@Gr**

I don’t know how they would know.

If I go to an ATM and take out money from an overseas account is that income remitted?

If people owe me money and make regular bank transfers to my account, is that income?

I understand there’s CRS. But I’m hesitant to believe what they will know or be able to do.

The only thing they’re getting from me now is a portion of the interest my Thai bank pays every 6 months. They can keep it.

@M*

just the stamp for current stay. 180 days runs out in January.

@Ad**

, I can sympathize with that. Another way of looking at it: it’s for far fewer nights and you only have to go there once.

Additionally, think of all the money you saved by not trying to stay here on Muay Thai, ED, pay to volunteer visas. That would run you 35,000฿/year at a minimum.

D) Taiwan. Fastest turnaround time. Flight prices are similar. No appointment necessary.

@Ke***

, I’d much rather have a short holiday than spend another day at immigration. What a waste of time and paper.

@Ka**

, in Thailand, you take your old passport with the visa and your new passport to any immigration office and they officially move it into your new passport.

It’s not difficult. I’ve done it before.

As far as losing a passport, that would be very inconvenient, but you gotta treat it like gold and it’s wise to have photos of your details and visa on your phone as well as have it uploaded to the cloud.

@Den***

there’s some English but it’s still a bank account. You’re not signing over your first born child or giving a kidney.

You’ll be alright. If sceptical, probably best to pass. It’s a minor convenience to have but not necessary to live here.

@Dee***

, I agree. 90% of the time, people don’t need a Thai bank account.

@M**

, I might have lowballed the bottom end of the range and can’t provide details to support it.

I do know someone who opened a bank account in June this year on a tourist visa using an agent in Chiang Mai.

He paid 2,000฿ but it wasn’t the only service. He used their services to accomplish multiple tasks and paid close to 11,000฿ for everything he needed.

Agent will depend on the city you’re in. Fee 1000-5000฿ varies by city and agency. At least it’s a one time fee and then the account is yours for life.

Sometimes you have to keep trying. It’s frustrating. It’s time consuming. Bangkok Bank (dark blue) and Kasikorn (green) are the two best banks for foreigners without a work permit.

You sometimes have to visit multiple branches of the same bank until you find a manager that agrees to attempt to try it. Calls will be made to Bangkok. There will two fingers thick of paperwork to sign. It takes about 1-2 hours to open the account.

Good luck.