Having your bank account frozen in Thailand can be stressful and confusing, especially if you don’t know why it happened. In most cases, account freezing and transaction suspension are measures used by banks or authorities to stop suspicious activity, protect victims of scams, or prevent money laundering. This FAQ is designed to give you clear, simple answers about what these measures mean, how they work, who can order them, and what risks to watch out for, such as mule accounts.
These measures are tools used by the Thai government to fight crime, money laundering, and online fraud.
Their main goals are:
• To stop criminals from hiding or moving money gained through illegal activities.
• To preserve assets as evidence or for possible confiscation (asset forfeiture) later.
In simple terms:
Comparison at a glance:
A mule account (บัญชีม้า) is when someone opens a bank account for another person to use in committing crimes—often scams or online fraud.
Even if you don’t commit the crime yourself, if your account is used for illegal money transfers, you can face serious consequences.
Penalty under Thai law (Section 9, Cybercrime Prevention Decree B.E. 2566):
Dealing with a frozen bank account in Thailand can feel overwhelming, but understanding the difference between transaction suspension and account freezing helps you know what to expect. While these measures are meant to stop fraud and protect assets, they can also affect innocent account holders. If your account has been frozen or you’re worried about mule account risks, it’s best to act quickly—contact your bank, seek legal advice, and avoid letting others use your account. Staying informed is the best way to protect your money and your peace of mind.
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