Not surprised that everything went well, that is to be expected on a DTV. I'd advise printing out the DTV approval letter even if showing it on your phone was accepted.

@Vincent *******

Is this in Pattaya?

Leave it alone. Nothing you need to go into the bank for unless you're renewing a passbook (which unless you need it for immigration, which on a DTV you won't) you don't need to bother with so that leaves only applying for a new debit card, which is once every 5 years.

Anonymous participant 569 Can't get a credit card without a work permit.

Anonymous participant All they care about is how much you have in savings, even though it could be the case you have as much in debt as you have in savings

@James *******

Unless he flies Air Asia. Very uncomfortable due to short seat pitch. He should consider flying business class on THAI, Vietnam Airlines, SQ or MH given his height.

Why not catch a train to Khamsavath station in Vientiane (direct Bangkok-Vientiane train)? Perfect if you're tall and more comfortable than a bus. It's a sleeper train in both directions.

@John ********

I heard the same thing happening at the Golden Triangle border crossing in Chiang Saen. Not a lot of people like to stay overnight in the special economic zone (though the casino is nice) with the cheapest room going for 600 Yuan or 3000 Baht payable in Yuan or Baht and they have Yuan and Baht ATMs in town.

Still, if that's what you're told to do and you use that crossing well, that's what you have to do. Alternatively, you travel to Chiang Khong and re-enter there but I wouldn't push it...by trying to re-enter the same day.

@Tod ********

Not that I really care as it doesn't affect me or anyone I know, but if someone was told to "fly back" surely they could just re-enter Thailand at a different border crossing? Thailand and Laos now share 11 international border crossings if I'm not mistaken.

How would they know unless you're showing them your credit card statement? Ridiculous question.

You could have 1 million Baht in a bank account but 800,000 in debt in a credit card account at the same time. Like a lot of people do.