Mobile Banking Users must Match SIMs

[Dodger]

According to the Nation article below, mobile bank users will now be required to verify that their bank records reflect the SIM numbers they currently have on their mobile phones or accounts will be suspended.

I imagine this would only concern those who have changed their phone SIM number(s) since opening their mobile banking account(s):

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/40045778

[Gaybutton]

Also, when personally going to a bank branch, some queue number machines require you to enter your phone number to issue your slip. If the numbers don't match, no queue number. Then you'll have to go through whatever rigmarole the bank will put you through to get your current number onto your records.

If there is any doubt, make sure you take not only your bank passbook, but also your passport and telephone. Bank branches require both the passbook and passport to do most transactions anyway.

If the queue machine won't issue the queue number, try inputting your old number (if you can remember it). If that's the number the bank has, this time the machine should work.

If you get a new passport, don't forget to bring it to the bank for them to update their records.

[Gaybutton]

I imagine this would only concern those who have changed their phone SIM number(s) since opening their mobile banking account(s)

I think I am among those who will have to get a new SIM card. Despite having the same phone number for many years, the number is not actually in my name. The reason for that is because I prefer getting a monthly bill rather than having to keep topping up my SIM card, but farang were not permitted to hold that type of account. A Thai friend opened the account for me and I have had that SIM card ever since. Maybe the rules have changed and I can get the same kind of account in my own name, but I doubt it. Of course, I will soon be checking into it.

Maybe I'll get lucky and won't have to worry about it - "If no notification is received, mobile banking services remain unaffected." - so I'll wait and see if I do get a notification, and I'm expecting that to happen.

It's no major problem if I have to get a top-up type SIM card and a new phone number, but I don't want to if I don't have to. And I don't look forward to having to inform everybody of a new phone number - pain-in-the-neck.

I imagine those of you who hold Thai bank accounts, but come to Thailand only for holidays, are going to be affected if you have needed new SIM cards since opening your account.


___________________________________________________________________________________________

Thailand Cracks Down on Mule Accounts with New Mobile Banking Rules, Thousands of Foreigners Affected

By Kittisak Phalaharn

2 February, 2025

On February 1st, 2025, Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Polpornklang announced that the government is stepping up security by “Cleaning Mobile Banking” for mobile banking to curb mule accounts used in financial crimes.

Under the new rules, the name on a mobile banking account must match the registered SIM card owner. Banks will notify users if discrepancies are found, and affected customers must verify their identity at mobile service centers by April 30th, 2025. Failure to do so will result in being locked out of your mobile banking and possibly entire account, warn banks.

A previous cleanup effort in late 2024 reviewed over 120 million phone numbers, categorizing them into three groups:

* M (Matching): 75.8 million numbers (63.02%) where names align.
* N (Non-Matching): 30.9 million numbers (25.68%) requiring updates for mostly foreign users or those with mismatched details.
* P (Pending Verification): 13.5 million numbers (11.29%) with incomplete SIM ownership records.

Users in groups N and P will receive in-app notifications from their banks between February 1st and 28th. Those failing to update their details within 90 days risk having their mobile banking services temporarily suspended.

Certain exceptions apply, including government agencies, corporate accounts, and individuals with legal constraints. The government urges users to check their status through banking apps and comply with the verification process. If no notification is received, mobile banking services remain unaffected.

https://tpnnational.com/2025/02/02/thai ... -affected/

[Jun]

It's no major problem if I have to get a top-up type SIM card and a new phone number, but I don't want to if I don't have to. And I don't look forward to having to inform everybody of a new phone number - pain-in-the-neck.

I believe Thailand has systems in place so you can keep your phone number even if you switch to a new provider. Whilst your situation isn't exactly like that, it has to be worth a conversation before giving up on your number.

I imagine those of you who hold Thai bank accounts, but come to Thailand only for holidays, are going to be affected if you have needed new SIM cards since opening your account.

I've been using the same SIM for about 5 years and it's the one registered against my bank account.
Top ups extend the validity of the SIM and True allow me to buy 180 days validity for 14 baht. So it's cheaper to keep the same SIM and far more convenient.

[Gaybutton]

I believe Thailand has systems in place so you can keep your phone number even if you switch to a new provider. Whilst your situation isn't exactly like that, it has to be worth a conversation before giving up on your number.

While I'd like to keep the same phone number, for me it is much more desirable to continue getting a monthly bill rather than having to bother with top-ups. I certainly will be checking into that if it becomes necessary. I'm hoping the rules have changed so that I can get what I want. If immigration is any example, the odds are that rules have not only changed, but probably changed multiple times.

I won't be doing anything if I don't receive a notice. I haven't received the notice yet, but it's only the beginning of the month.

I understand why Thailand wants to put a stop to illegal "mule" accounts, but once again people who have done nothing wrong find themselves at the wrong end of the tactics.

[Jun]

While I'd like to keep the same phone number, for me it is much more desirable to continue getting a monthly bill rather than having to bother with top-ups.

The top ups are easy. I can do that from the Kasikorn app and there's a recurring option.
Or pay by card from the True app.

There recurring prepaid packages too, but obviously I choose the non-recurring ones.

The article refers to mobile banking. I know one person who doesn't use online banking in any form and has a SIM in someone else's name. Presumably he would be OK?

[DragonMaster]

The reason for that is because I prefer getting a monthly bill rather than having to keep topping up my SIM card, but farang were not permitted to hold that type of account. I'm expecting that to happen.

Sorry to disagree GB, but that is obviously not correct. I have had a monthly billing account for over two years. When I upgraded my phone, I was unable to get 5G service, so went to AIS and was told pre-paid/top-up accounts were not eligible. It took about 20 minutes to change from Top-Up to monthly billing, so it is possible to do this. I’m pretty certain others have done this as well. I only have a retirement visa, no work permit. Just needed my phone and my passport. AIS did have to change my SIM card, but transferred my number, no hassles. Other providers my differ.

[Gaybutton]

Sorry to disagree GB, but that is obviously not correct. I have had a monthly billing account for over two years.

I said farang were not permitted and I wasn't permitted - then - many years ago, a lot more than two years. What's the part you disagree with?

The rest of your post is good news to me. I much prefer a monthly bill. I'm using DTAC. If I do get the notification, first I'll see what DTAC has to say. If they won't permit it, then I'll try AIS.

The article refers to mobile banking. I know one person who doesn't use online banking in any form and has a SIM in someone else's name. Presumably he would be OK?

If he doesn't use mobile banking, then he has no problem.

[Gaybutton]

N (Non-Matching): 30.9 million numbers (25.68%) requiring updates for mostly foreign users or those with mismatched details.

I fall into that category. Now that I'm re-reading this, maybe I won't need a new phone number after all, but will only need to update my number with the bank - and that's if I receive the dreaded notification. We'll see.

[Dodger]

I am the least qualified to say anything about this topic because I don't use mobile banking, so please take what I say with a grain of salt.

I went to K Bank this morning as I do on the 3rd of every month to do my banking and asked one of the agents if she could verify if my phone number was the same as the one they have on file for me - and it was.

I then told her that I had friends who use mobile banking - and several have changed their numbers since opening their mobile banking accounts - and what should they do? She said that they should stop by the bank and update their records. It didn't sound like any big deal.

Not sure if this helps or not.