@Kevin *********

Philippines probably has a rule about this, whereas Thailand does not.

If you're studying at a university in a degree seeking program, then you should be able to open a bank account.

If you're doing informal education like Thai language school or Muay Thai, you will struggle to find a bank that will allow you to open an account.

@เต๋อ ****

the immigration officers in Thailand know the law. You won't have any problem if you make it that far. But actually getting there is the problem.

@Mike *********

you can be "pretty sure" all you want, but I know what the rule is. If you don't believe me, then maybe you'll believe someone who is far more of an expert than me

@Steve ********

Customs has nothing to do with it. It's the airline staff that will be a problem. Customs only cares about what is inside your bags.

Visa number is not required. Leave it blank.

Departure information is not required. Leave it blank.

The problem is NOT Thailand.

Thailand has no rule that states your passport must be valid for 6 months to travel here. The rule for Thailand is that your passport must have enough validity for the stamp you'll receive. As a tourist that means your passport must have 60 days.

There is also a Thai embassy rule that says your passport must have 6 months to apply for a visa, but this is not relevant to you as you will not be applying for a visa.

BUT here is the big disclaimer. Airline staff are trained to check passports for 6 months of validity. Many, many countries, do have a rule that says your passport must have 6 months to enter. Therefore this is the default the airline will check for. There is a 95% chance the airline would not let you fly even though Thailand has no rule.

If you can fly Thai Airways they should let you fly. Pretty much any other airline will deny you.

You also need to consider what happens after you finish your trip to Thailand. You're almost required to return to home country because your passport will have even less validity and many countries will not let you enter.

@Donald *********

At your immigration office or at the airport on your way out.

@Jeremy ********

You should be set then. Immigration was my biggest concern from your post but if you have another bank account with passbook, you're good to go.

I THINK there are Facebook groups around this type of thing, but I'm not sure. I definitely know there are agencies that deal in this type of thing, and you'll basically be hiring the staff through the agency who will be collecting your money and then paying the staff. Probably better to hire direct if you can to cut out the middleman.

Of course the price is going to vary widely based on location.