We took a chance.....we were successful at opening 2 bank accounts at Bangkok Bank in CNX (125 Changhuak Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand without having to go to immigration and get the residency certificate! The requested requirements were passports, US driver's license, international driver's license and our lease agreement. 2 1/2 hours later and what seemed like at least 50 signatures each and many stamps, We are in! Because one of the accounts is a JOINT account, we are not able to have immediate online banking until we get approval.(another application x 2) They will be sending the user ID by text, and mailing us the PIN number. This was all because there were two people on the account?? Expect 3-5 days before online banking. All in all, we are super happy.