Private banks in Thailand are currently reviewing the accuracy of information related to bank accounts opened by Myanmar citizens this July and are continually taking actions to close those accounts.
If discrepancies are found between the account holder’s name and the registered phone SIM card name, banks notify the account holders to correct the information through official letters, according to Myanmar citizens residing in Thailand.
However, students holding bank accounts under student visas who have paused their studies are reportedly experiencing suspensions or account closures without prior notice, according to a student from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
The student said, “Since I stopped studying, my bank account was closed. They only reopen it after I resume studies. The bank is very strict. If you go with a broker, it’s easier. If you don’t want closure, you have to come back after continuing school and talk to the bank to reopen it.”
Additionally, students whose accounts have been closed face difficulties retrieving their remaining funds from the banks.
Since last month, the Thai government has mandated that foreign users, including Myanmar workers in Thailand, must use mobile banking services registered with SIM cards that match their names.
Daily cash withdrawals are generally limited to 50,000 baht. For amounts exceeding this, customers must scan their Face ID at the bank to withdraw the required sum.
Similarly, Myanmar workers in Thailand are also facing bank account closures and must visit local police stations to resolve issues and complete the necessary procedures to reopen accounts, according to a Myanmar worker.
He added, “More accounts are being closed in Bangkok and Ayutthaya banks. If your account is closed, you must go to the phone operator to update your name on the SIM card with your passport. After updating, they cut some data, and with that data plus your passport and bank book, you go back to the bank to reopen your closed accounts.”
However, if the bank sends a notification letter, accounts can be reopened if corrections are made within the specified time.
Thai authorities have stated that the closure of foreign bank accounts, including those held by Myanmar nationals, is part of efforts to curb illegal activities such as online money scams and cross-border crimes.
Nearly two million suspicious bank accounts were closed in early 2025 as part of measures to combat these crimes along the Thai-Myanmar border.
