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Answered5 months ago

Why was I denied a bank account in Thailand despite having a DTV visa?

David ********
asked Jun 7, 2026
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Denied bank accounts in Thailand, what's going on?

Interesting development on Friday. Went to Kalasin Immigration for paperwork for drivers license. It came up in conversation that I had been denied at several banks to open a bank account. Head of Immigration had another look at my 5yr DTV and got quiet angry. He said no, this is a good visa. He got a pen and circled the 5 year part of the visa, wrote his phone number and name on the bottom and said, if the bank refuses tell them to call me 😃. Looking forward to going to a bank tomorrow and see how it all plays out. Should be good for a laugh.
Answer summary
A user reported being denied a bank account in Thailand despite holding a valid 5-year DTV visa. After addressing the issue with the head of immigration, he received a supportive response, encouraging him to contact them if banks refuse him again. The conversation also touched on various topics like condo purchases, investment opportunities, and general living conditions in Thailand as an expat.
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Terary **********
Terary **********
I think I bought my condo on a tourist visa.

It's like all things in Thailand. The question is more about "which government offices do I have to pay?". The one purchase I made with a private party and we paid a local person to handle the paperwork. In our case it wasn't an agent but just somebody we knew.
Jane *********
Jane *********
Which part of Thailand are you looking to purchase?
Jim *******
Jim *******
@Oska ***************
I was 48, Australian, on 30 days (then) visa exemption and I bought a condo in my name back in 2008. Before, had lived at Ekamai, Phrakanong, since 2001 and bought outside of the expensive farang ghetto that I do not need anything from.

Just check something near (walking distance) from supermarkets or mega shopping malls that have everything you may ever need and much of stuff you would never ever need nor even knew existed.
Sandra ***********
Sandra ***********
so much negativity on this post 😢, the visa is still very new, but maybe good to start by telling us what province or location you are looking to buy in Thailand, it is a great place to live if you do things the right way.
Jim *******
Jim *******
@Sandra **********
Checked your profile, says "Koh Samui".

In 2019 (my 3rd visit to the island), My Thai(Australian) daughter asked me - why are we here? The hotel was Impiana Resort, Chaweng Noi. What is this place good for?

Our booked 7 days stay, she insisted we leave, we left right away, after 3 days.

Another negative comment. Walking along the (rigged, could pull the wheel of your car) street, parallel to the main Chaweng beach, I could not find a way to get to the beach.

Two Australian gentlemen, drinking in a pub, asked them, "Is there a beach here"?

They laughed at me and said - it is all cordoned by developments, go through that hotel, pretend you are a guest and you can reach the beach.

Overturisted, over developed (since tsunami Boxing day 2004).
ProficientJ************
ProficientJ************
A lot of absolute rubbish comments. The 3MB must be a foreign freehold property, but it must be purchased from a Thai owner, not from a foreigner. It is very difficult to find resale properties, and when buying new from a Thai developer, you will most likely lose money when you sell. If you can find a reasonably priced resale property, you could profit in the future. I just bought a condo, but it didn't meet the requirements. After renovations, it should be valued at around 1 to 2 MB more than I paid, but I'll easily recoup my money. You need to buy smart. If you need a quality lawyer, please just message me. Good luck.
Bradley ********
Bradley ********
I’ve seen some of the most ridiculous advice on this thread.

Why do people speak when they have no clue what they’re talking about..? 🤣
Colin ********
Colin ********
Agreed
Jon ******
Jon ******
I was looking to purchase a condo within 24 months in TH but for now that is on hold. I think the Thai gov't is using foreign tourists to deflects from many underlying problems in their economy. It's obvious recent changes will only damage the economy and what will come next?
Anthony ******************
Anthony ******************
If I was buying property in Thailand I would do so under my daughter's name. If you are using a Thai nominee make sure you have a loan agreement and other valid contractual documents in order. A good lawyer should be able to assist you, Do you trust your partner?
@Anglo-Thai ******
worth talking to,
Anthony ******************
Anthony ******************
Where? You need to check with the condo management to determine the foreign ownership entitlement Suggest you talk to a lawyer to confirm. recommend
@Anglo-Thai ******
head office in Bangkok
Lynn ********
Lynn ********
I think the follow on question is: after successfully purchasing do you get to live in it more 60+30 days at a time?
MNathalie *********
MNathalie *********
Rent don't buy
Matthew *********
Matthew *********
Don't buy, somewhere along the line that's will some fault or loophole to say your purchase was illegal and blame you for not knowing better. Jurisdiction office can make anything to get you evicted from your own place. Heaven forbid you ever get drunk and walk back to condom and they don't like your appearance. They file a complaint. Thais play stupid games not in your favor. Why risk any investment. Not a stable country for investors
Shane ************
Shane ************
Rent
Andrew ***********
Andrew ***********
Better off renting. It's cheaper in the long run. If you're looking to sell for a profit later on, it's unlikely to happen.
Nico ******
Nico ******
No visa exists for condo ownership
Bradley ********
Bradley ********
Nico Maci not true. Stay in your lane
Ivan *********
Ivan *********
Rent
Ron ****
Ron ****
buying property is not going to affect your visa status. some developers may offer Thailand Elite visa to clients which you can buy yourself and is readily available. please be clear that no amount of condos in your name will guarantee a visa
Phillip ******
Phillip ******
Don't buy, just look at the market history and you will see its throwing your money away.
Lina *******
Lina *******
Renting is a great idea! So many of my buddies are sorry they purchased! Most say so after 10 Sangsom, coke and manao!
Cris ******
Cris ******
I still have yet to see someone get this visa issued
John **********
John **********
RENT
Luc ************
Luc ************
What new visa laws?
Stephen ******
Stephen ******
I have rented as many say , however I then bought my condo, and I'm happy with my decision ..
Peter ******
Peter ******
Never never never buy real estate in Thailand
Don *******
Don *******
Peter Curr Would I buy a condo here to rent out? No. Would I buy one for capital appreciation? No. Would I buy one to keep just for a year or two, or for holiday use? No.

But I would say that condo purchase here is a very valid option if you intend to live in the condo for at least 10 years (even just to use as a base), and assuming that the purchase price is not massively overvalued which many are.

I've saved about 2.5MB in rent over the time I've owned mine, for hardly any ownership costs, and it's worth about what I paid for it, so I have no complaints. And I've been able to furnish it and decorate it exactly how I want it, which to me is priceless.
Bob **********
Bob **********
You can buy a condo from your home but the big question is WHY ???
Sam *********
Sam *********
Personally after living here for awhile now I just wouldn’t buy one. You’re going to loose money one why or another.
Gary *******
Gary *******
Just rent in Thailand until you find an area you like ... they all have good and bad points 🤔
Rajan *******
Rajan *******
I may know a lot about property and Thailand laws but I will never be an expert so I always think finding a good lawyer maybe helpful to start rather than using Fb and always using lawyers for every transaction now and in the future
Todd *********
Todd *********
just throw down your $10M and take your chances
Sean ******
Sean ******
Oh ho ho.... easy, carefree money for someone.... they'll love you mate! Party time!
John **********
John **********
You need to start with an authorised agent, it's not something you can do yourself
James **********
James **********
@John *********
be careful - a big oversupply and price falls in Condos Suggest you rent first. If you have sufficient funds a LTR Visa may be a good option
Brad ********
Brad ********
@John *********
one that will accept a condo outside of the cookie cutter ones promotions if you want more choices.
Matt *******
Matt *******
Gday mate we have a business networking group in koh samui with a few good contacts for you. Send me a pm mate and I’m happy to give you the right contacts.
Aaron **********
Aaron **********
Matt Glynn pm.you regards
Alex ********
Alex ********
Matt Glynn yes connected to talke you through the cleaners.

Some dirty stories
Andrew ********
Andrew ********
Rent buying = lose money
Claus **********************
Claus **********************
Andrew Wright I love when people come up with this statement - it's giving me bread and butter every month :D
Martin ********
Martin ********
Andrew Wright personal experience?
Don ********
Don ********
Andrew Wright rent is lost money
Phil ******
Phil ******
Don Gilroy nope not in Thailand
Don ********
Don ********
Phil Beer yep everywhere.. ask your landlord
Seth ********
Seth ********
for those in doubt it exist you are wrong, its apart of the TSL condo visa program, all condos must be part of that program only, its actually a pretty good arragement, 3mill condo and a renewable visa for life, no monthly bank statements needed, no 800k in a bank, essentionally a roof over your head and a visa for life (renewable)
Jamesy ********************
Jamesy ********************
Seth Taylor land of the flip flop.
Peter ******
Peter ******
Don’t
Hans *********
Hans *********
Been coming to Thailand on and off since 1992,I wouldn't buy there, cheap, easy to rent, something gets weird , leave
Terary **********
Terary **********
Hans Collins Rent EVERYTHING in Thailand. I bought a condo and I pay myself rent so it works as an ok 10 year investment.. But I do miss the "just leave" style of life.
Anthony ******************
Anthony ******************
Hans Collins Depends on the property and investment and the buyers personal circumstances.. But .. yes, you need to be prudent as in any investment. Minimize the risk. Seek legal advice
@Anglo-Thai ******
Seth ********
Seth ********
make sure the condo is linked to the visa, TSL condo scheme, I think Sansiri is your best option
Celer******
Celer******
First of all find the condo you like and check if the condo you are going to purchase owned by Thais at least 51% and the rest 49% can be owned by the foreigners. If you are you going to purchase it in cash, you may need a lawyer to help you with the documents.
Phil ******
Phil ******
Celery_boii you cant anymore
Bradley ********
Bradley ********
Phil Beer what are you talking about?
Celer******
Celer******
Phil Beer Why?
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
***********************************************************************************
Dan **********
Dan **********
I don’t believe there is actually a visa with condo purchase . You can have 3 million baht in bank for 12 months but must keep half in the account there after .

A lot of the condo for visa are scams
Bradley ********
Bradley ********
Dan Wallwork i’ve seen on some of these new investments. They offer ways to get a visa with the purchase. At some program they use in Thailand so I know what he’s talking about. I just don’t know the details.

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