SCB is fine — I actually have Bangkok Bank accounts but I took all my cash out when this started. SCB is great!

You should be fine. My SCB is working and my situation is similar. I did go in a few weeks ago to update my info when Bangkok ,Bank started this crap show. I recommend you do the same and then you’ll feel much more at ease.

Crazy how they will give you a drivers license on a DTV tourist visa, Bur a bank, which is even more necessary, is a no go.

Did you include a letter addressed to Hanoi Consulate that says you can work from Thailand, even if you’re freelancer.

And did you include Vietnam boarding pass, hotel rental proof, image of you at the hotel with timestamp.

These are almost always requested for

And make sure u send photos of ur Vietnam boarding pass, hotel details, map to hotel location, and pictures with you in the hotel. If you can add timestamps, that’s the best thing to do.

While still in Hanoi, try an agent like Issa Compass. They have a refund offer, too. Changing to Muay Thai after applying for cooking could be a red flag. I’d try another cooking school, which that agent above has promos with. Maybe u could make a trip to HCM for ur 2nd attempt, best of luck!

Perhaps it was a condition do open the account you needed for the visa. The other account is likely a fixed savings, where you need to leave it for X many months. If you have the money to spare, I would just do it. The way they’re cracking down on banks, you were lucky to get one opened now.

Barely using it is a far cry from never using it. I agree I don’t need my account on a daily basis, but when I do use it, it’s nice to have it.

The real question is why wouldn’t you want a Thai bank account to pay for food delivery, shop on Lazada, pay for Grab, send money to friends and family, use cardless atm anywhere, keep xXx,000thb on hand without carrying a bucket of cash. Imagine living in US and not having a local bank.

I had to go into the bank to transfer BBL app. SCB I could do myself. Many years ago I could move the BBL app myself with an ATM card to request the customer ID, but it wouldn’t let me this time. Annoying but painless to go the branch.

laos is the easiest, though it’s been a few years since I’ve gone. Just take the overnight bus to mukdahan, cross the friednship bridge and chill for a few days along the river while waiting for the visa. The sandwiches there are really good.

For non-o marriage, I didn’t need to any funds to show. Only to extend after 90 days did u need to have the 400k in a Thai bank.