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Why is my funds trapped in my Bangkok Bank account for 6 months after transferring money?
Bangkok BankBank Account IssuesThai Visa RequirementsFunds TransferAccount Freezing PolicyExpat Banking in Thailand
Nov 12, 2025
6 months ago
Paul *************
ORIGINAL POSTERSo, I'm not sure if this is general knowledge, as I've been told before.
I opened a Bangkok Bank account ten days ago. I then used Wise to transfer ten thousand pounds (400k baht). I also transferred some extra, realizing how quickly Wise worked and that you can be like a Thai and use the QR code with it to pay private accounts. The bank just rang me this afternoon to tell me that the 400k cannot be touched.
It shows I have the money in the bank, but my available balance is only twenty-six thousand. She says it is trapped for 6 months. Luckily, I had put it in there, and I was going to forget about it.
So, each year I have the four hundred k required, but I'm letting people know in case your situation is different.
I opened a Bangkok Bank account ten days ago. I then used Wise to transfer ten thousand pounds (400k baht). I also transferred some extra, realizing how quickly Wise worked and that you can be like a Thai and use the QR code with it to pay private accounts. The bank just rang me this afternoon to tell me that the 400k cannot be touched.
It shows I have the money in the bank, but my available balance is only twenty-six thousand. She says it is trapped for 6 months. Luckily, I had put it in there, and I was going to forget about it.
So, each year I have the four hundred k required, but I'm letting people know in case your situation is different.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user reports that after transferring 400,000 baht to their Bangkok Bank account, they were informed that these funds would be inaccessible for 6 months. This situation has sparked a discussion among commenters who express surprise and share similar experiences or concerns about the bank's policies.
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Frank **********
You been a member of this group since last year and you haven't noticed all the complaints and problems with Bangkok Bank.
Colin **********
Paul, did you just complete your 12 month visa ext for a spouse? (Marriage ext). If so did you obtain a bank balance certificate at this branch that confirms the amount of money you have in the bank? If so its a Bangkok bank policy to freeze your account for 4 months normally before issuing the certificate. Maybe the 6 months is because its a new bank account or miscommunication.
Peter *******
@Colin *********
Not normalColin **********
@Peter ******
he has his extension in January and Bangkok bank require you to hold a balance of 400kthb for 4 months in the account.Reply to
Colin **********
Reply
Paul *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin *********
i came here on a 90 day visa. Standard O visa due to having the thai wife she took me to her branch i was a bit puzzled because they had her signing more forms than me saying she was being guaranteed so I've been in Thailand for 17 days and got the bank account. I had that a week when my wife got a call they said they did try to ring my number? But no missed call? so called her they know what the money was for.What the purpose of having it for the intention in january two months matured to apply for the year visa. The 400k it's showing it as a ledger, but I only have the extra available?
Colin **********
@Paul ************
this is unusual but thats not new, if its not related to your 12 month ext there is no reason to freeze, because its your money. How the local branch may have its own rules regarding opening a new account. Why not pop in and clarify it with them they are a friendly bunch, somehow I think it maybe locking it for your next ext.Paul *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin *********
yes, Colin didn't speak great English. But what she did say was basic understanding of my extension to hold it, as I said, it's not a frozen account, it's just a frozen four hundred k. My plan was always to leave it in, as I told my wife when I die, she can use it to build me a nice big shrine on the farm lolColin **********
@Paul ************
so its normal for the next ext. However, its normally 4 months not 6, but it coulld be a miscommunication, or local policy. Call me if you want to discuss further. Welcome to the real Thailand 🇹ðŸ‡Reply to
Colin **********
Reply
OZ ******
Why would any 1 open acc with bkk bank
Maxim ***********
Are people commenting being living under a rock?
John *****
They suspect fraud?
Paul *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ****
i am not sure why they would suspect fraud. It was all done above board My wife gave evidence of being a guaranteed and on the government. Website, it shows as a new enforced tightening regulation maybe them that have got something to hide, would be the ones concerned. And condemning itAaron *********
@Paul ************
i'm an ex financial journalist and spent most of the last ten years writing stories about anti money laundering regulations tightening. I have no insight to this specific issue but it fits a broader trend of banks taking an over rigorous approach to new rules because non compliance fines are huge. Nigel Farrage and Couts is a good example of this. Given what ive read about Bangkok Bank that is almost certainly the explanation- hopefully others have ideas on how to unlock it. good luckReply to
Aaron *********
Reply
Martyn ***********
I would want it back.. There is not no justification, if they don't report to authorities and the press.
J **************
If you had been following this group you would have steered clear of Bangkok bank
Paul *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@J *************
i personally would have done, but my wife holds two bank accounts and her business accounts.So I thought she's friendly with the manager as one of her customers having how hard it is to get a bank account.It could be easier to open which I had no problem it until yesterday but as I said, I had planned to leave it in so on the ways have the money for the visa.Each yearReply to
Paul *************
Reply
John ********
They can't do that go to branch will be. Back on account in a week
Stuart ***********
Seems very strange Paul, did they give you a reason?
Paul *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
just said it was to help prevent fraud.New regulations that have been put in forceReply to
Paul *************
Reply
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