@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.

@Mel *****

Or only stay in Thailand for less than 180 days. I had to bounce to Vietnam because my Non O expired and I'm liking it here. May just split the year between Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. Thanks for the reply.

@Craig *******

That helps explain it. This is also why I haven’t followed through on my Non O Retirement extension. If you transfer the $800k baht ($6500/ month), is that what is considered “money you brought in”. And the double tax treaty (Thailand and the US have one in place) will always supersede whatever new regs are adopted? My pension is obviously taxed in the US so I think I’m ok, but it will be reassuring seeing everything in writing. Thanks.

For $5000 baht or less $125-$150 USD), why even bother. Contact the owners of this site or Mark at One Stop in Pattaya. It is almost a no brainer to me to use an agent to open a bank account. They will get you a resident certificate and do ALL the paperwork, get it fast tracked, open you an account at Bangkok Bank, set up an online account, pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the bank, explain everything, show you how everything works, get you an ATM card and take you back to your hotel. So much easier then trying to figure it out on your own!

@Kirsten ********

well said. Lots of hall monitors in the group...🤦🏻‍♂️

@Jordan ******

you got a Thai DTV? Which field? I'm HCMC now and would like to do the same. Any pointers? Thanks.

@Janelle ****

Not to get too personal but what is needed for a medical DTV? Can it be an elective procedure or it has to be required? And does there have to be a long rehab process? Or did I read your post wrong and you are going to "study" medicine in Thailand? I'm wanting to get a DTV but I will have to get creative to qualify.