According to latest news from Bangkok Bank it will no longer be possible for foreigners without a long-term visa to open a bank account with the bank. The reasons for this is an increasing amount of certain major nationalities having a mule account not meting criteria for holding credit cards and bank account, for which the consequence will be to freeze the account or/and block the credit card.
In effect, tourist and DTV visa holders which allow people to stay less than 180 days will not be able to open an account.
According to bank officials, to open new deposit accounts, the bank now requires applicants to hold long-term visas, be married to Thai nationals or own property in Thailand, among other criteria. An account with Bangkok Bank can be opened by foreigners present in the country under retirement or non-immigration visas. The latter are issued to foreign nationals who come to the kingdom to work, study or due to family reasons.
Other bank companies may follow suit foreigners are encouraged to contact their banks to learn more. It is strongly advised not to use agents to open bank Accounts – go by yourself.
Source: Bangkok Post and Bangkok Bank.