@John *********

No, that only happens if your license has been expired for more than 3 years. For 1-3 years, you have to do the practical and theory tests again (have to check if it's only one or both) but you definitely won't have to start from scratch.

No, definitely not a red flag.

Anonymous participant 652 Yes, cards can be used at supermarkets (Gourmet Market, Villa Market, Tops, Foodland, Lotus's, Big C and other, smaller ones), hardware stores such as Mega Home, Thai Watsadu, Global House and Ha Yaek Group; gas (petrol) stations, 711 stores for purchases of at least 200 Baht, chain coffee shops such as Cafe Amazon, chain restaurants (nearly all of them and some are even cashless), high-end independent restaurants, hotels (3 or 4 star and above), department stores, malls, hospitals and even paying for tolls at most Bangkok area expressways.

Cash is needed for the few remaining cash only (or M-card) expressway toll booths (by 2026 all of them will either accept cards or M-Flow, which is linked to a card), taxis, Street food, local mom and pop stores, local mom and pop hole in the wall restaurants, markets and paying for contractors.

@Sean ******

It's not everyone being affected that's for sure, despite what some people are saying. However, sadly, too many people are having their accounts frozen.

@Sean ******

MANY reports. Again, it's not just Bangkok Bank, even though they're the main one. There have been reports from SCB, Kasikorn and others...

@Sean ******

I have. Plenty such reports...just that it's most common with Bangkok Bank.

@Sean ******

Not only Bangkok Bank. Mainly Bangkok Bank accounts, but others are being affected too.

Anonymous participant 686 Doubtful, but you have to be careful not to find yourself going to the bank for any reason where they might want to see your passport.

@Christer ****

There is no new tax law and certainly none specifically for foreigners. An absolute lie.

Many other banks are already freezing accounts. SCB, Kasikorn, Krungsri etc.