@Pete ******
you’re talking out of your arse. In the last 7 days I visited numerous branches of both SCB and Kasikorn.
I had with me, COR, Non O initial 90day visa, copies of passport. Utility bill, rental lease.
They insisted I needed to be married to a Thai national in order to be even considered for a bank account. My Thai Fiancé asked what the problem is. The staff from three banks told us that the previous week local banks held staff meetings where the issue from Pattaya and Chinese launder accounts was discussed. The direction to ALL staff at ALL these banks was to not open accounts to foreigners unless either on marriage visas or in possession of yellow house book.
Now I’ll caveat that with the area as I know your comeback will be try other reasons and I agree. It was In Phitsanulok and Phetchabun.
Yes it will be easier in places like Pattaya and Bangkok but the point is those banks staff all told us that it has all changed in the last 2 weeks with regards to opening bank accounts for foreigners. They think it will settle down again once the fallout becomes clear.
BUT
To accuse people of speaking rubbish is just both wrong and unhelpful. Most People have been telling of THEIR personal experiences in their areas which is exactly what this group is for. Up to date on the ground real time information, not the thoughts of people who are settled for a while who sorted themselves when things were so much easier.