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.

I hope this falls I to the everything else category.

I have been in the UK since April and have had no issues with my Bangkok Banking app for the three years I have had the account. Today I tried to open the app and was presented with the message below. I am somewhat surprised because I bought the sim card I use in 2019 and opened my bank account in 2022. I certainly did not use anyone elses name to get either. I have rung the number and spoken to someone about the issue and they say I have to go to my local branch to sort it out. As that is over 6000 miles away I explained it wasnt possible! I also explained that now I am unable to pay my rent or for utilities and other things. He told me he would look into it and would contact me within 5 days by email. I dont hold out much hope. I also need to transfer money back to UK as the cost of living here is horrendous and I cant return to Thailand until October.

Has anyone else had this situation and found a way to get around it from abroad? I am aware that it has happened to others but I thought I was safe as I had both sim and account in my name?

For someone who may want to switch from the expensive Elite Visa scheme to the DTV, and who already has a Thai bank account, are there any risks that the bank might close the account due to the visa status change? Any relevant experiences to share most appreciated.

I recently saw posts here and TikToks of people opening accounts at TTB. So, I went to the TTB branch at Big C Extra On Nut in Bangkok and opened an account. I also got myself an ATM card, and it cost me literally nothing—not even a deposit. The staff were quite helpful and assisted me throughout the entire process, including the bank application and setting up the ATM card password.

The bank has a list of required documents for DTV holders opening an account. Here is the list:

* Passport

* Visa

* A document issued by the Thai government or the applicant’s country of origin, such as an ID card or driver's license

* Lease agreement

* TM30

* Residential house registration

Additional documents:

* Job statement

* Job contract

* Proof of soft power-related activities (e.g., Muay Thai, Thai culinary training, medical treatment), such as an invitation letter, etc.

Bring all of these documents along with copies.

In my case, I provided all of them since I had them.