When someone dies in Thailand, their bank accounts usually freeze as soon as the bank becomes aware of the death. This process is automatic and is designed to protect the estate for the rightful heirs. It often creates immediate difficulty for families overseas who need information, access or funds but find that the bank will no longer communicate without formal documentation.
This guide explains what happens to Thai bank accounts after death, why the bank is legally required to freeze funds, how probate works and how families outside Thailand can access the accounts without travelling. It also clarifies the 2025 small-balance exceptions offered by some banks, the role of joint accounts, and the realistic timelines involved.
Why Thai Bank Accounts Freeze Immediately After Death
Banks in Thailand must protect the estate under the Civil and Commercial Code. When they receive confirmation that a customer has died, they are required to freeze all accounts until a court appoints an estate administrator.
Banks may become aware of the death when:
- A family member notifies the branch
- A hospital, police officer or funeral director confirms the death
- The bank receives a Thai death certificate
- Staff verify an obituary or online notice
A freeze applies to:
- Savings and current accounts
- Fixed deposits
- Foreign currency accounts
- Online banking
- Debit and credit cards connected to accounts
- Most joint accounts
The 2025 anti-scam measures (BOT) do not affect this process. They relate to fraud suspensions, not death-related freezes.
There is no central biometric or automatic system in Thailand linking death records to bank accounts.
Why Thai Banks Cannot Release Money Without a Court Order
Under Sections 1711–1733 of the Civil and Commercial Code, only a Thai court can authorise the release of assets held by banks. The court appoints an estate administrator who then represents the estate.
This means banks cannot release funds even to:
- A spouse
- An only child
- Someone named in a will
- A joint account holder (in most cases)
- A person with urgent funeral expenses
- Anyone able to show a foreign probate order
Thai banks cannot rely on a will alone. They need the official court appointment.
Important nuance: small-balance exceptions (new in 2025)
There is no published regulation allowing banks to release funds without probate. These small-balance releases arise from internal bank policies applied at branch level from late 2024 onwards. They are discretionary, vary by bank and branch, and do not replace the legal requirement for probate.
In practice, several major banks may allow the release of small balances without probate where the total held with that bank falls below a branch-specific threshold. Common thresholds currently seen include:
- THB 50,000 (SCB, Krungthai range)
- THB 100,000–200,000 (some Bangkok Bank and KBank branches)
Requirements usually include:
- Thai death certificate
- Heir’s passport
- Proof of relationship
- Simple bank form
This varies by bank and branch. Anything above the threshold requires probate.
Who the Bank Will Deal With After a Death
Thai banks follow strict confidentiality rules and are bound by both the Civil and Commercial Code and the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Before discussing the account, the bank usually requires:
- The Thai death certificate
- The deceased’s passport
- Your passport or ID
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate or court documents)
- A power of attorney if you act through a representative
- In some cases an embassy letter verifying next of kin
Until these documents are provided, most banks will not confirm whether an account exists.
Embassy next-of-kin letters are sometimes requested yet are not universally required.
Joint Accounts and Other Special Cases
Family members are often surprised that joint accounts do not automatically pass to the surviving holder.
Joint Accounts
Most joint accounts freeze on death, even if both parties could previously sign. The bank normally waits for a probate order unless:
- The account is explicitly set up as an ‘either-to-sign’ account, and
- A survivorship clause is clearly included in the account agreement
This arrangement is uncommon in Thailand and is not assumed by default.
Online Banking
Access ends once the bank marks the customer as deceased. Using login details after death counts as unauthorised access. The bank may reverse transactions.
Direct Debits and Loans
Automatic payments stop after the freeze. Debts remain part of the estate.
Foreign Currency Accounts
These freeze in the same manner as baht accounts.
Inheritance tax
There is no inheritance tax on Thai bank balances unless the heir receives over THB 100M in total assets. Bank accounts alone almost never cross this threshold. Learn more about inheritance tax in Thailand.
Probate: The Only Legal Route for Accessing Most Frozen Bank Accounts
Probate is the legal process through which a Thai court:
- Confirms the validity of any will
- Appoints an estate administrator
- Grants the authority required to deal with banks, property and other assets
Families overseas do not need to attend court. A representative can handle everything.
Situations Where Probate is Required
- You are the spouse
- You are the only heir
- The account balance is modest
- The deceased has a foreign will
- A foreign court has already issued probate
A Thai court order is always required unless the bank applies a small-balance exception.
For more detailed information, read our comprehensive guide to inheritance and probate in Thailand.
Step-by-Step Process for Accessing a Frozen Thai Bank Account from Overseas
Step 1: Obtain the Thai Death Certificate
The certificate is issued by the district office (Amphur). Multiple certified copies should be obtained because banks, courts and embassies require originals.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Most banks and courts require:
- Death certificate
- Passports of both the deceased and the heir
- Evidence of relationship
- Any Thai or foreign will
- An embassy next-of-kin letter if requested
Step 3: Appoint a Representative with a Power of Attorney
A Thai power of attorney must be:
- Signed before a notary or Thai embassy
- Translated into Thai
- Legalised. Thailand is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, so foreign notarisation always requires embassy or legalisation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Step 4: File the Probate Application
Your representative works with a lawyer to prepare and file a court petition. This includes all supporting documents.
Step 5: Attend the Court Hearing
Your representative attends the hearing. You usually do not need to provide live testimony.
Step 6: Court Appoints the Estate Administrator
The order is collected once issued. This is the document banks require to release funds.
Step 7: Present the Order to the Bank
The bank may then:
- Close the account
- Release the balance
- Issue statements for estate purposes
Funds can be transferred to the estate or directly to the heirs.
How Long the Process Takes in Reality
Typical timelines in 2025 and 2026:
- Document gathering: 1 to 3 weeks
- Translations and legalisations: 2 to 7 days (MFA appointments often require 1 to 2 weeks)
- Lawyer preparation: 1 to 2 weeks
- Court scheduling and hearing: 8 to 12 weeks in straightforward cases
- Order issuance: 2 to 6 weeks
- Bank processing: 1 to 2 weeks
A realistic overall timeframe is 4 to 8 Months in most cases, with provinces often faster than Bangkok. The new small-balance exceptions can reduce this to days or weeks.
Costs Involved
Typical costs include:
- Court fees: THB 200 to 2,000
- Legal fees: THB 50,000 to 200,000+ depending on complexity
- Translation fees: THB 800 to 1,050 per certified page
- MFA legalisation: THB 400 to 800 per document
- Representative fees: Varies regarding the complexity of the case
There is no fee for the bank to release the funds once it receives the court order.
Costs can usually be paid from the estate after appointment.
Common Problems Overseas Families Encounter
Families overseas often face the same practical difficulties when dealing with frozen Thai bank accounts:
- Not knowing which banks the deceased used
Banks will not confirm account details until they have the required documents. - Mismatched spellings or inconsistent personal details
Differences between Thai and foreign documents are common and can slow the probate process. - Uncertainty about whether a will exists
Any Thai will must be filed with the probate petition or delays will follow. - Multiple accounts across different banks
A single probate case covers all Thai bank accounts, even when held in different provinces. - Assumptions about joint accounts
Many families expect automatic access, although most joint accounts freeze until probate is complete. - Incorrect or incomplete powers of attorney
POA documents must follow Thai legal requirements and be properly translated and legalised. - Court backlogs and administrative delays
Probate courts in 2025 often experience delays due to increased case volumes.
A representative in Thailand can resolve these issues efficiently and prevent unnecessary setbacks.
Practical Checklist for Overseas Families
You will need:
- Thai death certificate
- Deceased’s passport
- Your passport
- Proof of relationship
- Any will
- Proper Thai power of attorney
- Court appointment order
- Bank documents for release
Support Available for Overseas Families
Managing a frozen Thai bank account from overseas can feel overwhelming. You do not need to travel to Thailand. With the right support, the process can be handled on your behalf, including collecting documents, completing legal requirements, filing probate, coordinating with banks and releasing the funds.
If you would like guidance, you can book a free call with our support team who can explain the next steps clearly and advise on your specific situation.
