Answereda year ago
Will switching from a Non-B visa and work permit to a DTV cause problems with my Thai bank accounts?
I have lived in Thailand for 8 years with a work permit and non-b. My bank accounts are all Thai, my drivers license, residency, utility bills, income... everything is all Thai. Will that be a problem as I switch to the DTV? Should I include my non-b and WP in my paperwork?
Answer summary
An expat in Thailand, currently holding a Non-B visa and work permit, is transitioning to a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV). They are concerned about the impact on their Thai bank accounts and whether they should include their previous visa status and work permit in their application. Community responses indicate that switching to a DTV may not require including the work permit or Non-B details, as these could imply potential income from Thai sources, which is not permissible under the DTV regulations. Several participants share experiences of account closures linked to visa type changes, with discussions around bank policies and the evolving nature of Thai immigration laws.
45 repliesnewest first
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Stuart ********
Only issues I see are where you have the 500k kept and how long it’s been there (if all your usual banks are thai). Along with the source of any income if you are applying for workcation instead of soft power…
Fitfac *****************
Not a problem at all—actually, having a long visa history can be a good thing for your application. I would suggest simply mentioning it in your cover letter rather than including too many documents in the application itself.
Your first priority should be to focus on proving your eligibility under the workcation or soft power category. This supporting evidence is the most important part of your application.
Your first priority should be to focus on proving your eligibility under the workcation or soft power category. This supporting evidence is the most important part of your application.
William ********
I opened my account in Sept of last year with Bangkok Bank on a visa exempt stamp through an agent. In Oct I received my DTV and Sat last week I had a hold put on it. Couldn’t withdraw, scan to pay do anything. Monday I spoke with bank over phone and sent them documentation of my Passport, DTV, last years and this years lease, my foreign biz documents, TM 30 and 6 month statement of money coming into and out of my BB account and had the hold lifted.
William ********
Pattaya
Jason *********
@William *******
which location ?
Paul ********
@William *******
that’s good to hear and to know. Glad you were able to sort it out with the bank
Andrew ********
DTV visa are being denied bank account due to fraud and abuse
Greg ********
@Andrew *******
It is not those on DTV who have been committing fraud and abuse though. It comes down to the scammers who have opened up on tourist and visa exempt. It is a general change and not aimed at DTV in particular. They are just caught up as DTV is classed as a tourist visa.
Luit *****************
If it will be a problem when you downgrade your visa, only time and your bank can tell. But as a tourist you won't need all those things anymore, so no problem.
Sefton ********
Do not include your Thai work permit and non b. People have been denied because the person processing believed they would work with Thai clients and income sources. Use only non Thai clients and trade.
Lucas **********
Yep , big problem.. no matter what anyone says.. I switched from study visa to DTV and my bank account got cancelled.. I have an appointment at 3pm to pick my money up.. nothing I can do about it ..
Lucas **********
Central pattaya, I showed everything to but had payslips, a full year of transfers proof , full paper trail from lease agreement, thai drivers licence, bike licence and all but they said no .. because now im technically on a tourist visa... I've had a few friends shafted to.. i cant do a study visa again because I commute for work and dont have the time.. only other visa they want to tax me...
No chance in hell...
This happend a few years ago with SCB to... il go now until thailand gets its system together..
No chance in hell...
This happend a few years ago with SCB to... il go now until thailand gets its system together..
Jon **********
@Lucas *********
how did your bank know you had switched to a DTV?
Maksym ***********
@Jon *********
why you think they cant? Thay know expiration date and visa type, just froze all account with expired visas and ask to update info. Thats allLucas **********
@Jon *********
they asked me to go in and checked my passport ..William ********
@Lucas *********
what branch? I opened my account in Sept of last year with Bangkok Bank on a visa exempt stamp through an agent. In Oct I received my DTV and Sat last week I had a hold put on it. Couldn’t withdraw, scan to pay do anything. Monday I spoke with bank over phone and sent them documentation of my Passport, DTV, last years and this years lease, my foreign biz documents, TM 30 and 6 month statement of money coming into and out of my BB account and had the hold lifted.
Anonymous ******************
@Lucas *********
what bank are you?Lucas **********
Anonymous participant 125 bangkok bank
Lucas **********
@William *******
not for me.. I got screwed.. I showed everything i could ..William ********
@Lucas *********
I was suspended and I sent docs on Monday. They lifted the suspension and told me I was good to go
John **********
As you can't work in Thailand (other than remotely for a non thai entity or with non thai clients) I'd say you should cancel your work permit (and thus also your extension of stay) before leaving Thailand to apply for the DTV
Wannikea *********
I did almost the exact same thing, after a decade of Non B, a year of Non O, switched to DTV. Acceptable paperwork is Thai or English. No need for work permit etc, they will see your stamps and history.
Anonymous ******************
I got a DTV from tourist visa / exemptions and my Thai bank stopped my international transfer function…..and denied they did anything the fruity weirdos, which sums up Thailand nicely. As with everything in this country you make lemonade from their lemons.
Anonymous ******************
nothing will happen, because you didn’t open your bank account with DTV visa
Anonymous ******************
As long as you don't apply for workation with Thai income sources.
That income needs to be 100% passive.
That income needs to be 100% passive.
Jeremy *********
You're gonna lose your bank accounts well they'll be closed when you switch and they figure it out. Why switch to a visa no one knows if it'll be around Ina year or 2 when you already have this type and can renew 🤷♂️
So many doing this jumping to an unknown visa as to if it'll be around etc. Seems insane 🤷♂️
So many doing this jumping to an unknown visa as to if it'll be around etc. Seems insane 🤷♂️
Adam *********
@Jeremy ********
you don’t “lose your bank” by going from a Non-B They (only Bangkok bank) are closing some bank accounts if they are affiliated with crypto, and were opened with a student, or visa exemption.
I’d love to know what the point is in fear mongering?
Nobody will close your bank with a work or retirement visa and that’s never been reported anywhere.
Also, he doesn’t even state his bank, what if he uses SCB, Krungsri, or K Bank?
Jeremy *********
@Adam ********
I said if change to DTV I didn't say lose it from a work , retirement visa genius 😂 reading comprehension isn't your thing either i see🤦♂️🤷♂️The rules are the rules it's all banks it's new in the last few months. NO TOURIST VISA CAN HAVE A BANK ACCOUNT and they are closing them if you are on a tourist visa. How is stating the facts fear mongering you chump 😂🤦♂️Jeremy *********
@Adam ********
you're a m0r0n the ruels changed for alllll banks not just one you idiot😂 if you change from a non b to a dtv they're gonna close your account. Many sources available I don't needto teach you the facts when it's widely been reported by the news and many here . GFY chump and get educated 😂Adam *********
@Jeremy ********
‘I have lived and worked in Thailand for 8 years on a visa and work permit’The very first line old man.. Jesus
They opened their bank with a Non-B and work permit.
Cite a source that says a bank will ever take away a bank from someone who opened it on a Non-B?
Tourists can absolutely have a bank account. Tourists can’t OPEN a bank account through Bangkok Bank.
Also, why not just link me any articles instead of just spewing inaccurate information?
Wannikea *********
@Jeremy ********
oh bull, that's purely speculation and fear mongering, he's an established customer, it was opened on a legit visa, I doubt he's a mule or money laundering. Unless he opened his account at a branch that was a mill, I doubt anything will happen.Jeremy *********
@Wannikea ********
ok sure let's see how it goes genius 😂😂 Tourist visas are no longer valid for bank accounts . It's literally the rules but go ahead and believe what you'd like. Tell that to how many have had theirs frozen and closed 😂
Vladimir **********
@Jeremy ********
they were frozen and closed if opened on a sketchy visa via an agent. If you been working legally and retain a few bank accounts for many years after switching nobody will take them away from you. They reissue cards even if you come back on a stamp and had your accounts dormant for quite a while..
Martin ********
@Jeremy ********
where’s your evidence to support your assertion that every DTV holder will lose their bank account?Jeremy *********
@Martin *******
they've literally been closing them where have you been🤷♂️😂Jeremy *********
@Martin *******
again the rules changed idiot ! They're lit freezing accounts and sitting them down.No speculation to it . Tourists visas are no longer allowed to have a bank account why do you think even agents won't do it now 🙄 Look in every group its happening daily m0r0n go argue with someone who isn't educated 🙄Martin ********
@Jeremy ********
so you have no evidence. SOME have been closed but you’re saying EVERYONE will have their account closed. So, show evidence to support your claim.Jeremy *********
Comprehension isn't your thing I get it 😂
It's a 5 year visa but you also have to either extend or leave and come back every 6 months. And a new type that at anytime they can say no more and do away with .
Many of you seem to think it's some.magic visa and you'll be able to live here with 0 issues for 5 years . As I stated you never know when they'll do away with it it's literally an experiment 🤷♂️
But you do you I think it's ignorant to change to it from the other Long standing ones with a proven record.
It's a 5 year visa but you also have to either extend or leave and come back every 6 months. And a new type that at anytime they can say no more and do away with .
Many of you seem to think it's some.magic visa and you'll be able to live here with 0 issues for 5 years . As I stated you never know when they'll do away with it it's literally an experiment 🤷♂️
But you do you I think it's ignorant to change to it from the other Long standing ones with a proven record.
Anonymous ******************
@Jeremy ********
Strange comment. Why wouldn't ANY visa "be around" in a year or two? The DTV is five years. That's a pretty lengthy period!Greg ********
Anonymous participant 105 If they wanted to be awkward they could make sure anyone entering on the DTV still "Qualifies" for the visa AND previously abided by the conditions in previous entries (course attendance, 90 Day Reports etc). It would not end the visa but it would be pretty awkward for many.
Jeremy *********
Anonymous participant 105 but again go for it lose your bank account take the chance it'll be around all on you chief 🤘
Anonymous ******************
@Jeremy ********
I'm talking about a visa "being around". DTV is a five year visa.Greg ********
@Jeremy ********
Especially with how the political scene is now regarding Anutin etc. He has been clear he wants to change immigration policy. If I had no other visa I would apply for a DTV but as for changing I would be a little wary.Jeremy *********
@Greg *******
yepppppGreg ********
I would think the WP and B is only pertinent in that you are clear you will not be working in Thailand for a Thai legal entity or Thai clients and your income will not be from Thailand going forward. If I had no other visa I would apply for a DTV but as for changing I would be a little wary. Is the advantage cost wise?
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