I have two friends from back home that are planning this and exploring it right now. They are both married to Thai's and each had children in the UK education system. They like you do not spend the full year in Thailand so the DTV makes sense from a convenience point of view. One has a company in the UK her runs - he will write a letter he works remotely doing payroll etc. He will employ the other on a similar basis.

I still do not get th concept that some espouse that you need to still cancel a visa if it is expired. I get cancelling before expiration in some cases but if a visa lapses then surely it is cancelled/invalidated? I have had to have 2 visas cancelled in the past but both had months to run.

@Andi **********

Yeah. I think it was 10 million THB transferred :-)

@Andi **********

Pal of mine here in a Visa Exempt opened a bank account here last week and did not pay a visa agent. He bought a condo in same complex as me. Real Estate Agent took him to a bank. He opened an account and transferred the money on to buy the condo. Money hit the bank on Monday. Deal signed and he moved in Tuesday. Commercial decision. No ban according to Visa type.

@Andi **********

Exactly. Many of the accounts make no commercial sense to the banks. They are a cost and not a profit centre to them. As regulations become more onerous ie CRS, it makes even more sense to pick and choose customers. Banks are not charities.

If your banks are fine eith an overseas address you can change it as soon as they allow. No need to be tax resident etc. For tax residency you need to read the Thai Revenue Department guidance. A visit to your local office is required unless accountants, lawyers do it for you.

@Andi **********

Exactly. There is not a ban. The banks just want a certain visa type and the correct paperwork. These are private and not government owned banks. Banks are just making commercial decisions.

@Steve ********

Thailand does not ban non-citizen from opening accounts. It is quite easy with the correct visa and paperwork. PS: Do you think it is a government or Bank of Thailand directive telling these private banks not to allow Tourists to open accounts.

People get a DTV from Dental Clinics so "Size does not matter" :-)