@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.

@Omar *****

So, the banks are telling you what their requirements are based on your situation. However, you prefer to go back to the randoms on a public forum?

@Neil *****

Thailand will always live in the past. Deeply engrained xenophobic paranoia. As an example, I arrived in Singapore and went through the automated gates and it takes 15 seconds, no lines. With my passport details they can do all the required security checks instantly without a pointless arrival authorization. Last year I had a 5hr stopover in Changi. I entered and exited the country twice. Each time it took 15s and no lines at all.

@Rob *********

@Rob *********

Song Tien landport. The boat will make a stop for immigration and continue on to Chau Doc.