@Tim ********

rubbish. Majority are economic migrants. Same as Mexico border. I'd do same in their shoes but let's be honest about what it is. Genuine refugees would not need to destroy travel documents. The ubiquitous smartphone and feedback on generous assistance (free accommodation foods allowance etc) is the big pull factor.

@Kees *********

yes that's me! Lol but I don't sponge off the thais like huge numbers of new arrivals do in western countries

@Graham *****

without a one year visa Banks refuse request to open account. Rather strangely it's possible to open account using an agent. Seems the RULES don't apply provided the agent receives approx 5000 baht. Banks obviously complicit. My point is that for many people wishing to transfer money into Thailand and avoid the extortionate ATM fees it is much more economic to use XE app and use cash pickup option from Siam Commercial Bank. That way the agent and the bank don't profit by breaking rules and we still avoid the ATM scam.

Use XE cash pickup option. Avoid greasing any wheels. 100 baht allows you to avoid three or four ATM fees at 230 baht. So it's cost effective and nobody gets greased at your expense. Value for money not free cash for those in positions of power.

@David ******

get real. Daily wages are like 300 baht. So the reward is 15 days wages or more than that. It's a payment to circumvent the rules. “we break the rules for money”. Tolerated practice cos those at the top are getting most of it.

Use XE app. Transfer cash to Siam Commercial Bank for cash pick-up. Costs 100 baht. If you do it less than 48 times it's cheaper than opening a bank account.

Just transfer cash into Siam Commercial Bank using “cash pickup” option in XE app. Costs 100 baht. Opening a bank account costs 4800 with agent bribe. So that's 48 transfers with Siam Commercial Bank before you would be better off paying the bribe to an agent！

@Wayne *****

bribery and corruption works! Sawadee ka

@Andreas ********

good for you. Thousands avail of services provided by authorized and approved thai visa agents and don't place 775k baht at risk as you seem to prefer. At least accept it's a matter of personal choice and don't be so sanctimonious.

@Andreas ********

not everyone has a thai Will. I know stories of British next of kin being refused the money when no will existed. So clearly a 25k retirement visa with 775k in a UK account is much lower risk away from CORRUPT decision making.