Absolutely use an agent! It is worth the little it costs not to have go through all the aggravation! Give Mark at One Stop in Pattaya a call. Even if you decide to do it on your own, you’ll see what all your options are so you can make the best choice.

@Ryan ***

I vote 1)

I think absolutely it is worth hiring an agent, seeing how it is FREE! I’ll actually save money per year by leaving my money in my high yield account at about $100/ month based on the $800k sitting in a Thai bank account making peanuts, if anything. I’ve talked to an agent in Pattaya and he knows his stuff. I was a bit hesitant at first, but watched some You Tube interviews he did with a few Thailand channels and I was sold. You have outs if you want to fund the account in the future and do the yearly extensions on your own. He was fine with that when I brought it up telling him my reservations about being “stuck” to an agent to do it every year. I asked him about all the negatives that I’ve read on here and was satisfied with all of his answers. I don’t see a downside. Good luck with it.

I agree with the use agent suggestions. For what little they charge, and you don't have to fumble through the paperwork and shlep all over hoping to find one that will help. I found Mark at One Stop in Pattaya through You Tube interviews he has done with several channels. Search One Stop Visa on YT. He knows his stuff.

Mark at One Stop. There is a You Tube video with an interview with him. He knows his stuff. And for what little they charge, why would I even bother fumbling through the paperwork and shlepping around from bank to bank, branch to branch when they will do everything, including picking me up at my hotel and take me to the bank when time to sign. They’ll even set up an online account and get you an ATM card.

@Jim *******

again, I agree. But you could still hypothetically use the branches in Bangkok and ATMs correct? And no ATM fee if you do it through you're phone.

@Jim *******

I agree, but if you are going to be there anyway…

I wasn’t too impressed with Phuket myself, but it is cheaper to open a bank there strictly based on costs.

@Dave ********

"shouldn't" need one, correct. But if you had one, you'd have a bank account right now and wouldn't have to jump through any more hoops. It's just like immigration officers, it all depends on who you get, even if you DID do everything right. For the minimal cost, ease, and peace of mind, in my opinion, I just can't see a reason why I wouldn't use an agent. Good luck to you.

@Jim *******

I've read on here is MUCH harder to get an account here, so the agents charge $20k baht or more. You save quite a bit by going to Pattaya or Phuket.

@Craig *******

Definitely not getting into all the consulting stuff. I'll just bounce around SE Asia for the other 6 months and not worry about it. Thanks for the reply.