@Bob *********

yes. I tried over a dozen banks. With the non-O, I opened two accounts with no problems at all.

And, yes, it does seem like a long time. That’s why I suggested making sure they didn’t ask for anything additional (check email and the website). I applied December 27th and received mine January 4th. However, my flight was January 7th. I only arrived back in the States on December 26th. My visa was through the embassy though. The date of your flight may have put you at the back of the pile, but I’d still check that they don’t need anything.

@Bob *********

it’s much easier to get the account once they have the non-O stamp, so I assume you mean they will have the time when they enter with that.

I’m sure you’ll be fine. Just keep an eye on it to make sure they don’t need anything else. The worst that could happen (& I really don’t think it will) is you take your flight, enter on a visa exempt stamp, then leave and return on the visa when it comes through. You don’t need to go back to the States. You only need to apply there (if not in-country). A quick, cheap trip to a nearby nation will do.

@Roberto ********

I never said that the 180 day rule was new. However, the tax laws have changed regarding transfer of savings and they only relate to people who are tax residents, which would be anybody who stays over 180 days. I’m not going to fight with you about MY choices. You do you

@John *********

I don’t see how. If one lives in Thailand for 6 months or more a return is now necessary. Taxes may not need to be paid, but a return must be filed. How does one show whether or not taxes have already been paid on all income? A tax return. What does a tax return contain? One’s SS#.

Also, “any competent accountant” in my home country is ensuring a minimal amount of taxes are being paid. Deductions for X, Y and Z ensure that. Some of those taxes DO need to be paid at a later date though (lookup 1031 exchange for one example if you’re scratching your head). Again, the system is complicated and it’s not easy to just say, “You didn’t pay taxes, so now you need to pay them to Thailand.” I don’t intend to give lessons on the tax system that took me years to understand in a Facebook post, especially since the situation is not relevant to so many folks here. However, the most simple item, and relevant to most Americans, is that our SS would need to be shared. That’s a very bad idea for anyone with something to lose. Just sayin’.

@Ken *****

I have not yet decided if I “love” Thailand. I like it a lot. I’m disappointed in how it’s changed since I left. I certainly don’t “love” it enough to pay an extra 35% towards everything when so many other options are available.

@Ken *****

add Cambodia to the list.

@John *********

it’s very complicated if your taxes in your home country are complex. At the very least, you’d be paying someone in Thailand to handle the paperwork and hope they do it properly. Given the confusion and how many different things I’ve heard about it from the “experts”, I’m not comfortable with that at all. Also, for U.S. citizens, it means giving one’s SS# to yet another person. It’s far too risky.

@Linda ***************

most people get bank accounts due to visa requirements. However, they are convenient for easy payments without carrying cash. Sadly, they’re not convenient to obtain…certainly not on a tourist visa.