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Why Are Some Bank Accounts Being Frozen in Thailand?

  • monmonq1
  • Jun 29
  • 2 min read
What’s Happening in 2025?
What’s Happening in 2025?

🚨 What’s Causing Bank Account Freezes in Thailand?

  1. Crackdown on “mule” accounts Thai authorities have aggressively targeted mule accounts—bank accounts used to move illicit funds for scam operations. Since early 2024, over 1.66 million accounts have been suspended as the Bank of Thailand and commercial banks use shared data to block suspicious activity

  2. Stricter KYC for foreigners Bangkok Bank and other major banks now require long-term visas (work, retirement, student), marriage to a Thai national, or property ownership to open accounts. Tourist visas—including the DTV visa—are no longer accepted, and some accounts have been frozen pending a visa check

  3. New central bank regulations From March 2025, Thailand's financial regulators mandated that banks freeze suspicious mule accounts and block new transactions. They also introduced the Central Fraud Registry to share data across banks

  4. Impact on account holders Many foreign residents—including DTV and tourist visa holders—have reported sudden freezes or transfer blocks. This also extends to crypto-related P2P transfers, with some Thai nationals affected due to scam-related flags


🧭 What You Should Do

  • If you’re a foreigner: Ensure your visa qualifies you for a Thai bank account (non-immigrant, retirement, or marriage). If your current visa doesn’t qualify, consider upgrading or closing your account proactively

  • If your account is frozen: Banks typically request in-person verification—bringing passport, visa, and biometric verification. Notify yourself via SMS or contact your branch promptly .

  • If you're involved in crypto P2P or transfers: Be aware it may trigger fraud alerts, even if you're not engaged in scams. Keep transfer amounts legitimate, document sources, and consider separating crypto transactions into a dedicated account


✅ Final Thoughts

Thailand’s recent banking actions aim to eliminate mule accounts and curb financial crime. But these protections sometimes catch legitimate account holders—especially foreigners and those with crypto-based transfers—as collateral damage.

Key steps to protect yourself:

  • Hold a long-term visa if you need banking,

  • Be prepared for optionally face-to-face verification,

  • Segregate risky activities (like P2P crypto transfers),

  • Stay informed—policies may spread across other banks soon

Need help verifying your visa eligibility or setting up a compliant bank account in Thailand? Get in touch—we assist expatriates and digital nomads through every step!


Contact us 👍

What’s app : +44 7451222110

Telegram: +66 936825227



 
 
 
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