A close-up of credit cards. Photo by Pexels
Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest bank by assets, has stopped letting some foreign customers without long-term residency open accounts as part of a fraud crackdown, a policy shift that may affect visitors and some expats.
The tightened policy also restricts access to credit card services and mobile banking for those who fail to meet the bank’s updated eligibility standards.
“Customers flagged as suspicious under regulatory guidelines are required to undergo identity verification,” the bank said in a statement quoted by the Bangkok Post.
The policy change appears to have already taken a toll. Several foreigners have reported on social media that their accounts were frozen or bank cards blocked, with additional reports surfacing via the Bangkok Community Help Foundation.
According to Russian state news agency TASS, a Bangkok Bank spokesperson said that tourists are no longer eligible, while exceptions are made for foreigners with Thai spouses, property ownership or long-term visa status.
“An account with Bangkok Bank can be opened by foreigners present in the country under retirement or non-immigrant visas,” the spokesperson clarified.
Customers facing account issues or seeking further clarification are advised to contact Bangkok Bank through its official support channels.
