The visa is valid for 5 years, so you can apply for it up to 5 years before you will travel. Though that would waste most of the validity.

Many embassies will not process an application if you put your travel date greater than 90 days away though.

@Robyn ************

a couple of hours, a couple of days, a couple of weeks. It doesn't matter

There is no requirement to be gone any amount of time.

Go to your cell carrier and get a receipt that shows your phone number and name. Then go to the bank and get them to unlock it.

@David ******

Umm. You do know that's how banks work around the entire world, right?

@Marek *********

The VISA is valid for 90 days from the day it is issued. You must enter Thailand within this 90 days. Once you enter, the visa will grant you a 90-day period of stay that starts from the day you enter Thailand.

@Tony ****

Corruption has nothing to do with it. The reason all of this is happening is because a new law came into effect that requires banks to be responsible for all fraud and scams. They are not willing to lose any money, so now they are doing everything in their power to limit their liability. Hence all the trouble people are having now. The big Bangkok Bank thing in Pattaya was just a coincidence.

Every province in Thailand has an immigration office.

You are talking about visa exempt, not a visa on arrival. Visa on arrival is where you apply for and pay for a 14 day visa at the airport.

No, never heard of anything like that for Bangkok entry on DTV. Chiang Mai is a different matter.