Thailand sure loves to play fine-tuning games with banking policy and practices.

But then, that's actually a trademark part of their approach to overall governing as well - lots of minor fiddling with the rules; announcement of new policies, but changes withdrawn at the last minute.

It's one thing I really dislike about Thailand. Too much fiddling and tinkering.

Disagree? Remind me. . .how many coups in the last 30 years or so?

@Sam *****

Easy Tiger. Don't let the snark get to you. Yes, some people's unbelievable rudeness sucks, but letting them wind you up just encourages them further.

My advice is to just accept that some of your interactions will be with people whose mom dropped on their heads when they were babies. They are to be pitied, not censured. Cheers!

@Michael *******

Oh absolutely I did need documents. But nothing remotely complicated or difficult - I did it myself, without assistance of an agent.

Basically the same list as the OP, except I have a lease, not a blue book.

Kasikorn in Central Festival Pattaya opened an account for me on the spot about a month ago. Took less than an hour. Left the bank with the book, debit card, and ap on my phone installed and tested.

@Doug *******

Yeah - you could be right. I agree with your take on it.

There are a lot of moving parts right now in Thailand - some seemingly unrelated events and forces working together, producing perhaps unintended consequences.

I predict continued turbulence ahead for the next year or so. Good time to keep your head down and your nose clean! 555

And ALWAYS. . .have a plan B.

@Clifton **********

Interesting. In Jomtien, Immigration had me come back later the same day to collect the document. No mailing or long waiting.

@Doug *******

I've happily had a Bangkok Bank account for over five years, but found some of their recent policy changes a little worrisome and/or annoying.

So I opened my new account in Pattaya Central Festival Kasikorn Bank. I have a one year extension of stay based on retirement. ("O," not "O/A)." I got a residence certificate from Jomtien Immigration first, before going to the bank.

It took less than an hour to open a standard savings account, and I left with book, working debit card and ap/promptpay set up and tested on my phone. No agent involved.

Again, I'm not anti-agent when needed, but I don't see how using one would have helped even a little bit in this particular situation.

They were very happy to do it. Honestly, I think Kasikorn is a little gleeful because they are aware they are rapidly gaining a lot of ex-Bangkok Bank customers.

@Stuart ********

I opened a new Kasikorn account about three weeks ago. So easy and quick. Finding a pen to fill out the form at immigration was the biggest problem I faced.

I'm not one of those anti-agent guys. I will use them no problem if I see a benefit. But in this case, I just can't imagine how an agent would have made the experience quicker, easier, or cheaper.

@Wayne *****

Agent of little help if you have non O. You can do everything yourself very quick and easy.

What part would an agent make easier?

@Ken ******

You SHOULD be fine. Just visit the branch as requested by the bank. Provide the verification they request.

But of course, everyone on this thread, including me, is merely speculating. It's up to your bank.