chiangmai
Crazy Mango Extraordinaire
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Post by chiangmai on Mar 4, 2019 16:51:10 GMT 7
Many months ago I was singing the praises of UOB, they have excellent procedures and they can do no wrong, I said. And after banking with all the banks in Thailand at one time or another, UOB was like a blast of fresh air.
Sadly that was then and this is now, a year is a long time in a Thai banking relationship. Last year they opened an LTF account for me with UOBAM and it only took seven trips to the branch to complete missed documents or making corrections to existing ones, only the threat of, "this is the last trip on this, understand?" seemed to work and the account was then opened.
Last month I asked my branch for a statement of tax and interest paid so that I could file my tax return. It took five attempts to get it right without even the most basic checks being performed, eventually they got it right but not before I'd drawn many pictures and explained the concept of a full tax year versus interest paid on accounts that were open currently.
Today I've just received an email from UOBAM, they don't have an application form for my LTF account, would I please complete one and take it to my branch.
Straw, backs and camels come to mind, as does frying pan and fire, remaining options are not even worse so perhaps under the mattress is not a bad idea after all.
Grrrr, thanks for listening.
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Post by Fletchsmile on Mar 4, 2019 17:46:46 GMT 7
I'm still on the lookout for another bank after losing StanChart, when Tisco took over. Generally Tisco sucks as do their platforms. Although they have improved. When they took over StanChart (SCBT) they also seem to have decided to invest in systems as part of a wider strategy. They now have an enquiry only e-banking which is OK for looking up balances on bank accounts, loans, unit trusts. Their mobile banking is OK and now has a decent English version, as well as actually being able to do things, transfer money etc. We don't do much in terms of traditional banking with Tisco now - having wound down most bank accounts. The transfer from SCBT to Tisco was a nightmare of paperwork signing Mrs. Smile still has the mortgage - great product inherited from SCBT. Aside from the mortgage they still retain a large share of our mutual funds/ asset management. I don't really add to it though. All in all I'd say Tisco is far worse than UOB. The biggest saving grace though with Tisco is still having the equivalent of Priority Banking. We have a dedicated RM. For all that paperwork type stuff including the errors, missing documents etc they send a messenger to our house. Makes a big difference. Just send me whatever you want and I'll sit in the comfort of my own home and sign it. Sounds like you could do with similar  |
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chiangmai
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Post by chiangmai on Mar 4, 2019 18:09:37 GMT 7
The branch has offered on several occasions to have branch staff bring documents to my home but I have declined that offer because it doesn't sit well with me for a variety of reasons, a courier yes, branch staff no.
I have concluded that any bank here is only as good as the quality of staff I have come to know over time and have proven themselves, sadly that was only ever two people and is now down to one and she was just promoted to another branch. So I'm left with new staff who don't have much experience and even less banking knowledge and a branch manager who doesn't know me from Adam. The bank of Slumberland is looking better all the time!
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Post by rgs2001uk on Mar 4, 2019 20:44:42 GMT 7
I feel your pain.
One thing I have learned about this country, its all about personal relationships, if staff move on, follow them, otherwise get to the back of the line and start all over again.
I rue the day HSBC bailed out.
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chiangmai
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Post by chiangmai on Mar 5, 2019 3:08:02 GMT 7
I feel your pain. One thing I have learned about this country, its all about personal relationships, if staff move on, follow them, otherwise get to the back of the line and start all over again. I rue the day HSBC bailed out. Exactly. |
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Post by Fletchsmile on Mar 5, 2019 13:31:35 GMT 7
I feel your pain. One thing I have learned about this country, its all about personal relationships, if staff move on, follow them, otherwise get to the back of the line and start all over again. I rue the day HSBC bailed out. My RM from SCBT went to Citibank. That puts it well up there with possible future choices. A few other things in life need to sort out first though.
TMB is our main bank now for transactional based stuff. Good platforms, internet banking, mobile banking etc. The branches are OK too. Though not as many branches as the bigger players, and ATMs a bit scarce.
I also keep Bangkok Bank. Sometimes you need a Big4 bank and some people on certain bills limit themselves to the big ones. Don't do much with them though. But do keep some money in an account with an ATM. Then if I can't find TMB, just withdraw from BBL and do a mobile banking transfer from TMB to BBL.
At least with Priority banking when your dedicated RM moves on you get another one, so not like joining the back of the queue in cattle class If you don't like the RM then just ask to change. I did that in Singapore with Stan Chart a few years back.
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Post by Fletchsmile on Mar 5, 2019 13:38:52 GMT 7
The branch has offered on several occasions to have branch staff bring documents to my home but I have declined that offer because it doesn't sit well with me for a variety of reasons, a courier yes, branch staff no. I have concluded that any bank here is only as good as the quality of staff I have come to know over time and have proven themselves, sadly that was only ever two people and is now down to one and she was just promoted to another branch. So I'm left with new staff who don't have much experience and even less banking knowledge and a branch manager who doesn't know me from Adam. The bank of Slumberland is looking better all the time! Our RM visits occasionally instead of the messenger. She's fine. Usually takes longer as she usually comes if it's something more complicated. I don't mind who comes really - better than me having to go in  A plus side with the branch staff/ your RM is it gives them a better chance to get to know you, which is a win-win. Helps with relationships, as well as them understanding your needs and quirks better
Yes a lot is down to the staff. Stick your mutual funds with a bank of choice though and they count towards your status/level. Status/level can probably override most things |
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chiangmai
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Post by chiangmai on Mar 5, 2019 18:08:06 GMT 7
I just got back from the branch, I might have tried to discuss nuclear fusion for the good it did me although this visit reaffirmed that tellers are often savvier than their CS or management counterparts.
I only hold a paltry 5 mill. in cash at the bank so I don't rate an RM, I'm considering setting up a begging corner in Airport Plaza to improve my outlook and standing, I'll report back in full in due course. It's more likely that I'll throw a tantrum and cash out my accounts and change banks, not necessarily an astute move but satisfying nevertheless.
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rubl
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The wondering type
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Post by rubl on Mar 5, 2019 18:23:09 GMT 7
You guys are just spoiled. I remember FBCB (First Bangkok City Bank = Thanakarn Mahanakorn). Around 1997 I was involved in replacement of branch equipment for more modern stuff Hardware and Software wise. The first thing I noticed arriving at H.O. on Yukon2 was that the building was literally stuffed with paper, heaps of (old looking) computer printouts, dirty, etc., etc. After the 1997 'incident' a European bank did some 'due diligence' for a possible take over (forgot the name maybe ING?). They gave up after a few months. FBCB was very cooperative, that wasn't the problem. It was just that they weren't able to provide the answers  |
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chiangmai
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Post by chiangmai on Mar 5, 2019 18:46:14 GMT 7
The problem is not a banking problem per se, it's more a Thai employee capability issue and how that relates to customers of any business here. I've encountered some dynamic individuals in various businesses who have absolutely excelled at the job they do, afterward I've gone, wow. Such people however are the exception rather than the rule. It's that mix of education, training, wherewithal and an environment that will permit personal growth and all the other factors that make an employee successful and in turn, the business a success by natural means. Ah, so it's no different than any other country I hear you say....of course not, it's just that here the good and the bad are in different proportions and more starkly evident and it's easier to tolerate poor employee performance in a hardware store than a bank that's holding your savings.
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Post by rgs2001uk on Mar 6, 2019 15:07:40 GMT 7
Excellent post above, p**sing myself laughing because it’s all so true. Ps it’s not just we farang that experience it, the other week I was sat in a large company waiting to pay a bill and there was a Thai going crazy with the pretty behind the desk, he basically told her she didn’t know what she was talking about. I remember years ago going into a local hardware store and asking the old woman behind the counter for something in Thai, she looked right thru me, the young girl repeated word for word what I had just said. She said words to the effect that farang scant speak Thai, the word farang didn’t bother me, I told her in Thai I wasn’t a farang but a luk kreung, mother Chinese and father Burmese, the young girl had her hand over her mouth to stop herself laughing and was waving her hand in the air to signal to me to stop,talking bs, she thought it was hilarious.
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Post by Fletchsmile on Mar 6, 2019 16:06:36 GMT 7
I just got back from the branch, I might have tried to discuss nuclear fusion for the good it did me  Not sure what happened to my favourite animated smiley but this one will do |
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Post by Fletchsmile on Mar 6, 2019 16:19:29 GMT 7
.. I only hold a paltry 5 mill. in cash at the bank so I don't rate an RM, I'm considering setting up a begging corner in Airport Plaza to improve my outlook and standing, I'll report back in full in due course. It's more likely that I'll throw a tantrum and cash out my accounts and change banks, not necessarily an astute move but satisfying nevertheless. Mate, UOB have 2 levels of non-cattle class banking. Ask about them next time you're in, and get whisked off to a nice lounge for a cup of coffee if nothing else. (Assuming you get the right branch )
Think rgs has one of these levels if I remember rightly
1) Wealth Banking. I thought it used to be THB 3million for this. Did a quick check, but couldn't actually find it. Very clearly states that you get an RM
2) Privilege Banking. Entry level is THB 5million since 2018. This can be a combination of cash and mutual funds. Didn't see it mention an RM. But pretty sure it would. Pretty sure this is higher than Wealth Banking too, just looking at the website design - looks like banks often do for private banking.
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chiangmai
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Post by chiangmai on Mar 6, 2019 16:50:09 GMT 7
I have Privilege accounts alright, I've got all the bits and pieces it's just that I don't have an RM......I feel left out, underprivileged even, but I did get a box of cookies at Xmas time, maybe that's the new substitute!
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rubl
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Post by rubl on Mar 6, 2019 22:54:00 GMT 7
Don't remember which floor it was in BBL H.O., maybe 20 or 24, was 20 years ago. Very nice carpet wall to wall paneling. 'executive secretary' type of staff. Luckily I was wearing a dress shirt, nice tie even if no jacket. Of course, the backpack over my right shoulder made some look at me wondering. still they smiled nicely and offered me coffee/tea while I was checking ... ... their DOS based PCs  |
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A plus side with the branch staff/ your RM is it gives them a better chance to get to know you, which is a win-win. Helps with relationships, as well as them understanding your needs and quirks better 
Not sure what happened to my favourite animated 
