@everyone Starting May 1st, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system will take over from the TM6.
You may apply for it 3 days before your arrival date so this would meaning if you arrive on May 1st you will be able to do this as early as April 28th.
The approval process is instant ( we have included screenshots ).
There’s a lot of misinformation going around about this topic.
The main issues are happening in Pattaya.
If you're outside Pattaya, we recommend checking with your local branch or agent for the most accurate information.
Our team can assist, but we only support clients who plan to apply for a Non-O, DTV, or other long-term in-country visa, as part of our screening process.
From what we understand, the situation comes down to two key factors: banks are starting to face greater liability for fraud, and in Pattaya, the high volume and ease of account openings led to a surge in fraudulent activity.
Requiring insurance helps reduce the risk of fraud by increasing the cost per account, making it less appealing for fraudsters. Working with trusted agents who have no history of fraud-related account openings also lowers the risk.
Banks are also starting to scrutinize specific branches. For example, a branch with a high number of accounts linked to fraud will likely face increased oversight and tighter controls.
Pattaya has faced some issues recently, and several major agents were no longer able to assist with account openings.
Most branches outside of Pattaya remain unaffected. Ultimately, it's up to the individual branch and manager to decide whether to take the risk of opening an account for you.
For our clients, we require the purchase of an insurance package (approximately ฿5,900) and conduct a screening process to ensure they intend to stay in Thailand long-term.
The problems in Pattaya arose largely due to the lack of proper screening. Too many accounts were opened without vetting, leading to a spike in scam-related activity.
That being said if you come to our team with intent of long stay then we can assist with Bank account opening. For example obtaining a non-o, or DTV visa.
Just a quick note: if you prefer to have everything handled in one day, including having your passport returned with the 15-month extension and processed through Bangkok immigration, the fee may be roughly 10,000 THB higher.
If you can wait a few weeks, the cost will be lower.