I read a lot of posts about people looking for to open to a bank account with the DTV visa and here's my experience.
YOU CANNOT OPEN AN ACCOUNT WITH THE DTV VISA except for particular cases (you are married to a thai, you have a thai son/daughter, etc). I know it sucks but I've been using for a few months TrueMoney and I can guarantee is a great 2nd choice. I've obtained the full access to the app (it required me to send a picture of my dtv visa + a picture of the entry stamp on my passport) and this is what I can do with the app:
1) I can scan pay EVERYWHERE, including the small auntie at the local market
2) I can link the payment to most of the app (grab,bolt,lazada, shoppee etc)
3) I can create a virtual debit card to buy stuff online
4) I can link that card to google/samsung pay and pay with the NFC.
5) I can top up at the true store up to 50k baht, I believe that out of every tesco lotus there's an automatic machine to do that
6) I can obviously pay at everystore which is true money friendly (7/11)
With that said, having a bank account is great but with true money I can do 99% of the things I would have done with a bank.
PS: I got cash with me so I just exchange the cash at the local superrich and then transfer it on my account. On the app there's the possibility to link it to a credit/debit card, not sure if that works just with local ones or it'll accept a foreign card as well
TLDR : Answer Summary
This discussion highlights the challenges expats face in opening bank accounts in Thailand with a DTV visa, noting that it may only be possible under specific circumstances (e.g., being married to a Thai national). Alternatives like the TrueMoney app are suggested, which allow various forms of payments and financial transactions without the need for a conventional bank account. Users share their experiences regarding access to the app and its limitations, as well as insights on the general banking trends for tourists and temporary visa holders.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES