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.

Anonymous participant remote work. The DTV is neither a tourist nor a non-immigrant visa. Purpose of visit is whatever the reason for it being issued.

@Andi **********

Some offices require you to hold a Thai bank account and deposit the 500K in there prior to seeking an extension of stay. If you can't open a Thai bank account or no longer hold one, you won't be getting an in-country extension, thus the borders being necessary.

Just bring cash, a debit and credit card (preferably 2 of each). The ATM user fee sucks, but unless you hold a Thai bank account or a card that refunds this fee (or a trusted local with a bank account you can transfer funds to, such as your wife or children) you'll have no choice but to pay it.