Throwing my Tuppence worth into the "Great Thailand Bank Robbery", I run a few bank accounts here in Thailand. I use Bangkok Bank for my 65k monthly transfers, and withdraw a lump sum each month which I pay into my SCB account for QR code scans, the logic being when I produce the 12-month Bangkok Bank statement to immigration there's only 2-3 transactions each month so the statement is only 2-3 pages in length. This makes life easier for the IO, and subsequently makes life easier for me!

I want to pay 10,000 baht into my SCB account yesterday through a deposit ATM, and the machine wouldn't let me do this. Message said my card was not acceptable for deposits (it has been for the last 6-7 years), and that I had to report to my branch. The branch was right there at the machine so I went inside and was presented with a card, a picture of which is shown here. Apparently my passport was required to make a deposit under these new KYC regulations.

I nipped home, got my passport and returned to the branch. I watched the bank officer very carefully and observed she photocopied the data page, then went hunting for the visa. She found the right extension stamp and the most recent entry stamp and photocopied these. She then sat at her computer, rattled the keys a bit, took the 10,000, passed me a deposit slip to sign (in two places), passed everything back to me and said everything is ok now.

I tried the ATM afterwards and everything was fine.

I asked my girlfriend to call the SCB call centre, who informed her that they cannot assist with individual situations, the bank is undertaking their responsibilities under KYC and are confirming the identity and visa status of all customers, including (in the case of identity) Thai nationals.

Multiple accounts with Bangkok Bank

I have BB accounts both in Chiangmai and Pattaya.

On Saturday morning, I received a phone call from a lady at the Pattaya branch, asking me to come in on Monday and show my one year lease.

I don’t have a lease as I’m currently traveling and staying at hotels.

So on Tuesday morning I find both my accounts frozen.

I didn’t think that one branch could freeze an account at another branch.

Anyone has been in this situation?

What happens if I open a new BB account where I am currently staying, could they unfreeze my accounts?

An update for those following the Bangkok Bank debacle.

Yesterday after 31 days of my account being frozen, I made my fourth trip back to the bank and they said they were unlocking the account and I then withdrew the funds and closed the account.

I asked the bank manager and the assistant manager why they had frozen my account. They responded, "we don't know". I asked them if they were personally okay with having their own banking account frozen for 30 days with no notice or explanation. They shrugged and avoided the question and moved on to the next customer.

My experience with Bangkok Bank has been nothing but miserable and alarming. Locking up a customers account and telling them they have 30 days advance notice but in fact had zero notice before locking the account then later providing no explanation why the account is locked breeds uncertainty, insecurity, massive inconvenience for daily living and distrust of the Thai banking system. This is a slap in the face to customers who depend on having access to the funds they entrust to the bank for safe keeping. Don't say you weren't warned about this unethical bank. I'll never go back again.

Is there any bank that allows farongs to open an account over the internet or phone that allows international transfers? Or will i need to wait until I visit?

Anyone know what's going on with wise.

I transfer money using wise into my Bangkok bank I mark it as long term for retirement but when I check my Bangkok bank account it shows up as DEP TRF FR E-CH not international transfer. Has something changed with Wise because before it would show up correctly. Also will immigration except it when going for visa renewal

Thanks

Change of address at Bangkok Bank. Simple?

You havin' a larf?

At least 20 pieces of paper to sign, some of them copies of already signed copies. Time ticking... finally finished. One day Bangkok bank may fast forward several decades and wake up in a digital era where documents can be scanned. Like they do at Krung Thai, for example.

Smile, say thank you and run, as fast as I can. 🤣😂😅

Like many people my Bangkok Bank was frozen and after 2 weeks it was working again.

I decided it would be prudent to open another account so I went to Kasikorn and opened an account very easily.

I thought I’ll just open 1 more for luck, so went to SCB, the lovely gentleman started the application and then advised I already had a bank account open with them! 23 years ago one hungover morning I opened a bank account whilst in Pattaya with my friend and his Thai girlfriend, deposited some money and carried on with my holiday. Got back to the UK, lost the book and didn’t come back to Thailand for another 13 years. I couldn’t remember the bank name so wrote it off as a loss.

Today he re activated my account and I had 27,000 in it 😂😂

FYI on banks.

[members only]

Surprised today going to Bangkok Bank asking to open a bank account based on a 90 day O visa and holding the document provided from the immigration office.

There answer was that they don’t open anymore account to foreigners even though I explained that I am not on a tourist visa but a O non immigrant one .

My second attempt was going to Krungsri and all looks well. They copied all my documents and they will call me in two days.

In the process of moving to Thailand - retirement - is it required to have a Thai bank account it can I keep my $$$ offshore?