@Josh ****

in what way is it unrealistic, given you already had 500k baht, to continue to have 500k baht?

This has literally been the case since July 15, 2024, the day they introduced the visa.

The part that still isn't clear to me is what is meant by "remitted to thailand"? Are ATM withdrawals in Thailand from my US bank account considered remittances? What about expenses in Thailand paid for with my US credit card? Debit card?

@Kimberly *******

A good debit or credit card will not have foreign transaction fees. And 3% cash back on travel and dining mitigates most of the local vendors' fees. On the subject of rent, I'm actually surprised landlord's want or even let you transfer cash into their bank account. Most countries I have lived in outside of the US, the landlords insist on only cash (wonder why ... lol).

@Kimberly *******

the property rental aspect is the only one that surprises me here. Why is a Thai bank account strictly necessary here?

@Kevin *****

which 800k?

@Neil *******

I wanted a Russian bank account for fun. I didn't need one. Lol. Grow up.

@Neil *******

Are you russian? Does this apply to you? The irony is I have lived in Russia, I happen to have a Russian bank account, and speak fluent Russian. So go ahead and make your baseless assumptions. Typical for people in expat forums to be malcontents.

@Quincy ******

you have the wrong cards if those cards have fees just to use them. Including foreign transaction fees.

@Neil *******

So you have explained why a bank account is necessary. Great. Now can you explain why a THAI bank account is necessary? My US bank account is perfectly sufficient for living in any of the 8 countries I have lived in - including Thailand. US debit or Visa card works just as well in thailand as any other. It's not hard to find cards with no foreign transaction fees. Likewise, my bank charges no ATM fees AND pays the other bank's fees. I can think of zero reason I'd ever need a bank in thailand. Even if you want to hold thai currency, you can do that with revolute or wise.