Thread: Bangkok Bank Tightens Account Rules For Foreigners Amid Rising Scam Concerns

Bangkok Bank has implemented stricter requirements for foreign customers opening new deposit accounts in Thailand, significantly impacting tourists and expatriates without long-term visas. The move comes as part of Thailand’s broader efforts to enhance cybersecurity and combat financial fraud, particularly the misuse of “mule accounts” in scams.

Under the new policy, foreign nationals seeking to open accounts, apply for credit cards, or access mobile banking services must meet stricter eligibility criteria, including holding long-term visas (such as retirement or non-immigrant visas), being married to a Thai national, or owning property in Thailand. The bank emphasized that customers flagged as suspicious must undergo mandatory identity verification.


Reports have emerged of account freezes, particularly affecting Russian nationals who do not meet the updated requirements. The Bangkok Community Help Foundation warned on Facebook that similar measures could extend to other nationalities, urging affected customers to contact the bank promptly. Some Russian account holders have taken to social media to report difficulties accessing their funds.

A Bangkok Bank spokesperson confirmed to Russian news agency TASS that the bank ceased opening accounts for foreign tourists—including holders of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—since January, classifying them as ineligible under the revised rules. While some accounts have been temporarily blocked, the bank clarified that customers may need to visit branches for additional verification, such as biometric scans, to restore access.


The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has reinforced the need for stringent customer due diligence, requiring banks to verify identities against Anti-Money Laundering Office databases and assess fraud risks. The directive follows a recent case in Pattaya where bank employees allegedly helped a scam syndicate open fraudulent accounts.

Assistant Governor Daranee Saeju announced upcoming digital fraud guidelines, mandating risk-based customer profiling and measures like transaction limits for high-risk accounts. The BOT warned that non-compliant banks must rectify procedures immediately.

The crackdown has sparked concerns among Thailand’s expatriate and traveler communities, with many scrambling to confirm their account status. Bangkok Bank advises affected customers to reach out through official channels for assistance.

Bangkok Bank Tightens Account Rules for Foreigners Amid Rising Scam Concerns '-' Thailand News

Bangkok Bank Appears to Tighten Account Policies for Some Foreign Nationals Amid Financial Fraud Concerns

Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest commercial bank and a leading financial institution in Southeast Asia, has implemented stricter regulations for some foreign nationals seeking to open or maintain bank accounts, effective from January 2025. The policy shift, aimed at combating financial fraud, has impacted tourists and expatriates without long-term visas, with some people allegedly reporting account freezes and restricted access to banking services.


As of January 2025, Bangkok Bank has officially ceased allowing foreign tourists, regardless of nationality, to open new bank accounts under tourist visas. This includes holders of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which permits stays of up to 180 days but is categorized as a tourist visa. Only foreigners with long-term, non-immigrant visas—such as those issued for work, study, or family reasons—or retirement visas are eligible to open accounts. These measures also extend to applications for credit cards and mobile banking services, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen financial oversight.


A Bangkok Bank spokesperson clarified that the restrictions are part of enhanced internal regulatory standards to mitigate risks associated with money laundering, terrorism financing, and fraud. The bank has added that these changes align with Thailand’s broader efforts to curb financial crimes, particularly following the discovery of illegal activities involving foreign accounts used in foreign scam call centers.


The policy has also affected existing accounts held by foreigners without long-term visas. Starting around May 25, 2025, Bangkok Bank reportedly began freezing accounts and blocking bank cards, particularly targeting Russian nationals who do not meet the new eligibility criteria, according to reports online from social media users. According to the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, affected customers have been advised to contact the bank to verify their account status. In some cases, clients are required to visit a bank branch in person to resolve issues, which may involve providing biometric data, such as facial scans, to comply with updated security protocols along with providing proof of a valid visa status.

A spokesperson for Bangkok Bank noted that a blocked account does not necessarily mean it will be closed. Instead, clients may be asked to visit a branch to address compliance issues, though specific details on the resolution process remain limited.


Bangkok Bank is NOT shutting down all foreign accounts despite some incorrect rumors online and anyone who has the appropriate long term visa would face no issues, said bank representatives.


The tightened regulations follow recent incidents highlighting financial fraud in Thailand. On May 21st, 2025, Thai authorities arrested four employees of an unnamed bank in Pattaya for allegedly facilitating the opening of accounts for foreigners on tourist visas, which were allegedly used to launder funds for Chinese crime syndicates.


Additionally, Thailand has introduced new SIM ID rules and other security measures to combat financial crimes, which have contributed to the banking sector’s heightened scrutiny of foreign accounts.


The policy changes have created challenges for tourists and short-term visitors who previously relied on Bangkok Bank for local financial services. The bank, once known for its accessibility to foreigners, including those on short-term stays, has shifted to a more restrictive approach. Foreign customers of other Thai banks, such as Kasikorn Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, and Krungthai Bank, have also been advised to verify their account status, as similar measures may be adopted industry-wide.

For expatriates with long-term visas, such as non-immigrant “O” retirement permits requiring a minimum deposit of 800,000 THB, or proper student visas, opening accounts remains possible but may involve additional documentation and verification. Legitimate work visas and work permit holders are also not affected by any new restrictions.


Bangkok Bank has not issued a comprehensive public statement detailing the full scope of the crackdown, but representatives have confirmed the policy applies uniformly to all tourists, regardless of nationality, and will assess accounts based on potential risk through a process that has not been made public. The bank encourages affected customers to contact branches directly to address account issues. If the customer has not received a SMS or alert from the bank, however, they are at this time unaffected and would only need to visit a branch in person if they experience an issue with their services or receive a message to their phone number on file.


Bangkok Bank’s crackdown on foreign accounts reflects a strategic response to rising financial fraud and regulatory pressures in Thailand. By limiting account access for tourists and short-term visitors, the bank aims to safeguard its operations and comply with national anti-fraud initiatives.


This is a developing story and as details are clarified or explained further may be updated, notes The Pattaya News.

Bangkok Bank Appears to Tighten Account Policies for Some Foreign Nationals Amid Financial Fraud Concerns - The Pattaya News