There are no actual laws preventing you from opening a bank account, it's really just bank employees not wanting to deal with foreigners with a language barrier. Just try a different bank, or get an agent to do it for you. Being able to use Thai ATMs and Thai banking apps to pay your bills etc with no cost is a convenience that is definitely worth the trouble, assuming you are going to be staying here for 5 years or more.

@Barry *****

220 baht plus 3% of the total amount.

Quite a lot of money to spend when compared to Wise or other transfer services that charge 1% or less.

Stop digging, your advice is terrible.

@Paul ********

i use wise to transfer to my own bank account.

@Barry *****

getting cash in your hand is expensive without a Thai bank account. Using a foreign ATM card here costs a fortune.

Anonymous participant 855 keep it to Thailand visa bruh

You need written letter from your employer stating you work remotely

Anonymous participant you only need statement for soft power.

If you don't have proof of income, just choose a soft power option.

Got residence certificate in Samui on a waiver

@Kevin *******

I did my driver's licence in Samui earlier this year and it took a lot longer than 2 hours. 4 hours of watching videos before you were allowed to take the written test, then come back the next day for the actual driving test.