What is the procedure and cost for obtaining a work permit and registering a company in Thailand?

1, try other banks, ever branch "not bank name" has their own policies. 2 if that fails, find a visa agent. If you're not good with paperwork, and very careful with details, just start with the visa agent, as thais have unlimited patience telling you to go back and give them everything they've asked for. Use your drivers license as your 2nd ID.

Change banks.

Open a Kasikorn bank account instead then transfer the 0 bhat. You still might need the help if an agent to get your non o extension.

Just remember to go to immigration and get a proof of residency, you will probably need to get your landlord to help you with that, if not then you will need an agent

Avoid Bangkok Bank at all cost.

I had the same problem. I went to 5 banks, none would allow an account even though their own websites said I qualify. I got a non B visa and work permit bc I got a job, though (later) so that was my workaround.

Kasikorn bank central chiang rai as was written on COR form by immigration Chiang rai, no problems

I think you misunderstood what they were telling you. The money needs to be seasoned for two months, but the ฿800,000 is frozen for for months. I did it in February. You sign a paper saying they can lock the money for four months and then they will give you the letter. It has to stay at the ฿800K balance for 5 months anyway, so no big deal. My money is unlocked now and I have my one year extension of stay.

Kasikorn at central festival approved my opening the account after two others refused , Maya and airport.

I needed a second USA id. My Cali DL has expired 10 years ago.

I brought my USA naturalization certificate, draft card from 1970s, expired DL, tm30, 90 day certificate.

I overwhelmed them, 555.

Bangkok bank will issue the letter before the 4 months is up. But you have to sign paperwork freezing it for 4 months. They were willing to issue my letter the same day i signed paperwork to freeze the 800k for 4 months. Kasikorn would be a better choice though.

It seems like there was a miscommunication - 4 months freeze, not wait 4 months

Did a Bangkok Bank branch in Chiang Mai tell you this? I thought it was only branches around Chonburi that did this, my branch has never required this.

if I were you, i would try both. Bangkok bank can freeze your account for 4 months to release the bank letter for your extension. You can ask and try to open another bank account at the same time. You just have two months to extend your stay. So time matters here.

Avoid Bangkok Bank

Use an agent

Nothing wrong with BKK Bank, I just got a letter from immigration and opened the acc,

Don't you mean a 3 month stamp, to sort out your extension on your 1 year visa

Any particular Kasikorn branch recommendations in the Chiangmai area?

Go to any bank that’s accepts Wise transfers

As mentioned

Bangkok bank in 2026 is not recommended

Try Kasikorn, in my experience a much better choice for expats. Unlike Bangkok bank which need to get the 12 month statement from head office (I've been told) so you have to order 2 weeks before going to Immigration for the extension of stay, any branch of Kasikorn can produce a 12 month statement without notice even if your account is with a different branch. My account is with a Pattaya branch but I get the statement in Khon Kaen. Also I've seen reports of Bangkok bank freezing the account with the 800,000 Baht in it for the extension for 3 months after issuing the letter for the extension, I've never had anything like that with Kasikorn. Don't forget to get the 'residency certificate' from Immigration before going to the bank as it's normally necessary and makes things so much easier, I think it normally cost 500 Baht.

Kasikorn I opened one a few months ago

SCB OR KASIKORN VERY GOOD

The 4 months is after permit to stay is granted as above bb wants you to sign before guarantee letter all which is needed for permit to be granted is proof of funds in bank for 2 months prior to applying for permit

Go to any other bank but BB, most are going to Kasikorn they follow the immigration rules the best

Bangkok Bank is the last bank I would open an account with. Choose any other, Kasikorn is good for me so far.

Kasikorn is a great bank to deal with. Very happy with them.

Stay away from BB.

Yellow Bank has good service and gives the most money from the ATM machine.

Try several branches of different banks…they are run as separate businesses.

Bangkok Bank will issue the letter, you just have to sign something letting them freeze the funds in your account for 4 months. But they should be avoided regardless since they're the only bank making such anti-foreigner policies.

Kasikorn is probably the most popular bank for foreigners at the moment. But if you go to one branch of one particular bank and they don't want to assist you, just go to the next branch. You'll find one eventually that will open an account for you.