# Thai Banks Tighten Regulations on Foreigners’ Accounts

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/banking/223641-thai-banks-tighten-regulations-on-foreigners-accounts
- Published: 2025-06-03T08:11:00+07:00
- Author: Olivier Languepin

Thai banks, led by Bangkok Bank, have tightened regulations on foreign nationals
opening and maintaining bank accounts, primarily to combat financial fraud and mule
accounts used in scams.

### Key Points

 * Bangkok Bank has tightened requirements for foreigners opening new accounts due
   to cybersecurity and fraud concerns. 
 * New conditions include long-term visas, marriage to Thai nationals, or property
   ownership in Thailand. 
 * Russian nationals reportedly face account freezes and card blocks if criteria
   are unmet. 
 * Customers with transaction issues should contact the bank for resolution. 

Depuis janvier 2025, la Bangkok Bank exige que les étrangers disposent de visas 
de longue durée (par exemple, visas de retraite ou visas non-immigrants pour le 
travail, les études ou la famille), soient mariés à un citoyen thaïlandais ou possèdent
une propriété en Thaïlande pour ouvrir de nouveaux comptes de dépôt, cartes de crédit
ou services de banque mobile. Les touristes, y compris ceux munis d’un visa touristique
classique, ne sont plus éligibles à l’ouverture de comptes.

ADVERTISEMENT

The crackdown also affects existing accounts. Accounts held by foreigners without
long-term visas or non-compliant with new regulations (e.g., mismatched SIM card
and account holder names) may face restrictions or closures. Bangkok Bank has reportedly
frozen accounts and blocked cards, particularly targeting Russian nationals, though
other nationalities may also be affected if they don’t meet the criteria. Customers
flagged as suspicious must verify their identity, sometimes with biometric face 
scans or in-person visits.

This move aligns with the Bank of Thailand’s push for stricter due diligence to 
prevent fraud, following incidents like the arrest of four bank employees in Pattaya
for aiding scam-related accounts. Other banks may adopt similar measures, and foreigners
are advised to contact their banks to confirm account status. The restrictions have
caused concern among expats and tourists, particularly in areas like Phuket and 
Pattaya, with reports of financial disruptions.

### Related**Posts**

###  󠀁[USD to THB Exchange Rate Today: Thai Baht Moves with Global Market Trends](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/banking/331689-usd-to-thb-exchange-rate-today-thai-baht-moves-with-global-market-trends)󠁿

###  󠀁[Bank of Thailand Unveils Framework to Shield Financial Sector from Illicit Activities](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/banking/328409-bank-of-thailand-unveils-framework-to-shield-financial-sector-from-illicit-activities)󠁿

###  󠀁[Tokenised Deposits vs Stablecoins: Why Thailand’s Cautious Path Differs from Hong Kong and Singapore](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/banking/321239-tokenised-deposits-vs-stablecoins-why-thailands-cautious-path-differs-from-hong-kong-and-singapore)󠁿

###  󠀁[Thailand’s economy in July saw growth, boosted by the momentum of the global technology and AI cycle](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/banking/326128-the-thai-economy-in-july-expanded-from-the-previous-month)󠁿