Maybe this is useful for DTV holders.

I had to Pick up someone at bkk airport and went to the kasikorn Exchange booth to obtain one of those travel prepaid Debit cards that also allows QR payment. Heres what I learned:

You need foreign currency with you to Open an Account. I only had thb but they let me exchange 30 baht to 1 USD which was fine. The lady helped me to install the Application called tagthai which contains the scan to pay Feature. After talking a bit with her, she told me that QR pay only works when the Receiver is a Business. In my Experience, this means no payment at most bars and markets, as they use private Accounts to receive money. I went up one floor and bought a whopper with my balance which worked fine. The Application is a bit disappointing that you can’t top up with a credit card. Only in a kasikorn branch. So in short: the card is easy to get with no long term visa. Just passport and foreign currency is enough. The use cases are pretty Limited though. I just got one to try as i have a Thai Account since it was easy to get. I will try to add the card to shoppee which doesn’t like any of my foreign cards 🤣 Hope this was helpful and I have not tested it but I believe my condo water bill goes to a Business Account and therefore should work for this. Cheers na

Just came to my mind, about bank accounts. Bangkok bank started sending messages to customers they need to vwrify their info, early this year.

First, I went to bangkok bank, and since my phone number was same as when i opened my account long time ago with visa exempt, they told me everything ok but i needed to go truemove to identify myself.

Just now, having a conversation elsewhere, I just realized bangkok bank wasnt interested in my visa, they asked nothing about it, only told me i need to verify my number with the operator (picture, address and maybe something else i dont remember).

So be cool, they are not interested in your visa type if you already have an account with them.

Peace out 😘

Is there any QR Pay app for payments that I can easily access as foreigner?

A little Thai story. So, I hear that the Thai government has issued an edict to say that if people are scammed, then the banks will pay. One bank, my bank, promptly panics and tries to tighten up its system. Suddenly, loads of people - foreigners - who have the banking app (whatever that is) are being cut off because their phone details do not match their bank details. Now I, do not have the banking app (whatever that is), but when I was last in my bank, I asked about the problems and requested advice. Make sure your phone is registered to you was the advice. So today I go to the phone people AIS, and say "who is the phone registered to"? "Your wife", say they. OK, can I get it put into my name? "Yes, but not on this package. This is 10GB at 700+baht, and foreigner is only allowed to pay less than 500 baht, so you can only have 5GB package." "OK, says I, I'm more interested in getting my phone put into my name, so I have no problems with the bank. "Ok, says she, that can be done but you can only have 5GB, but we do have another package which gives you 10GB for 499 baht. Do you want that?" "Err, yes, whatever." So somehow, I've ended up with the phone in my name, paying 200 baht less than I was before for the same 10GB. Complete mystery to me, but I do love Thailand.

I’m very confused about some requirements, for the soft power, I read the requirement is 3 months of statements and having atleast 500k baht during that time right? I have 3 bank statements and 3 months of 500k baht in there but the beginning balance of an account is not enough, I added money in the middle of the month. I want to apply for soft power from the USA? Anyone do something similar?

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.

According to this article 35,000 DTV visas issued so far. Average of 100 per day since inception.

[members only]?

When opening a bank account in Thailand to transfer the 800k baht required for retirement visa is this in a savings or current account? 🙏

From another group about a rude guy on a motorbike. Story is here he was on one days overstay and been arrested and awaiting deportation.

Dont take the gamble on even one day.

Bank Account Update for DTV Visa Holders – May 2025

We are FITFAC Muay Thai Gym, a certified institution by the Ministry of Education and the Board of Boxing Sport. With over 250 successful DTV visa applications and more than 20 clients assisted in opening Thai bank accounts, we would like to provide an important update on the current banking situation in Thailand for DTV visa holders.

Current Situation

Thai banks are now closing accounts that were opened under tourist visas (including the DTV visa) for nationals from China, Russia, and other countries on the government watchlist. These decisions come directly from bank headquarters, and local branches do not have the authority to override them.

All local banks have temporarily suspended new account openings for tourist and DTV visa holders. To open a new account, applicants must now provide extensive documentation proving they are not part of a high-risk group. These documents must then be submitted to and approved by the bank’s headquarters before the account can be opened.

For DTV visa holders, the process has become significantly more complex. Each branch manager must prepare and submit a detailed file to verify that the applicant does not pose any financial or legal risks.

Status of FITFAC Clients

All clients who opened bank accounts through FITFAC are continuing to use their accounts without any issues. We do not accept Chinese nationals, so our clients have not been affected by the current restrictions. We work only with trusted partner banks and ensure that every case meets strict compliance standards.

Why Is My Bank Account Being Closed Even Though I’m Not Chinese?

Even if you are from a developed country, your account may still be flagged or closed if it is used in a way that violates the conditions of a tourist or DTV visa. For instance, receiving income from business activities—such as condo commissions, product sales, or freelance work—can result in your account being frozen or terminated.

Banks are actively monitoring accounts for transactions that appear inconsistent with normal personal use.

Visa-Mill Schools May Lead to Account Closures

Thai banks are blacklisting Muay Thai and cooking schools suspected of operating as “visa mills.”

Our sources confirm that banks are now cooperating with Thai authorities to crack down on these institutions. If your DTV visa is linked to one of these schools, your bank account may be closed, and immigration officers may begin screening your visa history more closely. Schools that offer low-cost visa packages without legitimate training are under particular scrutiny.

What to Do If Your Thai Bank Account Is Flagged or Frozen

If your bank account is flagged or frozen, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Bank in Person

Go directly to the branch where your account was opened. Most issues must be resolved in person.

2. Bring All Supporting Documents

Be prepared to present the following:

* Your passport and valid visa (e.g., DTV)

* Visa approval letter or other relevant immigration documents

* Proof of address in Thailand, such as a rental contract or TM30

* Training schedule or attendance records from your Muay Thai program (if applicable)

* Evidence explaining how funds enter your account, including:

* Freelance contracts, payslips, sponsor letters, or international transfer receipts

* Bank statements showing the source and matching details of incoming transactions

* Any documentation that proves the legal origin and purpose of the funds

3. Request Clarification Politely

Ask the bank officer why your account was flagged or frozen. It could be due to suspicious transactions, visa classification, or a routine compliance check.

4. Remain Calm and Cooperative

Stay respectful and transparent. If your documents are complete and your explanation is reasonable, the bank will conduct an internal review and may lift the freeze.

Good luck! if you want more info about our service at FITFAC reach out to us at visa@Fitfacmuaythai.com or visit dtvvisathailand.com

[members only]