Walk into a branch with a bundle of cash and they will gladly open the account. They have monthly new account quotas they need to meet. I opened an account at SCB in Siam Square with only a tourist visa and cash. Mind you it was a long time ago but there is no law that says a visa or anything else is required for a foreigner to open a bank account. Requests for work permits, residency certs, etc. are just them telling you they prefer to not deal with foreign customers at that branch.

@Johnny ****

Then you go to immigration in building B at the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road in Laksi.

@Johnny ****

That does not mean it is exempt. How did you enter the country? Did you have an actual visa in your passport, enter on a 30 day visa exempt entry (only certain countries) or a 15 day visa on arrival (again certain countries only)?

Your map shows Suan Phlu. That location has been closed for visa services for about 12 years now. It all depends on how you entered. Visa exempt goes to the temporary office in Muang Thong Thani and an actual visa goes to the Immigration Bureau office #1 in the government complex, building B on Chaeng Wattana Road in Laksi.

They do not care as long as it is within weight and size restrictions and is securely closed.

Most offices you need both pages. The page with your picture and the current entry stamp or extension.

There are services that should be able to to take the documents for you to the MOFA office. Usually translation services will offer this at an extra cost. In Bangkok there are two offices you can go to. The main office in Laksi on Chaeng Wattana Road and a satellite office inside the Khlong Toei MRT station (before the turnstiles).

Be aware when you change the reason for the extension the new extension will start from the application date and not the end of your current stay. To maximize the time go near the end of your current stay but make sure all the paperwork is correct so no mad dash to finish before the current expiration.

You do not want to overstay. Certain types of visas will become unavailable to you such as Elite Visa, STV, etc. Also, if you get picked up by the police the consequences are serious even for a one day overstay. If you can go to immigration and extend. The 1,900 baht is well worth the piece of mind and potential issues in the future.

Tick all the boxes and do it yourself. Agents are just throwing money away for having someone push papers around for you.