@Pascal **********

I get Thai frequent flyer miles by flying with Star Alliance carriers and can also get lounge access when flying with THAI even on an economy ticket just with miles. Priority pass is another option and I have my credit card rewards back home.

To each their own, but a secured credit card seems more than pointless to me, as there are no advantages.

For those without a credit card, a debit card allows you to make online purchases too. The only time you need an actual credit card is when renting a car.

Of course I like my credit cards (which are actual, unsecured cards) for the many advantages they bring but I wouldn't be saying this if they were secured.

@Vic *******

LOL, Roberto Stephen calls out "corrupt" visa agents, but himself engages in the practice, having claimed to purchase a less than genuine Covid certificate from Khao San Road back during the lockdown days.

Gosh Roberto Stephen. Glad I blocked that troll some time ago.

@Luit ****************

Yes, it's reasonable though in reality it's not going to last more than 6 months. It certainly won't last for 5 years. In any case, I'm not suggesting the criteria should be changed. 500K is reasonable. Very few people would have 5 million Baht to show (if that were made the requirement).

@Grant *********

Unsecured without a work permit? Sure...as if they didn't shoo you away.

@Pascal **********

However, what's the point of a secured credit card? Just use a debit card and have access to all your money.

I already hold two unsecured credit cards in my home country with a very large limit (especially on the 1st one).

I have 2 Thai debit cards (with 2 different banks). I also hold various investment and savings products with different banks in different countries.

If I could qualify for a Thai credit card, I'd of course only apply for an unsecured one. Seems pointless to apply for a secured credit card to me, when the point of a credit card is the fact you are loaning money from the bank.

@Pascal **********

I'm afraid many banks will simply shoo you away if you attempt to apply for a credit card without a work permit. Yes, even if it's a secured credit card. I'm certain yours isn't an unsecured one as that's a no no without a work permit.

In my opinion, the "Employment Prohibited" remark either shouldn't be there or be modified to "Employment in Thailand Prohibited". The way it's worded now is quite ambiguous.

@Matt *******

About a week beforehand is a good idea but Thai immigration may advise you to do so 2 weeks beforehand.

@Alessandro ********

Indeed, especially if applying using the e-visa portal, processing times are unpredictable.

If applying in person, it's more predictable but you should still allow extra time in case you need to go back and submit more documents, which will cause processing to be delayed until such time as all documents are satisfactory. In most cases, this is just one extra business day, but do prepare to stay a couple of days extra.

If flying in to a walk-in consulate, I'd allow 5 days if the standard processing time is 3 days (meaning submit on Monday, receive your visa on Wednesday afternoon).

If it's an e-visa consulate, allow up to 2 weeks.

it's less stressful if you travel by land, without a fixed outbound ticket. From Thailand, you really don't need to fly to Cambodia or even Vietnam. Saves you a lot of headaches having to purchase new tickets in case your originally purchased fare is non-changeable and non-refundable (except for airline taxes).