@Brandon ***********

correct, and we are just waiting on another "change" . .at the moment in Pattaya, banks are refusing agents

@Sue ******

the Phuket Immigration Volunteers even run their own website. You can also volunteer for being a member of the Tourist Police. This is allowed to foreigners, regardless if you believe it or not

@Patrick *********

yes, it is possible to open a bank account on a Non-Imm visa class. That has been possible for DECADES! I never said this is not possible. It however is not possible any more on a tourist visa class . . . . the DTV for example, is a tourist visa class, so opening a bank account on a DTV is not possible.

It used to be possible over an agent service, but since February 1st, 2025, even agents cannot open a bank account any more for clients that are on a touristic entry . . . .

just give Mot's or Tik Tok a call - they will tell you the same

@Declan *********

the DTV is a tourist visa class, so opening a bank account on a DTV is not possible.

It used to be possible over an agent service, but since February 1st, 2025, even agents cannot open a bank account any more for clients that are on a touristic entry . . . .

just give Mot's or Tik Tok a call - they will tell you the same

opening a bank account on a touristic entry is NOT POSSIBLE any more since February 1st, 2025, even for agents!

You cannot open a bank account any more on a tourist visa or on a visa-exempt entry.

THIS IS NEW since February 1st, 2025 . . . . No more Tik Tok or Mot's (!)

You are free to call and ask them, they will tell you it is not possible anymore

starting February 1st, banks will not open an account for you any more, on a tourist visa or on a visa-exempt. You will need a Non-Imm visa class.

@Camille ******

yes, you could fly to Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai (from Chiang Rai I do not know) pay the Laos VOA, and stay in Luang Prabang for a few days, and afterwards fly back to either Bangkok DMK, BKK or back to Chiang Mai, or enter Thailand at the Nong Khai land border

@Camille ******

that's what I found on REDDIT about a border run in Chiang Khong to Huayxai : "For anyone doing the border run from northern Thailand (closest land crossing to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai) you can no longer turn around and immediately get back on the bus back to Thailand after getting your Laos stamp/visa. They are now requiring a two day stay in Laos before returning. When you do come back you need to have proof of 10,000 bhat, T30 and proof of exit (flight info).

I did this run 3 months ago and it was not in effect back then. Not sure if this is just this crossing or all land crossings. I read some comments that say it’s shady and the head of the immigration here must be getting some kind of cut from the Laos side. No idea the truth of that but I do know there are signs everywhere and all the agents and peripheral businesses act like this is the new normal.

The guy that runs the daily van from Chiang Mai says he can still get you in and out the same day because he’s so connected in there and that’s his whole business but again, can’t say for sure. All I know is I’m spending an unexpected two days in Laos, which is fine, just wish I planned for it better so that’s why I’m telling you."

@Camille ******

Brandon's response it 100% correct, only the part that regards the proof of cash money, the sum can asked to show can be 20,000 THB per person, not only 10,000 THB. Depending on the officer you are standing in front of . . . . and if you use a border run agency, they are well worth their service payment, as they will make your border bounce possible within the same day

@Camille ******

you need to take the bus to Chiang Khong and exit Thailand, take the shuttle bus across the Thai/Lao friendship bridge, buy a "visa-on-arrival" for Laos for 40 USD or 1900 THB. You MAYBE will have to stay on the Laos side for one or two nights, before you will be able to return to Thailand. Prepare accordingly: You need to carry CASH on you equivalent of 20,000 THB (not only 10,000 as Brandon stated!) you need proof of an accomodation for the first few nights afer entry, and you need a proof of onward travel out of Thailand within these 60 days. All these three proofs can be asked of you from the Thai Immigration. . . . Keep in mind to check the entry stamp carefully that they will grant you a 60-days stay permit on a visa-exempt entry