@Vitaly *******

Yes but it's still restrictive. Only with a work permit is it easy to apply for a Thai bank account at any branch.

@Stephan **********

Thai rules don't necessarily make much sense.

All I can say is, if you possess a Thai work permit OR are in the process of obtaining one and have documentation to show this, then applying for a Thai bank account is easy.

Without one, it's a crapshoot. It then depends on the banks own policy, that of the particular branch or whether you use an agent or not.

Can you put a land port as an alternative?

@Tod ********

Postponed is probably the correct way of putting it. It will be implemented eventually, but no date has been set yet. Most likely sometime in 2025.

@Henrik ****

It's not a rumor, it will happen eventually but no date has been mentioned. Once the ETA system does go into effect, it will ONLY apply to those who do not have a visa.

Anonymous participant Just fly back to Taipei and have your wife apply for it on the back of yours.

@Henrik ****

While I wouldn't use an agent to extend a visa these days (in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, yes, since that's the system there) I would use one to open a bank account if I needed to. Since I already have 2 Thai bank accounts, I personally have no reason to ever use an agent for opening a bank account but I can see the merit in using one.

@Vitaly *******

Never is not true. The only failsafe visa types to be on to open a bank account anywhere in Thailand is a non-B or non-O WITH work permit. Without a work permit, you're at the whims of the policy applying to that bank or branch.

@Stephan **********

There are several reasons, mainly to do with money laundering. One principal reason cited by Bangkok Bank is due to Burmese citizens using their accounts for nefarious purposes including scams.

Another reason is compliance with international laws; Thai banks are being pressured by the west to comply with certain requirements, one of which is they want foreigners to be resident in the country, rather than just being a tourist.

@Michael *******

Retirement visas don't count towards permanent residency. Even the LTR and privilege visas don't. In fact, neither does any visa, unless you've been in Thailand on unbroken 3 year extensions of stay on a non-O, non-B or other eligible visa class with a work permit earning 80,000 Baht a month EVERY month for 3 years (reduced to 40,000 if you're married to a Thai national).