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]

I went to 3 banks and asked because I am thinking of switching from Retirement to DTV. Bangkok, K and TSB. Here is what I was told.

1. You can't get a new bank account on a tourist Visa, unless you have property here (and/or a Pink Card), or are married to a Thai

2. Any Bank accounts already open, will not be closed just because you change to a tourist Visa, (Your history of time is evidence you are not a new account for illegal activities)

3. No effort is being made to investigate and close any accounts that do not look suspicious (many multi millions of baht transactions, new accounts not being used etc)

Hope that helps

Caveats:

1) If you are Russian or Chinese then you will face more issues as your countrymen are the majority of the high publicly for fraud that started all this.

2) If you got a Bank account on a tourist Visa before 6 months ago .. Things have changed your experience has no relationship to today situation

Many of us are struggling of opening or maintaining a thai bank account. I found one option suitable for us in the mean time if we dont want to pay 15000 to agent to open bank account : [members only]

Foreigners can open true money wallet with the limit amounf of 50000 Baht per month and 30000 baht of transaction per day

For me this option can help with our daily transactions .

All I've been thinking about the last couple of days is how "money talks" in Thailand. I got dressed in my Sunday best today, waltzed into a UOB and said I was moving to Bangkok, needed an account b/c I was transferring approximately 10M TBH into the country. He never flinched. Asked if I had a work permit. I said "no" - never asked for my passport. Said to try Bangkok Bank and to have a nice day.

What a waste.

Has anyone managed to open a bank account in Koh Samui with a DTV visa?

Hey everyone,

With all the recent headlines about bank accounts for foreigners being shut down, I thought it might be helpful to share how I’ve set things up personally here in Thailand.

I’m currently living in Thailand on a DTV visa and have a Thai phone number (super easy to sort—just head to any big mall).

I’ve started using the TrueMoney app and honestly, the setup couldn’t have been easier. As an accountant, I’m big on tracking personal expenses, and TrueMoney’s built-in statement feature is perfect for this. It lets you clearly see money in and out—really handy for monthly reviews.

The app itself is incredibly fast and user-friendly. I’ve yet to find a place that doesn’t accept it—7-Eleven, malls, petrol stations, markets—anywhere with a QR code scanner seems to work flawlessly.

How I top up my account:

I use the TrueMoney kiosks, which are dotted around all the major cities. You can deposit up to 20,000 THB per transaction.

As a UK national with a UK bank account, here’s my process:

1. Find a major bank ATM.

2. Withdraw 20,000 THB using my Wise card (decent exchange rate + 220 THB ATM fee, which is about 1.1% of my withdrawal—not too bad).

3. Head to a TrueMoney kiosk and deposit the cash.

4. Use TrueMoney as my ‘day-to-day bank account.’

It’s technically not a bank account, but it gives me everything I need—no need to carry cash, easy digital payments, and everything’s trackable for budgeting purposes. The convenience and speed of QR payments make everyday spending a breeze.

Hope this helps a few of you out!

*I'm posting anonymously as i'm quite a private person and don't like the idea of people looking at my profile haha! But happy to help out any questions as and when needed.

Went to Bangkok Bank, Koh Chang, this afternoon. Tried withdrawal but ATM said no. Went in Bank and they said account frozen . Had to go back with 5 year DTV visa, passport and the two year lease agreement we just signed on a house. Luckily they were happy with this and un-froze account.

I have a DTV visa - before that I opened a bank account at Bangkok Bank using my previous visa - now they’re slowly closing accounts for foreigners and seem to only want wealthy clients - I’d really appreciate your advice on which bank still allows foreigners to open an account - having one here is important and very convenient for me.

Do peeps on a retirement visa need to complete a TDAC application to re-enter Thailand?🇹🇭🌺

Thai police have arrested 11 individuals, including four bank employees in Pattaya, for assisting 15 Chinese nationals in opening bank accounts with forged documents. Over 118 million baht was laundered through these accounts before the suspects left Thailand. Authorities have since frozen the accounts and linked the case to a larger scam network responsible for over 2.2 billion baht in damages.

According to our government sources, DTV visa holders may face increased difficulty opening bank accounts in the future.

Furthermore, accounts opened at the Bangkok Bank Pattaya branch are likely to come under scrutiny, and any foreigners found using accounts opened through agents connected to the arrested individuals may be subject to police interrogation.

At this time, we strongly advise individuals seeking to open a bank account in Thailand to use only trustworthy agents with no business ties to Chinese nationals.

Such agents are likely to be involved with Chinese criminals and scammers. When choosing someone to help you, make sure it’s an agent you can truly trust—not just a random person who DMs you on the internet.