No. What's your plan if they call you for an interview or request proof of location again, a common thing from embassies in SE Asia to prevent exactly this.

First of all, if you're currently on an Education extension, you need to cancel that at the immigration office that issued it. If you don't cancel it, there's a chance they won't even let you leave at that border because you're legally required to cancel it, per the documents you signed when you obtained it.

Second of all, if you're entering Thailand visa exempt, without a visa, you'll need to stay 1-2 nights in Laos. It depends on how they feel at the border that day. But the days of leaving and returning immediately are over at Nong Khai and many other Laos borders. The only way to do that is with an agent.

What is your passport country? Some countries have agreements with Thailand for all visas to be free.

@Ross ******

you don't need a Thai bank account to apply in your own country. How would that make any sense?

@Adam ******

ACH transfer from my primary bank. Pretty much every ATM is owned by a bank, at least every one that I've ever used overseas. I've always had my ATM fees refunded in Korea, Japan, Thailand.

@Max ************

because it doesn't have to show the birthdate. And it shouldn't show the birthdate. Then anyone who got your bank statement could steal your identity.

@Max ************

the embassy doesn't need it to show your birthdate. That's nonsensical. No bank in the world has that. That would be an immense security breach since that's part of the security of your account.

@Leigh *******

but Schwab refunds the ATM fee worldwide

Your Thai embassy.

Not unless you're planning to travel to the border region with Cambodia.