@Steve ******

Sorry - I always get the two confused. Thanks.

So to the OP - why not take advantage of Visa exempt?

Looks like you’re American? Why not just apply for Visa on Arrival?

@Dave ********

Above I was talking about a Thai bank card, not the Wise card. I never use the Wise card for Thailand payments or purchases. But the Thai bank card gets used at Villa, Central Market, Lazada, etc.

I do use the Wise card sometimes to pay bills in the USA from my Wise balance.

But the number one usage I make of Wise is to move funds from my USA bank to Thai bank.

Wise doesn’t really come alive until you link it to a Thai bank account. Sure, it’s useful without one, but opening a Thai account with an associated Visa/MC debit card and online ap is a complete game changer.

@Evan ******

Just go to a good agent with 3000-5000baht in hand, and literally a couple hours later you’ll be all set up with an account, debit card and online ap at a reputable bank like Bangkok Bank. A small price to pay for a lifestyle-changing improvement in how you deal with your finances. In Pattaya, Manareet’s in Soi 13-2 is hard to beat, but there are others.

I know this is a very controversial subject, so spare me the virtue-signaling outrage from the usual suspects. Yes it’s certainly possible to do it cheaper on your own, but it will likely cost you more than you expect in terms of time spent tracking down a branch and bank employee who will see you through to a successful conclusion. To each his own.

I’m a pretty heavy user and AIS hotspot has worked very well for me.

At least someone is paying attention. Dual pricing for hotel/accommodation is a serious insult to foreigners.

Yup. Get a Thai bank account with a banking ap and then you can use the PromptPay QR codes to pay or accept payments. Very heavily used here by all types of businesses.

I think Bangkok Bank is your best bet. Try several branches before giving up. I got an account there easily a couple years ago. Jomtien branch. They set up the online banking ap on my phone (essential) and issued a debit card on the spot.

It says right there “insurance(s) are required only for Special Tourist Visa (STV) and Long Stay Visas (Non-Immigration OA and OX) applications.

Are you sure you are applying for non-O and not non-OA?