Nick, didn't read all the comments. But you can certainly get a bank account without a work permit.

A letter from your embassy will help smooth the process.

PM if interested in more info.

True

@Ivan ***********

thank, Buddha :)

But I think it's too late now. I did it recently and I can't see any way it can be done before July 31.

@Nick ***********

I hear you! And I feel your anxiety. Here's what I would do. Wait until, say, July 15-20 ish. If no amnesty extension announced, start looking seriously at flights out. Perhaps spring for a flexible ticket and hope for a good announcement at the last minute. What I wouldn't do(!!), as mentioned above, is running any chance of an overstay.

That said, and I'm gonna pull speculation straight out of my ass, I believe they will extend. But wouldn't advise anyone to just rely on that.

Aside from it looking bad, if you ever had an overstay, you can't use certain fast track immigration services. Thai Elite will not be an option. I would avoid it like the plague.

Yeah, in my case it took more than a month. I lost some time due to annoying banks. But I don't think I could've made it in a month. I'd not recommend anyone inside the country start the process now. Would need some post July 31 clarity.

As I read it, the **200 thing only applies to 6 (special arrangements.)

Did you loose your passport? That should perhaps be the thing to focus on :) If not, why not take it with you?

Even the government don't know. Try emailing embassies in a couple of different countries. I'd bet you you'd get conflicting info. They know even less. We'll have to wait for proper announcements. But I'd agree with Matt. The amnesty will be extended. Or some sort of gentle transition.

Totally agreed, Ivan. Even the current amnesty seemed surprisingly "generous" when it was announced. They don't want any more horror scenes at airports and immigration offices. I'm certain there'll be something (at least somewhat) sensible announced soon.

Interesting idea. Can a 6 year old "buy land"? And in a fashion where the, say, grandma can't just take it.