@Dominique *********************

Just trying to stop people being ripped off by banks. Thanks for recognising my contribution

What time do your flights arrive/depart?

@XI ***

Exactly! Didn't cost me a cent. The insurance is an "upsell". It's a bit of a con, as Brandon has pointed out, the officer you deal with gets the commission. Every account I've ever opened comes with the invitation for insurance, which I've always declined as I have my own comprehensive insurance. The insurance the banks offer is too expensive for what it is, you can get comparable through Luma or AXA for about 1500 baht. Some banks were also offering covid insurance at the start of the outbreak, which was also an overpriced product. Banks are the same the world over unfortunately

@XI ***

Not sure what point you're making. It cost you 5900 baht, it cost me zero. I had a lease anyway.

@XI ***

They needed proof of address. I had a lease so I provided that. I've heard people paying for embassy statements confirming address. I didn't need that. I've opened five accounts over the years, never had any hassle and never cost me a cent.

@Brandon ***********

Correct. I opened my first Thai bank account on visa exempt, no insurance, no agent, total cost zero, amount of hassle zero. Bangkok Bank Silom Branch. To this day I cannot understand how people experience so much difficulty. I did have a lease and my passport of course.

315.pdf

@Spencer ******

I guess there are some that go their own way, but for most people the option would be there

@Anthony ********

Yeah it just makes more sense to me. The money is yours to do what you want with as soon as it registers in your bank account. But yes, you do need to show 12 months worth, and in the anal Thai immigration system, that's one for each calendar month. If you have two in the same month and then skip the next month, they won't accept it, even though you will still have 12 payments!

@Anthony ********

But why even bother when you can do the 40k/month process? So much easier. I need money to live on, not to look at sitting in a bank account.