Over the past few days Bangkok netizens have been rejoicing amid rumors their local 7-Eleven would soon be able to handle all their banking needs.  

News websites NTBDays and Thaikrub reported on Feb 15 that 7-Eleven has been backed by the Bank of Thailand to become a Banking Agent, effectively adding to the chain store's services 24-hour money deposits, withdrawals and transfers. Convenient, right? 

Those sites' dubious track records, and their inability to adequately show their sources, should have set alarm bells ringing.

Yesterday, Matichon reported a statement by Ruechukorn Siriyothin of Bank of Thailand saying that there were no such Bangkok-Agent expansion plans.

The idea isn't far-fetched, though, as 7-Elevens in Japan already offer money transaction services. The added customer convenience would come at a time that traditional banks are scaling back on the number of branches.

Siam Commercial Bank recently reported a reduction of branches from 1,153 to 400 over the next three years, according to Khaosod. Prachachat has also reported that other major banks are reducing their branch numbers in the coming years.

The Chearavanont brothers of the Charoen Pokphand Group—the group that owns the local 7-Eleven franchise—were ranked richest in Thailand in Forbes Asia's 2017 list. They are worth US$21.5 billion.

What else is missing from the 7-Eleven on your soi?