I just got some very interesting news and wanted to share it here.
Recently, I went back to the Bangkok Bank near Bangkok. Originally, my account had been frozen (like it happened to many others) because the SIM card linked to the account wasn’t in my name, but in my girlfriend’s name. I fixed that issue by switching the SIM card to my name, and after that, my account was unfrozen and has been working fine ever since.
Important detail: When they unfroze my account, they clearly emphasized that the only reason they could do this was because my account had been opened before 2023.
At the same time, I asked—several times, with my Thai wife translating to make sure there was no misunderstanding—what would happen if I switch to a DTV visa, since I am planning to apply for one. They told me very clearly that in that case, they would have to close my account. I already shared this here before.
Today, just out of curiosity, I went to a completely different branch in another city to ask again. This time, the staff told my wife something even more shocking: all foreigner accounts will eventually be closed. Right now, they are working on 2024 accounts, next year it will be 2023, then 2022, and so on. They said it doesn’t matter whether it’s an Education visa, DTV, or any other type—all foreigner accounts are affected.
I honestly find this unbelievable, but that’s exactly what they said, very clearly.
I think this is very important information, and I would really appreciate it if others could go to a branch themselves and ask the same questions to confirm this. Please share your experiences here as well.
This is not meant as a rant or rumor, I am simply sharing what I personally experienced and was told directly. She also said this „update“ is new from this month. So the information from the last branch that everything is fine for accounts before 2023 is old information.
Update: The bank has also recommended the following as the safest visa options right now: Retirement Visa, Marriage Visa, or Work Permit. She mentioned that for now, having a DTV would still be fine until they start closing accounts opened before 2023. However, she advised that switching to a Marriage Visa would be the safest option at this point, based on the new information she has.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The author shares an experience regarding the status of foreign accounts at Bangkok Bank, particularly highlighting a troubling update about accounts linked to tourist visas. Originally, their account was unfrozen after correcting a SIM card issue, but staff informed them that all foreigner accounts might eventually be closed, starting with those opened after 2024. Conversations with bank staff revealed a potential shift in policy affecting various visa types, including Education and DTV visas. Users are encouraged to confirm this information directly at branches and share their findings. Comments reflect skepticism and personal insights about the bank's policies and implications for expats.
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