@Lee-Ann ******

Sorry but no...1) you're not correct and 2) don't compare other countries with Thailand. Western countries are VASTLY different from Thailand in many respects, so don't try to create some kind of false equivalency. Let's talk about Thailand (and maybe compare neighboring countries) but forget about comparing Thailand to ANY western country.

Anonymous participant 804 Ever heard of agents? I would imagine a large percentage of retiree and marriage visa holders use them to get their yearly extensions, with the funds being transferred to the account holder's account only for a few minutes or up to max a couple of days, in order to produce a bank letter.

I don't think banks face any particular risk with the DTV, especially since so few are seeking the extension in country pathway...a few offices require 500K in a Thai bank account to get approved (ironic, considering so many have found their accounts frozen once caught on a DTV) so that is a stumbling block for many.

The DTV hasn't been well thought out and various government bureaucracies are not on the same page regarding this visa, hence why for now at least, most banks have decided not to allow bank accounts for DTV holders, but this could change in the future...but not until this banking crackdown is well and truly over.

@Paul ******

Yes and these cash strapped retirees and to some extent, marriage visa holders under 50 (or over 50 but choosing to remain on a marriage visa) were doing the same thing, although it's mostly the agents benefitting here, not the banks.

Now there are still agents offering extension services, but they're slowly being squeezed out of existence and/or becoming stricter in how they process applications.

@Sylvia *******

I see, but a utility bill shouldn't be needed...you can produce a driver's license, a medicare card (or whatever you call it in the UK, NHS I believe?) or other equivalent.

Of course, if you've "abandoned" your residence there, such as by not even having a local address, then yeah that could happen, but it's nothing like in Thailand, where many farang are having their accounts frozen in an overzealous banking crackdown.

Also, it's now facial scan required for transactions of 50K Baht and above and you can't opt out (neither for Thais or foreigners). In western countries, facial scans for banking are still not a thing yet and will face widespread opposition (unlike in Thailand, where the locals accept anything).

Anonymous participant 839Yes, important to maintain some sort of mailing address over there, then it's OK but again, like you said, depends on the type of account you have.

In Switzerland for instance, non-resident accounts operate in much the same way as resident accounts, except you have to pay a monthly charge of CHF30 for account maintenance, which covers the sending fee for correspondence to your overseas address.

Of course, it's not like you receive much correspondence to justify this high cost, but that's Switzerland for you.

Ordinary resident accounts will cost anywhere from CHF5-20 so the only difference is that you pay a little more.

However, some banks will only issue a secured credit card to non-resident account holders (except possibly residents of neighboring countries such as France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy). Liechtenstein is generally considered a domestic domicile actually.

@Sylvia *******

They shouldn't be doing that if you're a UK citizen and then there are non-resident accounts. Don't make the mistake of assuming every country is the same. Thailand was fairly lenient in the past, but is now very strict.

Actually, Thailand was always VERY strict on outgoing international transfers, unlike western countries.

Proving where the funds are coming from and for foreigners, generally requiring that you're on a work permit and you can only remit a maximum per year equivalent to your salary.

Transferring money abroad from a European or Australian bank account is so easy...while there is a maximum daily limit, all you need to do is specify a simple reason when you make the transfer such as "savings" or whatever you want and the transaction goes through. No need to show payslips or other ridiculous proofs.

Anonymous participant 839 Not at all. How many retirement visa and marriage visa holders don't have the funds needed and use agents to get their extensions?

The reason banks are generally not allowing DTV holders to hold bank accounts especially during the current tumultuous period of crackdowns is because there is no consensus between government agencies on what the DTV is.

It's a special category visa that is sort of like a long term tourist visa but sort of isn't. It's not defined as a non-immigrant visa, hence why banks are avoiding it for now.

In time, some clarity might emerge.

You don't need to use facial scan except for 50K and above transfers and a few other types of transactions.

@Henrik ****

Correct; for once your advice is 100% "spot on" and reasonable.

Laos is a good country. Similar to Thailand. Good quality expats. Try it.