thailand
Ask question

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

Bangkok Bankphone bankingexpat bankingThailand banking issuesNon-O visaretirement visae-bankingaccount balance checkinternational access
Dec 29, 2020
4 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.
4,901
views
11
likes
136
all likes
81
replies
0
images
39
users
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
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Robert *********
@Michael *********
 not a chance...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael **********
Reply
Robert *********
Try the office's in the States considering they are listed on the Exchange...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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. :-/
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dana *******
Reply
Richard ******
Disorganized
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Eddie *******
Get a trusted friend to buy a sim card. Get the info sorted.

Have them send you the sim card by mail.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Mick *********
ATM balance
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dave ******
Get the App
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Naravadee **************
@Dave *****
 She couldn’t because she couldn’t get the OTP number on her British SIM... I think.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dave ******
@Naravadee *************
 oh bugger
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dave ******
Reply
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.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Naravadee *************
 Kao San Road branch... ;-)
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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.☺️
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Naravadee **************
Reply
Gregg *************
Welcome to thailand please enjoy your stay press any number to speak to a robot
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Lurcho ********
Kasikorn Bank has a great English service . The two ladies I talk to have great English and comprehension skills . Makes life easier .
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reg ********
I dumped them a long time ago. The purple bank is good.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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 .
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 Maybe I should have married a Thai guy... :-D
4 years ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Dana ******
 I suppose it’s an option !!!!!! Unless you know somebody in Thai now who could sort it for you
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Stella ********
Find staff personally on LinkedIn and chat with them.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
Sounds like you screwed up I can watch my accounts from anywhere with the APP or e banking
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
James *******
@Terary *********
 you seem a very useful person in in this issue. I bet the OP really appreciates your input.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James *******
Reply
Lopsee **********
I had somehow managed to get to a person who spoke English few times. I think I kept on pressing random numbers 🤣🤣
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Janin ******
For us was the same story, we give up till we arrived in Thailand
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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
4 years ago
Like
Reply
সুখি *******
Can anyone say, when will be open Thailand tourist visa....?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
Alwyne ********
They not want to your vires
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Sanjeev ******
If your bank passbook still in thailand then anyone can go bank and check your balance .
4 years ago
Like
Reply
সুখি *******
@Sanjeev *****
 Can anyone say, when will be open Thailand tourist visa....?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Sanjeev ******
@সুখি ******
************************************************************************
**********
**********
*****
*****
*****
/posts/
*****
*****
*****
7/?app=fbl
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Sanjeev ******
Reply
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.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Shalev *******
Did you call with the 0 after the 66? If yes , what's you're hearing is an error message
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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
4 years ago
Like
Reply
সুখি *******
@Shalev ******
 where are you from dear...?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Shalev *******
@সুখি ******
 same continent , a bit to the left
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Shalev *******
Reply
সুখি *******
@Shalev ******
 Can anyone say, when will be open Thailand tourist visa....?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
সুখি *******
@Shalev ******
 are you sure, Thailand open for Bangladesh...?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
সুখি *******
Reply
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shalev ******
 No, I dialed +66 2645 5555... :-/
4 years ago
Like
Reply
সুখি *******
@Dana ******
 Can anyone say, when will be open Thailand tourist visa....?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@সুখি ******
 Thai Embassy in New Dehli...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Brian ********
@সুখি ******
 you can have a visa on arrival
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Shalev *******
@সুখি ******
******************************************************************************************
*****
-visa-information?menu=5d
*****
215e39c
*****
06a10
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Shalev *******
Reply
Phil *********
No problem with Android 8
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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 🤞
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter *************
 Not really possible when outside Thailand, I am afraid... But thanks anyway ! ;-)
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dana *******
Reply
Joseph *********
Change banks. Kasikornbank is great!
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Jeff *******
@Joseph ********
 on the phone or at Silom. This is the way.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Joseph ********
 you can not change banks if you are not physically in Thailand. You should know that.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joseph ********
 Next time... Right now, that does not help. I am not in Thailand...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Mikey *******
Kasikorn are good enough unless you visit a branch you didn’t open the account at.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mikey *******
Reply
Phil *********
If you have Android 10 it's impossible to find app
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
No Apps and impossible to get it when outside Thailand...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Bruce *****
@Dana ******
 use a vpn and download the app the app is quite good
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dana *******
Reply
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..
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dana *******
Reply
Sree *******
Use your bank Apps. No talking required.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul ********
Do you not have the app on your phone?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Adam **********
VPN ?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Erik **********
@Adam *********
 OMG u dont know what that is? please dont bother people with that
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul ********
@Adam *********
 yes vpn would do it
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
 No Apps and impossible to get it when outside Thailand...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul ********
@Dana ******
 I use mine on WiFi when out of Thailand and also get emails with account balances
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
 Are you with Bangkok Bank ? As far as I know, they do not send emails with your bank statement...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul ********
@Dana ******
 I do have it and I do get emails from them
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Garrett ***********
@Pa**
 You need a Thai sim to set up the app.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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.

*************************************************************************
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Dana *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
 Thank you, I will try this...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
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
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
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.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best options for opening a Thai bank account in Bangkok as an expat?
88 comments
2 months ago
What are the challenges expats face with Bangkok Bank when changing phones or phone numbers?
85 comments
4 months ago
What are the issues with Bangkok Bank's facial recognition for mobile banking?
44 comments
5 months ago
What are the current issues regarding bank account requirements for expats in Thailand?
9 comments
6 months ago
What is the experience with Siam Commercial Bank's online application and English support services?
6 comments
7 months ago
How can I manage my UK bank account while living in Thailand and receive verification codes?
38 comments
9 months ago
How can I open a Thai bank account without a retirement visa?
95 comments
9 months ago
What are the challenges of opening a bank account in Thailand for expats?
36 comments
9 months ago
How can I open a bank account in Bangkok as a foreigner and do I need a translator?
50 comments
10 months ago
What are the best apps or methods to receive US SMS and calls while living in Thailand?
51 comments
a year ago
How can I successfully open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa?
128 comments
a year ago
Can I verify my SCB app outside Thailand using my AIS SIM card?
27 comments
a year ago
How can I receive online banking codes when in Thailand but using my Australian or Turkish phone numbers?
24 comments
2 years ago
How can I access money in Thailand after losing my bank card and facing visa issues?
182 comments
2 years ago
How can I access my Virgin Money account from Thailand without a UK phone number?
46 comments
2 years ago
Why do some Bangkok Bank branches refuse to provide account statements while others do?
60 comments
2 years ago
How can I open a bank account in Bangkok without a work permit?
39 comments
2 years ago
How can I obtain a bank statement from Bangkok Bank while being in Europe without e-banking or an app?
4 comments
2 years ago
What are the experiences of opening a bank account in Thailand for expats on a retirement visa?
74 comments
3 years ago
Why is it so difficult for foreigners to open a bank account in Thailand?
102 comments
4 years ago
How can I reach Bangkok Bank Customer Service from outside Thailand?
51 comments
4 years ago
What is the correct phone number to call Bangkok Bank from abroad?
36 comments
4 years ago
What issues are users facing with the Bangkok Bank app and ATMs?
18 comments
5 years ago
Why can't foreigners link their Kasikornbank accounts with Grab in Thailand?
18 comments
5 years ago
What challenges do expats face when opening a bank account in Thailand?
34 comments
5 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.