Thank you all for your time and effort. The Catch-22 is that in order to obtain a Thai drivers license, I’m going to need a residence certificate. In order to get a residence certificate, I need to file a TM 47. And even though I’ve already filed one TM 47, I understand, extending out of country will reset the 90 day clock. My IDP expires in seven months, which gives me enough time, but procedurally forces me to cut it close regardless of how well ahead I plan.

@Ettie ********

Thanks, Ettie. That’s encouraging. Were you able to prove your bank funds using a non-Thai bank account? As I understand it I have close to a zero chance of opening a bank account here on DTV.

@Tony *********

You make sound so easy. US banks don’t allow a new institution, such as a foreign bank, to receive money via SWIFT without the proper documentation and paperwork to address AML laws.

You’re gonna have plenty of time in line depending on when you arrive. Just make sure you have data and plan for 30 mins.

Congratulations. The Thai freak when they see these. Have fun!

@Stan *********

literally exactly what he asked for 😆

For nomads my advice is to secure yourself a Charles Schwab investor checking account, or similar, and use it to prove you pay yourself a monthly salary.

@Ryan ******

that’s why they call it advice. Not all of it is equal.

Not strictly relevant, but I was able to do it in Bali within three weeks on a tourist visa—not to mention live there 5 years.

@Poul *********

Just keep a link to this post handy so you can prove you were only testing it out. It’s a brand new system and there WILL be glitches.