You can buy unlocked phones on Amazon and use a AIS Sim card keeping it only for Thai phone number and operates off Wi-Fi without any service provider and you are fine

@Donna ****

The New York Branch is not a regular bank - just a commerical transfer center - you are not going to do personal banking or set up an account there - you will have to set up an account in person in Thailand - all info needed, SS card - ID, Passbook, etc - they keep the USA regulations per the Obama administration back in the day.

@Joseph ******

 I contacted them two months ago, via email and they responded about my question to make the transfer to Thailand and their fees are a lot cheaper than regular bank transfer

From the US transfer through New York office of Bangkok Bank - transfers directly to your account and low transfer rates.

I see a lot of these questions. Same question and I see so many different answers. The multitude of them are incorrect and wrong but different people have different experiences. You’re from the United States so ever since Obama change the rules it is harder and more complicated and many banks don’t want to easily open an account for you and they just say they don’t do it but you can. I did not use an agent. You need your passport plus USA ID plus actual Social Security card (not a copy) you need the information that the United States government is going to require for that bank to give them you have to open an account.

 You will not be able to use online access unless you actually have a Thai telephone number so I got a Thai Sims card with a Thai telephone number so even when I’m in the United States I have access to my account

@Eric ******

Larry is correct, the dollar is strong watch this video also is pretty interesting.

@Larry ******

your right.

It did not start yet you have another month

@Loren ********

I agree MoneyGram is easy to use very inexpensive fees and has a good history to follow

@Ashma ******

They are thinking you have a sponsor in Thailand, you’re just going on a tourist visa that does not pertain to you