@Matthew ********

just walked away from a great deal on a lovely condo. 2 Chinese women owned it and wanted to play games.

Also, always use an agent, they are usually able to solve these problems

@Fortune ***********

while that might be true for now, it might not in the future. All the banks are operating under the same banking rules. While BBL has been first to act ( because of alleged bad post deals ) the others are tightening up as well. There seems to be a push to have the banks actually follow the rules. The rules state your bed a valid long term visa to maintain a bank account in Thailand as a foreigner.

You might get away with it for a while. Might not. With the right documents opening a bank account is a simple thing. Why not just do it when you actually need it for your retirement visa?

@Von **********

bingo. Retirement is low cost of entry and low risk.

Also, much of the benefits are of limited value to me.

O-X is another option if you qualify

@Von **********

like most of the visa and banking stuff... I didn't care. I followed the rules and haven't had problems. The Non O with extension for retirement is cheap and cheerful. Saved me a fortune, would have bought a 20 year elite otherwise

@Von **********

they absolutely needed it 3 months ago when I went to 5 different branches of 3 different banks in Bangkok. I was able to use my DL as proof of address, because you need proof of address to get the license. Also needed proof that the phone number was mine

All I can say is, what might have been is no longer the way it is. It's getting tightened up and I for one and I am really happy about it. Too many stupid cunts ( not directed at you ) have been fucking with the system for years.

@Marianne *******

how did you get the residency cert.... Either need a lease agreement or tabien baan. Neither of which a short term tourist is likely to have.

I do know, as I'm doing it now, that if you move, you didn't actually need a new RC or updated address on your DL. Just fill out a form and bring bank book and passport.

Maybe... Don't forget banks require a long term rental agreement or utility bill in your name. I know I recently opened one with Krungsri and just used my DL as proof of residency.

If a bank lets you slide now. They might not in the future

If all you want is QR scanning, ThaiTag seems to work well for my friends who visit.

@Jim *********

it's not months, it's actual days. February is a short month. 60 days from February 18 is April 19

@Greg **********

The banks, blue and yellow, will issue the letter they day you deposit they money if you sign a document allowing them to freeze the funds. The freezer will season the money. To my knowledge most babies want it seasoned for 3 months and the blue one for 4 before they will actually give you the letter. Yes I know immigration says 2 but none of the banks I use would do it.

If you go to immigration with an agent, in and out in a few hours. Just come to Thailand on a Non O. Immediately open bank account and deposit 800,000 baht. Most banks will issue the letter immediately if you agree to freeze the 800,000 for a few months. Go to immigration and be done with it. 2 days