Hardly any international flights land in Krabi. Generally speaking, nearly everyone flies to Bangkok. Just the way it is.

@Zakhar **********

It's very easy to obtain an ordinary visa and extension through an agent in Cambodia. Many banks, including ABA require an ordinary visa, 6 or 12 months to open an account. There is absolutely no need for an agent to open a bank account considering how easy it is to do it yourself.

Anonymous participant 708 The former, as a supplementary card, makes sense although I'd be surprised that any bank would issue even a supplementary card to a non-working expat. Thai banks are normally very particular about this and all documentation I've ever seen pertaining to applying for a credit card have always mentioned the need for a work permit, which doesn't surprise me.

The latter is a secured card, which is kind of pointless, considering debit cards have the same functionality as credit cards, so I don't understand why anyone would bother obtaining a secured credit card. The concept behind a credit card is that you're borrowing credit from the bank, thus using a secured card defeats that purpose.

Anonymous participant 354 Never needed to reopen a bank account of the same bank at a different branch and never will. Don't know anyone, Thai or non-Thai who has ever done this.

The only concern now of course are all the bank accounts held by non-Thais being closed.

Anonymous participant 822 Correct about Americans having trouble opening accounts a few years ago.

Anonymous participant 822 using cash is always best. Always have multiple bank accounts back home or in different countries, never rely solely on Thai bank accounts.

@Muri ****

How did you qualify for a credit card? Can't see them issuing one to a farang who's not on a work permit.

@Yacine ****

Yes. You can transfer funds to Thai bank accounts instantly for USD 5. Scan pay is available, though not sure if personal accounts work. Their debit cards are reliable and the account currency is USD, the world's foremost reserve currency.

@Zakhar **********

Nope, most banks require the 6 month extension.

Anonymous participant 354 That's crazy. The whole system is screwed up.