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Will visiting the bank for a facial scan trigger account cancellation after switching phones?
Bangkok Bankfacial scanaccount verificationpassportDTVvisa impactbanking appexpat bankingThai immigration rules
Jan 25, 2026
3 months ago
IndigoG********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have a new phone and wanting to use the Bangkok Bank Mobile App like I did on my old phone but in order to do so, they require I go to my branch and present my passport and have a facial scan. If I do this, is it going to trigger a red flag and will they then cancel my accounts? I have had the accounts for 13 years and so far, no issues yet. Yes, I now have DTV soft medical.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is concerned that presenting their passport and undergoing a facial scan to access the Bangkok Bank Mobile App could trigger a red flag and risk cancellation of their long-standing account. Various comments from the community suggest that while it is possible for banks to ask for documentation due to changing regulations related to DTV (Digital Visa for Tourism), it is generally unlikely that an established account will be closed simply as a result of these procedures. Many users reported that they underwent similar identity verifications without facing issues, indicating that the bank may primarily focus on the scanning process rather than scrutinizing visa status.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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Frazer ************
Best thing to do is try. If they ask for workpermit, say you have it at home and will go get it. Dont go back
John **********
I've moved my Bangkok Bank account to new phones a number of times myself successfully without going near the bank but the last time was about a year ago. You do need your customer number though, not your account number.
Cliff *********
Facial scan?
Wannikea *********
Worst case scenario is that you won't be able to use the online banking app, doubtful they will close your account.
Toni *******
No problem
Marc ********
Most likely nothing will happen. Probably the bank clerks would have to report you to headquater. And they will not think that way doing extra work to spite you.
Mr *******************
I had to do this with Kasikorn and they didn't check the visa or do anything with the account, they were only interested in doing the face scan bit. Can't say for Bangkok Bank but if they aren't looking at your account for that reason they may not. It's probably one of these things you are going to have to do anyway if you want the use of the app, which is most of the value in having an account. Good luck
Carrie ****
For older accounts, they don't care and not likely to ask what visa you have.
I have an account that's around 11 years old. It was opened on a Non B but I'd left Thailand for 3 years. I kept it opened all 3 years and later came back on a visa exempt.
I had the same problem as you where I'd gotten a new phone due to the old one dying on me out of the blue. So when I got a new phone and installed my banking app, I had to go in for verification. They never asked to see whether I had a valid visa or not.
I have an account that's around 11 years old. It was opened on a Non B but I'd left Thailand for 3 years. I kept it opened all 3 years and later came back on a visa exempt.
I had the same problem as you where I'd gotten a new phone due to the old one dying on me out of the blue. So when I got a new phone and installed my banking app, I had to go in for verification. They never asked to see whether I had a valid visa or not.
Ling *****
I had to do the same when I got a new phone. There was no other way. Luckily no questions were asked. But last year I needed a new bank book and they took copies of my visa and wanted my phone registration proof. Luckily I got a non o visa, not sure with dtv.
Jef ********
If you have a Thai license take that for your ID instead of your passport
Wannikea *********
@Jef *******
that's not going to workJef ********
I
Mean I didn’t write that because I just thought of it…. I wrote it because I’ve used it as ID at kasikorn and BKK bank.
Not saying it will work everywhere every time but it’s worth trying.
Anyway 🙏🏽👌
Mean I didn’t write that because I just thought of it…. I wrote it because I’ve used it as ID at kasikorn and BKK bank.
Not saying it will work everywhere every time but it’s worth trying.
Anyway 🙏🏽👌
Jef ********
Ok 👌
Reply to
Jef ********
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Ray *****
It could but it's unlikely with an account of that age. Others will have different opinions and fill you with doom but after so many years it is highly unlikely they would close the account
David ******
@Ray ****
Seen accounts 10 years old cancelled last year and one as far back as 2005. All people that changed over to DTV.Ray *****
@David *****
Many have seen others that haven't. So he can only tryDavid ******
@Ray ****
I didnt say they would not get away with it, Only pointed out after your comment that due to age it is highly unlikely it will get closed. It is mainly due to recent issues that many illegal accounts have been identified. It is an ongoing process catching up with these accounts. Only last week a friend got called into bank asking to see his passport. He turned up with his Thai driving licence. He was told to return with his passport and promptly had his account closed due to DTV.Ray *****
@David *****
unlucky for him, but it is definitely not happening to everyoneDavid ******
@Ray ****
its happening to people all the time, It is not going to happen to everyone at the same time. It is a progressive action taken by the banksRay *****
@David *****
And equally many are going in and updating face scan etc and not having an issue. It's not all doomReply to
Ray *****
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