@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.

@Matthew ********

It really comes down to xenephobia and the inability to have any kind of rational thoughs.

@Derek *********

Again, this is complete non-sense. Bangkok bank had very clear rules about opening an account for tourists until recently. I opened an account with a visa-exempt several years ago by following their rules. No drama. Most branches are not very familiar with dealing with opening accounts for foreigners. So, it is best to deal with the main branch. Also, bank managers can approve opening an account if they choose. This was also clearly stated in their published rules.

@Derek *********

Complete non-sense. Even now, there is no regulation preventing a bank from opening an account for someone on a tourist visa or visa-exempt entry. The banks at the moment are choosing to not to open accounts. Once the crackdown on "mule accounts" has passed then the bank policies may return to normal.