@Gerg *********

I believe it's for all foreigners

@Ricky ******

in Bangkok as well. Was at the bank 5 days ago discussing it with the manager.

But none of this is stopping shady agents. They still have a way of lending you the money. No idea which bank that are using now

@Brandon ***********

that's not what the manager told me. She told me a total of 4 months from when you deposited is, but you could get the letter the day you put the money in. If the money was in the account for 3 months they would issue the letter and freeze it for an additional month.

@Max ************

you get the letter and one way or another the money is in the bank for 4 months. It's what I've said since the beginning. You can get the letter the day you deposit the money and they will freeze it for 4 months.

@Jim **********

not impossible, but certainly not difficult. You can go to the bank in-person and have them do the transfer. But it's certainly a pain in the ass

@Max ************

you can do it either way. One way or another the money has to be in the bank for 4 months.

I never said it wasn't 2 months at immigration. I said there is a difference between what immigration wants and what the banks will do. The banks wish to hold the money 3-4 months; otherwise they won't issue the letter. Since you actually need the letter, it doesn't take matter what immigration requires. I was at my bank 4 days ago and this is exactly what they told me. I even asked the manager to clarify in English. At the end, it's all in the noise....

@Max ************

no but the banks have had problems due to fake and illegal accounts. The banks seem to be concerned about problems with the banking regulators and are being very cautious, some more than others.

For example, one bank wants to hold the money for 4 months ( before or after ) the money is deposited before they will issue the letter to immigration. Some banks require 3 months.

So it's not that immigration is making the banks do it, it is other factors that are causing the banks to exceed immigration requirements.

@Max ************

there is a difference between what immigration requires and what the banks will do.

I don't believe you can currently convert a tourist visa. You need a non O 90 day single entry visa. Apply online at home country. Then you "should" be able to get everything done when in thailand. It had definitely become more complicated than when I did it.

It sucks but. Get an agent and get it done with minimal aggravation

Absolutely based on what you have posted, non O