It’s just a thing that they do, but not necessary to open an account. They tried to sell me insurance too and my account was opened in my small hometown where the banker knew my mom. (She was with me). I just told them flat out that the coverage amount isn’t worth it to me, I have no need of it and that I have all necessary insurance from out of country.

Was this a Thai requirement or France/EU? I frequently travel by myself with my children (US Passport) and this has never been an issue. I don’t even have the exact same last name as my children either. Not sure about other countries but US passports require that both parents be present or have Notarized Consent from absent parent in order to obtain a passport to begin with.

I’m having the exact same issue in Germany!

@Bruce ********

- It isn’t for everyone, the US seems to be a bleeding heart for some. This is why the US needs a total immigration reform. It’s an unfair system that essentially incentivizes and rewards the illegal immigrants that come through our Southern Borders.

“Robin Hood” is a Thai term for illegally immigrating.

Next to impossible unless she’s very rich, has a long term established business in Thailand, owns a lot of property, etc… she has the burden of proof that she has obligations in Thailand and every intention of returning. The interviewers are instructed to treat and assume that every Thai National applying for a Visa has no intentions of returning and are only going to the US to “Robin Hood”.

Right- but the program has an expiration date since it is government funded. “Duo Pricing” I assume wouldn’t be Government funded/ supplemented.

@James **********

- No I hadn’t, but I just now looked it up. So it sounds like the Duo Rate is also an attempt to place something more permanent and not government funded in order to incentivize domestic tourism among Thais.

I haven’t failed to see your perspective, and completely understand what the ramifications are. However like I said Thailand (any country really) can run their country however they see fit, even if it involves creating policies that seem stupid or counterintuitive. If people don’t like it, or disagree then don’t support it by not going. Then maybe the tune will change. If this is something Thailand wants to take a gamble on and implement then so be it. Besides I don’t see how it’s qualifies as scam when they’re now being transparent and up front about it. (Yes, I say “now” because duo pricing has always been a thing just not as an official policy.)

Are sliding scale clinics that base payment on income a scam too? Or what about official government rates at hotels in the US (FYI it’s usually higher because the charge the max allowable for reimbursement.)

Not suggesting you should “feel sorry” for anyone over income disparities. Just pointing out a potential reasoning behind the policy… But really why care so much about what locals pay? Everyone has the option to accept or reject the rate by choosing to go or not to go. 🤷🏻‍♀️

The income differences between Thai nationals and foreigners is pretty big. I think Duo pricing allows Thais to enjoy some of the luxuries within their own country. To me this is fair. It’s not about race because they are not specifically targeting one.

Most Thais cannot afford to leave the country or go overseas. Even getting a Visa to visit the US is extremely difficult to impossible. US immigration have been directed to look at every applicant as a flight risk/ non-returning/ attempting to illegally immigrate. So it’s not as if they can just go on a vacation to any destination of their choosing.

So as a well traveled American with Thai family members that will never have the opportunity to travel abroad I think this is absolutely fair.

It appears that people need to learn what the definition of racism is. It’s interesting to observe the entitlement and gatekeeping by foreigners in regards to Thai policies though… I think Thailand like every other country can do whatever TF they want when it comes to running their businesses/country. If you don’t like their policy/ rules/ laws/ lack there of… then simply don’t go. If it turns out to be a mistake for Thailand then I’m sure they’ll backpedal.

I don’t think that applies. There are a handful of Dementia Care facilities that are targeting foreigners. So there is a pathway.