@Mike ********

This is incorrect. Unless your Visa type dictates otherwise (LTR?) after 180 days you are a tax resident in Thailand. Currently, Thailand is only looking at inbound funds. That could change in the future to include income outside Thialand as well. Any tax treaties will determine if you will need to pay any tax in Thailand. Nothing outside of Thailand will magically make you not a tax resident only how much if anything you may end up paying.

@Keith ******

Tax treaties between countries are agreements for exemptions, deductions or credits for taxes paid in one country against owed in another. They don't determine if one is considered a tax resident.

@Mike ********

Your tax status in your home country has no bearing on being considered a tax resident in Thailand.

@Anna ********

You are talking non-sense. Of course a tourist can get a non-resident account. I have non-resident accounts in several countries. If I wasn't a Canadian citizen I could get one in Canada too.

@Anna ********

A tourist is a non-resident.

@Greg ********

This is incorrect. It is certainly possible to open a non-resident account in Canada.

@Todd ********

What policies other countries have is completely irrelevent. However, I have accounts in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, The Philippines and the USA. I have no status in any of these countries. I even have credit cards in Malaysia and the USA.

Up until a year ago there was no issue getting an account in Thailand even on Visa exempt. Things change. Maybe, things change again.

@Tony *********

Best option! A property developer here once told be don't pay too much attention to what you read in these forums. Just go and find out what the requirements are and give them what they want. One of the better bits of advice I have received. I have always been able to get what I need done.

@Steve *******

Yes, I read about this also, however, I wouldn't hold my breath. The insane thing is while you may not be able to buy at 7-11, Big C, Lotus etc., you can just go next door to one of the mom and pop shops and buy what you want.

@Steve *******

As you know the source of the problem is Money Laundering. One issue is that Thai people in general and senior political/management specifically are very xenophobic.

So, there are likely many more Thai people opening accounts for the use of 3rd parties than there are foreigners. However, the target will always be foreigners. The education system also supresses rational thought so the result is ridiculous over-reaction and rules. A good example is not being able to sell alcohol between certain hours as a solution to youth alcohol abuse.