So.. Last year, when I tried to pay for my medical insurance, I got an error message in the bank app, saying i need to visit the bank.

I went to the local Krungthai and was told that new banking regulations forbid foreigners transfering more than 50,000 per transfer...

My daily transfer limit was 1,500,000 per day, so just did 2 transfers and haven't really thought about it since...

A few days ago, i mentioned this to an accountant and she spoke to me with disbelief, as tho I'm an idiot, because nobody else has ever heard of this... Saying I just need to go in and change the limit...

I went to the local Krungthai branch and was told that thai banking regulations forbid foreigners, transfering more than 50,000 per transfer and if I need to transfer more, i need to do more than one transfer, or withdraw the cash and transfer by hand.... So if i need to transfer 800,000, I can do 16 transfers or withdraw the cash...

I went to the provincial branch and they said pretty much the same... Thai Banking regulations forbid foreigners transfering more than 50,000 in the app... ( "in the app" is a significant change.) If I need to transfer more, I can do in the bank... Slightly different story, but better than the local branch.

I went to the provincial branch of Bangkok Bank, asked to change the transfer limit and it was done, instantly, no question asked...

Has anyone else experienced this nonsense, and which banks do or don't allow transfers of more than 50,000 baht?

This might effect some DTV holders. Basically your ID and Sim must align with your Bank Account.

Update 10/04/2025 opening a bank account

Recap

Yesterday I went to Bangkok Bank with my Passport, Ninety Day Non O Visa, issued in the UK,UK driving licence, Stamped TM30 and Immigration Letter addressed to Bangkok Bank and was refused an account.

Today after returning to immigration and collecting a new letter addressed to KrungThai bank and having the same documents, I managed to open an account. I did approach the bank first to make sure that they would accept them.

Costings As Follows:

£60 for 90 day Non O issued in the UK

500 baht for immigration letter

500 baht for one years fees on bank account

40 baht on coffees

Time taken in total

Approximately 4 hours over two days

The problem is, is that what has happened to me may not happen to the next person, as you learn quite quickly that processes are very rarely followed in Thailand and the outcome can be very much dependant on who you speak to and on which day.

As I’ve said in my earlier posts, I have only wanted to give my experience and highlight the pitfalls of trying to do things by yourself in Thailand and I hope that my posts help people, rather than encourage ridicule and negativity.

Hello Everyone,

Allow me to apologize if this question was previously addressed (I could not find it). Basically, with a DTV, is it possible to open a bank account?

Thanks

Pretty hard now but the new rules are asking for even more checks on opening a bank account from next month.

Hello, Is it possible to open a bank account with a DTV?

Is there still complications regarding bank account opening in Thailand following approval of DTV Visa?

Hi everyone. I have 2 questions, 1- Did the immigration rules change this Feb 1 , 2025? 2- I had pension income verified by my Canadian embassy (over the 65k/Mon) but immigration did not accept it stating that it is not a "guarantee" from the embassy. Did anyone experience this, and can you please share?

Now I have to open bank account and deposit 800k bht into the account to get me 3 + 12 month visa. So I need to transfer 30k dollars from Canada into Thailand which is not an easy task.

Thanks guys!!!

Opening bank accounts is not going to be getting easier anytime soon. This is not aimed at DTV holders but it is about all accounts. Thailand seems to be getting serious about scammers and limiting bank accounts is just one tool.

"To further deter the creation of mule accounts, the BOT will make the account opening process more stringent. Banks will be empowered to refuse account openings if the applicant's circumstances are unclear or to impose transaction limits or even deny account access from the outset."

[members only]

Hi

I’m on a DTV visa

Which documents would I need to open a bank account if possible.

Thanks

I’m currently living in Phuket.

I have tm30

DTV

1 year tenancy

Is there anything else ?