Good morning Thailand. I don't make many posts in this group but as the banking thing is a hot topic at the moment, I'm relaying my experience yesterday at Kasikorn.

To give you some background I've been retired in Thailand for eight years. Opened bank account with Kasikorn at that time on non-O visa, no problem. Thought I'd be smart a year ago and switched to DTV as it seemed a better option for me - I travel a bit, so the regular outs and ins mean I'm always getting a fresh 180 days, plus there's no financial requirements.

My debit card expired last week so I went to my bank branch yesterday to get a new card - no problem EXCEPT I've been put on notice that Kasikorn does not recognise the DTV. They told me my account will be closed in six months unless I switch back to a non-immigrant visa. The manager told me that Kasikorn will not freeze accounts, but will gradually inform customers of the new requirement and will give adequate notice for customers to reassess their situation.

I will today contact the embassy where I obtained the DTV to see if I can now cancel the DTV and apply for a non-O. It's a real pain, but I need the convenience of a Thai bank account. I would imagine a lot of DTV holders don't have the need for a Thai bank account (that pay crap interest anyway) so they will be unaffected.

Whether Kasikorn goes through with their ultimatum I imagine remains to be seen, but I won't take the chance, and they have all least been considerate enough to let me know.

Thanks all - have a great day wherever you are!

In Phra Padaeng / Bangkok

I always like to mention that, although this is a forum basically focused on visas, I also believe it relates to life in Thailand for expatriates.

Anyway, as I always say, if any administrator is disturbed that this post is focused on another topic, I would like to point out that the title of this forum is also “And More,” you know. I suppose it refers to life here as an expatriate.

So I would like to send this message to everyone. If anyone feels offended, my apologies. I can always remove or delete the comment.

- A reflection on martial arts today !

I have been thinking about how many martial arts schools today have become just businesses, focused on monthly fees, medals, and competitions.

But for me, the true meaning of martial arts is something much deeper.

I am looking for a place that teaches discipline, respect, philosophy, balance, and the education of the spirit, not only physical technique.

Children and adults should learn humility, self-control, and awareness before learning how to kick or compete.

Martial arts were originally a spiritual path, but that essence seems to be fading. I still believe in the original concept: art before sport, spirit before medals.

My son is National ( 9 years old ) but he does not like Muay Thai. So I am more interested in finding a school that teaches traditional Taekwondo (Korean style), Kung Fu, or Karate, with a genuine and traditional approach, not only competition training.

I’m looking for a school with a spiritual and philosophical approach first, where children can develop discipline, respect, awareness, and mindfulness, and then learn techniques. The focus should be on personal growth and character development, not just competition or physical training.

If anyone knows a place like that, I would love to hear about it.

Hi guys - sorry, I know topics/questions like this appear often, but I am too lazy to look it up....

I am considering moving to either Thailand or Philippines within the next few months. Totally unsure just where to start my initial endeavor. My budget will be $4K USD (VA Benefit) per month - I know I can live well in each (not so much Bangkok) in either. I don't mind posting up somewhere for a couple of weeks while traveling to explore to find long-term (1yr+) place to settle down for a while.

I am looking at Boracay/Cebu, or similar; or in Thailand, Krabi, Phuket, Bangkok, or??? I've been to all many times, lived in HK for 4 years and lots of travel to each. I like action, things to do, nice beach (not Bangkok) and great expat community.

Since being unsure, looking for advice for a relative noob - what do you wish you knew, or did know before arrival. What would you recommend for early entry into APAC looking to post up for a couple of years. I do like the fact that I can move and around freely and go place to place.

Also, what about shipping medicine from the US? Better to just get here? One last thing - how is Amazon delivery? I am used to ordering at 9PM, and getting the next day? I understand its nothing like that, but how reliable is the shipping/arrival?

Thanks much in advance for your help and guidance.

I'm coming to Thailand to live, do I have to buy a return plane ticket, or can I do a one way

Hi,Does anyone currently have a Non O application with Canberra embassy. Mi e has sat at waiting approval for nearly 18 days.Sent an email and just received a standard reply saying turnaround is 10 business days.

TIA

Okay I feel seriously overwhelmed trying to sort this all out. I have a family of 4 - myself I’m almost 50, wife is 37, kids are 15 and 18. I primarily make my income off of investing on the OTC and a very small trust check monthly as well. My trading account tends to have $100k or more liquid and $200-400k in play. We own a home in the US we plan to rent out while we aren’t there.

What is the best, simplest method to live in Thailand for 6-12 months at a time leaving to either another country or back to the US for a few weeks to a month or so annually?

My daughter being 18 would like to work there but my 15 year old will be continuing digital classes via a US school. I will continue to randomly swing trade while the wife will not work.

Best visa course of action with the process to get it done for a person who hates paperwork and really isn’t too great with crossing t’s and dotting i’s 😂

I've been approved for a DTV and already have yearly travel insurance but which has minimal cover and never been claimed on etc.

What's the best option here for spending the year in Thailand as a very healthy UK male in his 50's?

Thanks in advance.

For those of you in Thailand on a DTV visa — is Rawai a good place to base yourself as this is where I’ve seen a decent Muay Thai gym under the soft power visa, or would you recommend another area of Phuket?

While I’m out there, I’d love to connect with others into fitness/gym life and digital nomads. Would you recommend renting a motorbike or a car, and what are the typical costs? I know motorbikes are easy to rent, but I only have an international driving license (not a motorbike one), so I’m not sure how that works.

Same with accommodation — did you sort it once you arrived or book in advance? Roughly what are the monthly costs for a decent place in Phuket?

Also, how did you go about meeting like-minded people? I’d like to avoid feeling isolated, as I’m moving from the UK and hoping to meet people into fitness, good vibes, and community.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated as I’m getting flights to Phuket booked and sorting putting things into storage back home in the UK currently preparing to move. Thanks in advance!

What are some best gym for Muay Thai in Bangkok?

Is there any veterans in this group receiving VA disability while living in Thailand