter **************
I pay 10baht a month with BKB and receive update texts within a minute of any transaction, but I set this up in Thailand, I've no idea if its possible to set up over internet

Maybe a job to do when/if you manage to get back, - fingers crossed 🤞
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter *************
Not really possible when outside Thailand, I am afraid... But thanks anyway ! ;-)
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Dana *******
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Joseph *********
Change banks. Kasikornbank is great!
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Jeff *******
@Joseph ********
on the phone or at Silom. This is the way.
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Kool *******
@Joseph ********
you can not change banks if you are not physically in Thailand. You should know that.
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joseph ********
Next time... Right now, that does not help. I am not in Thailand...
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Mikey *******
Kasikorn are good enough unless you visit a branch you didn’t open the account at.
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Mikey *******
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Phil *********
If you have Android 10 it's impossible to find app
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
No Apps and impossible to get it when outside Thailand...
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Bruce *****
@Dana ******
use a vpn and download the app the app is quite good
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bruce ****
No problem to download it, but to activate the Apps : you have to do it on an Bangkok Bank ATM & a Thai SIM (for the OTP) i.e. only in Thailand...
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Dana *******
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Ryan ********
@Da**
its not impossible. either change your app store to the thailand version and download the app there. Or use a VPN to make it look like you're in Thailand to download or access the app..
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ryan *******
No problem to download it, but to activate the Apps : you have to do it on an Bangkok Bank ATM & a Thai SIM (for the OTP) i.e. only in Thailand...
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Dana *******
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Sree *******
Use your bank Apps. No talking required.
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Paul *******
Just get through without pressing whatever number for English and then ask if they speak English. They'll transfer you to someone that does, or they'll just hang up. Better odds than getting nothing after 20 tries
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Paul ********
Do you not have the app on your phone?
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Adam **********
VPN ?
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Erik **********
@Adam *********
OMG u dont know what that is? please dont bother people with that
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Paul ********
@Adam *********
yes vpn would do it
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Paul ********
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
No Apps and impossible to get it when outside Thailand...
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Paul ********
@Dana ******
I use mine on WiFi when out of Thailand and also get emails with account balances
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
Are you with Bangkok Bank ? As far as I know, they do not send emails with your bank statement...
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Paul ********
@Dana ******
I do have it and I do get emails from them
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Garrett ***********
@Pa**
You need a Thai sim to set up the app.
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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
I do have my Thai SIM (True) with me here, but it seams I cannot activate the international roaming from outside Thailand...
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Garrett ***********
@Da**
You should still be able to receive text messages to your phone without having international roaming on. Did you try downloading the application on your phone and setting up your account? You'll need to use the same phone number listed on your account, and they'll send you a text message with a code to verify it.
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Ekkehard *******
@Garrett **********
For receiving text messages, international roaming is of course required, too. How should the mobile connect to the network abroad if there is no roaming activated?
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Garrett ***********
@Ekke****
"of course international roaming is required." And you know this based on what? I advise you to do a little research.

2 factor authentication generally uses A2P one way messages. As long as your phone is active you can receive these messages anywhere in the world. That's why your sim card provider can send you messages about being out of network, low balance, ext when you're in a different country.

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Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
Thank you, I will try this...
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Paul ********
It tells me of all monies coming out but not statements like we have in my English account. I get a balance every Monday morning with my app
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Paul ********
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