Is having a Thai bank account essential for expats living in Thailand?

@Philip *********

QR Codes are a low tech second best solution that kinda sucks v say Apple Pay

@Andrew ******

QR code is more universally accepted in Thailand. You can use this with street vendors, markets etc who would never use Apple or Google Pay. We're not talking technology, we're talking convenience

@Jim *******

also, the issue is why would those street vendors “never use it” when they’ll use QR codes. You can literally accept tap via your phone, it’s the same level of tech but better.

@Andrew ******

You'd need to ask them why they accept QR code but not Apple Pay. I just know they don't, but not the reasons why!

@Jim *******

it’s entirely a function of Thai Banks.

@Andrew ******

Whatever it is, it works and is accepted at more outlets than cash, so it's obviously got something going for it 👍

@Jim *******

It works but it’s crap. My point is a simple one - we have farang (who should know better) waxing lyrical about the QR code system instead of pointing out that it’s a second tier crap system that Thailands neighbours don’t use :)

It’s almost like it’s advocates must be old & retired or from the US where they still use cheques (checks) :p

@Andrew ******

You obviously have little knowledge on the QR PromptPay system. There's more young Thai people using it than oldies. Not everywhere accepts True Wallet, so the youngsters use QR. They certainly don't use cash!

@Jim *******

FFS you are a bit dim. I know who uses it. The reference to foreigners was old foreigners might not realise how much better systems elsewhere are because they are old. Or stupid.

Thais have no option but to adopt QR codes because their banks don’t offer the better options - so of course they use it.

I use tap more than QR codes because I can because I have foreign cards as well as Thai cards. Watching me use Tap at say Starbucks v a Thai using QR codes is a perfect time and motion study. Mine takes a second, there’s can take a while depending on which App, which phone and any issues with their QR code reader or the merchants system.

Again, It’s a simple point, the system is second rate. Those of us used to a better system should make that point. Which I am.

@Jim *******

I understand they use it, it’s just crap. “Once you start using QR code you don’t want to stop” is what I was responding to.

I use them but never if there is an alternate option because it’s a shit system. I spend half my time in Australia where you just tap (apple/google pay) for literally everything and where bank transfers (to pay anyone) are instant. It’s vastly superior without the idiocy of faulty cameras, misread codes, different banking apps and the myriad linked loyalty programs with different QR codes. QR code payments in Thailand often increase the time over cash v proper tech which vastly reduces time.

I just wish Thai banks weren’t so low rent that they’d actually embrace modernity. 🤷🏻‍♂️

@Andrew ******

works well directly through the banking system with no fees. Anyone with a Thai bank account can easily give money to each other.

@Philip *********

Yes. It works. It’s just shit compared with alternate systems that work much better.