Bangkok Bank Account Frozen in Thailand (2025): A Complete Guide

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By Portail Asie Editorial Team

7 thoughts on “Bangkok Bank Account Frozen in Thailand (2025): A Complete Guide”

  1. Oliver,
    This is a very useful post and l am particularly interested because l am one of many with a frozen account and stranded in Hua Hin.
    You mention that having a property in Thailand can be used to unfreeze the account. Is this in addition to the visa requirements or instead of?

    Reply
    • Hello Channi,
      Thanks for your message. Property can help as a supporting document to unfreeze an account, but it does not replace visa and KYC requirements—it’s usually in addition to them. Best to check with the branch on the exact documents they need in your case.

      Reply
  2. Hi Oliver,

    I think my bank account got frozen as well. I opened it while living in Chiang Mai a year or so ago. However, for the last year I have been back to Russia and have no current plans to go back to Thailand. Do you think it is possible to unfreeze the account remotely by any means?
    Is there some kind of option to forward documents through an agent or else?

    Reply
    • Hi,

      Unfortunately, the answer is quite direct: it’s almost impossible to unfreeze a Thai bank account remotely.

      Banks in Thailand almost always require an in-person visit to the branch, often the one where you opened the account, with your passport. This is a security procedure to verify your identity (KYC) that not even a lawyer or an agent can do for you.​

      Your only remote option is to try calling your bank’s customer service to see if they have an exceptional procedure, but the chances are extremely low. The most realistic solution is to plan a trip to Thailand to sort it out personally.

      I’m sorry I don’t have better news. Good luck.

      Oliver

      Reply
      • Hi,

        Thanks a lot for your reply.

        Do you think it is possible to at least transfer funds to a friends account and then close my account? Or that is not an option too?

        Reply
        • Hi,

          Thanks for following up. Unfortunately, that is also not an option.

          When a bank account is “frozen,” all outgoing transactions are blocked. You cannot make transfers, withdrawals, or any other payments until the freeze is lifted. The purpose of the freeze is to prevent any movement of funds.

          Attempting to transfer money to a friend’s account is impossible for two main reasons:

          The block is technical: The bank’s system will not allow you to initiate the transfer.

          Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules: Transferring funds from a frozen account to a third party is a major red flag for banks. They will not authorize it.

          The only way to retrieve your funds without unfreezing the account in person is to request a formal account closure. In that case, the bank will only transfer the balance to another account that is provably in your name, usually via an international SWIFT transfer, which will have fees. They will not transfer it to a friend’s account.

          I’m sorry the options are so limited.

          Best regards,
          Oliver

          Reply
          • So, basically they do not care if a person is unable to make a visit in person due to various reasons, like living in another country? It’s insane.

            How long can the account stay frozen? Is there a case in which a bank can just arrogate funds without any notice? I wasn’t even officially informed about the closure.

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