A Bangkok Bank Update (yes, another one)

Background:

Long timer in Thailand. Recent years mostly tourist visas staying on/off in Thailand. Own condos in BKK since 2009 and more recent two condos in Pattaya since 2016 or thereabout.

Am from a Nordic country.

Have had bank account with another major bank but though I would get another one so set up one at Bangkok Bank via an agent about two years ago on a tourist visa.

Kept low balance at the Bangkok Bank but always incoming transfers from another Thai bank in my name. No big money movements.

Went back to the BKK Bank branch in Pattaya as I wanted to update my information (now on DTV visa, digital nomad, issued in my own country).

Had a good conversation with the manager at BKK Bank and they are certainly going through each account as mine was up for review with a high probability of closure.

After updating my info, and showing chanote and purchase contract on one of my condos in Pattaya, my account is now in good standing and will not be closed.

If I did not have property in Pattaya, the manager did not say it flat out, but I could tell my account would be closed. BKK Bank does not recognize the DTV-visa as a long-stay visa since "you can "only" stay max 180 days."

The fact that the visa runs 5-years does not matter to the BKK Bank people.

I am sure much of what I have written here is already known but I wanted to share my first-hand experience and the info given to me.

My strong recommendation is to either go to the BKK Bank branch you opened the account with to update your information if you fall into any of the categories where they will let you maintain your account with the bank even on a tourist visa or move all money out of the account soonest possible.

BKK Bank are actively closing non compliant accounts and there was one guy sitting there told me he just had his account closed.

So just because your account with BKK Bank hasn't been closed as of yet, there is a very big chance it will be. At least according to the BKK Bank manager I talked to.

I hope the above is helpful information for those affected by the same.

Not necessarily a visa question but I would imagine you need it, can you get a Thai credit card or are you better off with one from your home country - Australian

Bank account question: I can see the benefit of having one account for extension of stay money and another for daily expenses. Comments as to whether it is preferable to have both accounts at the same bank or to have each at a different bank would be appreciated. TIA.

Hello everyone.

I am an American. I am planning my retirement and will marry a Thai national soon. My question is, is it possible to have my retirement income deposited into a Thai bank account? Also when I'm eligable, the same for Social security? Is it easy to open a bank account in Thailand, Hua Hin? Any advise or exerience is welcome.

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the process of selling up (UK) and moving to Thailand on either an ed visa for a year or a retirement Non O.

Would i be able to study Thai on a retirement visa?

Also on Bank/savings accounts. Most of the banks offer ex pat accounts, do i go for one of those? (which one?) or move all my funds to a online or thai account? I'm looking to stick a large lump into a compound interest account to keep me going till my pension kicks in.

Any advice welcome, especially similar personal experiences.

Many thanks in advance.

Kop khun mak krap.

Hi All ,

Looking for some sound advise , Currently live in Aust with my thai partner and young son. Both who have thai passports.

Looking at retirement in Thailand buriram soon , what is the best type of Visa to apply for and is it best to source in the Thai embassy in Australia before leaving. Also the best and safest way to transfer funds to look at building a house.

I would appreciate some strong suggestions please

I found the process an absolute doddle and had my DTV processed quickly. I'm not seeing much in the way of what people are doing regarding Thai tax laws, however. Are people just getting their 180 day stamp each time they enter and not worrying about it? Or are most people residing elsewhere for part of the year too?

Just intrigued to know how people are navigating this.

Good luck to all applying 🙌🏽

Ok. I’m here. Have my non immigrant retirement visa sorted all with all the other bureaucracy ( bank account, insurance, log in created to visa reporting, lease).

For now I’ll just keep the 800k parked and do a one year renewal.

Pointers, advice wisdom on the best way forward?

Longer term visa?

Switch to monthly bank transfers and away from the 800k

Anything else?

Can anyone recommend a good expat tax person for US citizen living in Thailand? I would do it myself but there are some complications and I would rather have an expert dealing with it.

I am moving back to the United States tomorrow. I have 60,000 baht in my bank account that I'm going to take out. I don't want to close my bank account because I don't know if I'll be coming back to Thailand plus it was a pain opening it up without having a working Visa. How much money should I leave in there so my account doesn't close.

I may be coming back in a year or two.