You guys actually gave it to him, so lazy can’t even look up a website. Well it will just be another tourist flooding the red-light districts.

@David ********

a ‘90 day’ is to report, nothing else & as long as you stay in Thailand, it’s for life unless mistaken with Elite.

I’ve been here 15 years and never argued nor denied but also never done exempt. As said here, it’s all up to your immigration officer.

Don’t know Pattaya as Thailand banks aren’t networked the same as western banks but if looking for an American bank, none are international. Best with foreign international banks like HSBC. If America and don’t want to be forever chained to the country via US address & US phone number for their 2-step verification, then do Bangkok Bank, they have a branch in New York & with that you can send via ACH, rather than the much expensive SWIFT.

@Samuel *******

also just as a note if a ‘traveler’, best never compare countries. Whether culture, laws or industry, all your values should be left at the border, however the country operates is ‘the right way’.

If you received a debit card, the bank automatically withdraws a monthly fee.

Thai banks are very precise, they don’t do anything against the account holder unless the account holder is in violation.

@Leonard ********

no, just saying the ‘normal’ won’t change. Same going on in adjacent countries, lao however being true to communism, run down businesses & everywhere excessively poor; Cambodia has fully adapted the US dollar so much more cost now; Vietnam also fully communist is riddled with crime & is a must to educate yourself the proper ‘Bribing’ (police, security, neighbors, new friends) way. However long stay is only per work permit.

Much more expensive (nice 1 BR apartment w/ kitchen - $2000 US) but Malaysia with a easy & long visa is best within the region if not Thailand.

If stay for long term in Thailand, travel & explore all the provinces if want ‘real’ Thailand. The south is a foreigner Disney land.

@Leonard ********

you can put 10 million baht into the economy this next year. They don’t care, they will still treat you as a second class citizen with more to spend. I got burnt so many times but pointless to argue, regardless how much you pay for services or products, “no refund”, “no exchange” & “no guarantee/ warranty”.

@Leonard ********

immigration doesn’t scare aware ‘attraction’ as poor tourists & backpackers are of no concern.

Thailand ‘falling back’ was in jeopardy nearly 15 years ago with over commercialization but still going strong thanks to a growing expat & long stay foreign worker community. Believe all good now thats why believe the “exempt policy” can be done away with.