I tried to do that this year with my marriage visa to free up the 0 THB. I work here and my salary is paid directly into my Thai bank account. I gave them 12 months bank statements plus 12 months payslips they dismissed them and insisted on the 0 THB being in the account.

TIT.

Guys Brandon is only answering the questions raised in this forum with cold hard facts. Yes everyone has unique situations where they want things to pan out their way and sometimes some people get lucky with the rules and some people don’t.

When I first started planning my move here I asked a number of questions and some of the responses I received I didn’t like but the rules are the rules and Brandon is simply quoting them.

I opens my nationwide account when I was in uk but when I came to live in Thailand I just changed the address no problems. I get all mail from nationwide sent direct here in Thailand

@Kevin *******

Nope just asked my wife she always gives id. I live in Cha-am so I never expect a vat return

Every time I have bought gold jewellery at different shops in Hua Hin and Cha Am I have had to show my passport if I am alone or my wife has had to provide identification if she is with me.

@Alan *****

No. I took the following documents;

Medical certificate

Residency certificate ( from immigration)

International driving permit

Passport

Uk driving licence.

All were photocopied. I signed them took a couple of tests checking eyes and stopping speed.

Paid the fee and received my licenses.

All done in just under 1 hour

I guess it depends what you want. I opted for a marriage visa because I can work in Thailand with a valid work permit. I could have gone for the far easier retirement visa but I still have a few years of work left in me so why not. The pension will still be available in a few years.

@Paul ****

12th is a Special Holiday 15th and 16th are Songkran

@Paul ****

I think that may be an error. Public holidays are 12th 15th and 16th April. I have the same public holidays for my job