@Marty ********

yes, i think IDP is not really required if your existing licence is on the long list of recognised countries. But to drive before you get your Thai licence you are supposed to have an IDP these days, I thought. Got my IDP online and it took 5 minutes. And yes the local Transport Office did look at it.

@Patrizio *******

no need for a driving test if you hold an eligible foreign licence to convert and get an international driving permit, which is easy.

You need yellow book or do your first 90 day report so you can get a residence certificste. Then buy your medical certificate at a local clinic for 50 Baht.

Turn up early at your local Transport Department office, do the vision test, the reaction test, watch a 1 hour video snd leave with your Thai driving licence in hand. Simple to do if you follow the steps.

@Chris ****

same here Chris. I changed phone number and because I read about this hassle with Bangkok Bank, went to the Branch to update. They sent me to AIS office to pay B100 and re-do the face scan against passport photo. Took the receipt back to the branch and got a notification a few days later that everything is good. Seems to be a bit of a hassle but new regulations.

Just glad to have opened a bank account in December because it seems to be getting harder and harder.....

@Ivan ***********

yes it is a visa issued under Tourist Authority of Thailand. But it most certainly is a long term visa, and part of the benefits is the assistance given to open a bank account with Bangkok Bank or others. Official, and government sponsored arrangements. There are the usual conditions such as proof of residence etc. But they are not going to rescind legitimate accounts for individuals on Elite Visas unless there are specific money laundering or sanctions concerns.

@Maksym **********

we never been offered this service the last 50 times both ways...

@Dennis ********

not sure it is correct on Udon Thani. Despite the name as international it is a domestic airport with no through check in, unless things changed very recently.