A number of Thai banks have introduced this already for foreigners. Thais can opt out using facial recognition. Some banks seem to allow foreigners too but some others don’t unless you contact their call centers.

Probably the same reasons that’s they are systematically freezing accounts from foreigners that they don’t seem to believe they are in the country or just haven’t heard from for a while.

Money laundering has become a big issue here. The banks are trying to close down rouge accounts and obviously some legitimate holders are being caught up in the crackdown.

Not heard of having a certified copy of passport before but without an agent you would probably need way more than that these days.

It theoretically is possible but currently that’s just a theory.

@Josh ********

Which is best is entirely up to you. If you’re near a border then perhaps it’ll be cheaper for you to leave and re-enter than extend. Or if not it could be vice-versa.

When you enter Thailand with a multiple entry tourist visa you’ll be given a stamp for 60 days. When that’s nearing the end you either go to immigration to get a 30 day extension (one time per entry only) or leave Thailand and return for a new 60 day stamp.

The fact that your visa is valid for 6 months is irrelevant. You can only stay for 60-90 days at any one time then you must leave and re-enter.

With the right timing for extensions and bounces you can get nearly 9 months out of that visa (not in one go of course)

@Philip **********

That’s the rules, but finding a bank manager that’s willing to do so is the challenge.

@Billy *********

TiT

Can’t see how a Chinese bank could help. Your funds need to be in a Thai bank.

If you’re not on a Non O visa already then you’ll find it almost impossible to open an account without help from an agent.

A Non O visa is valid for 90 days from issue date. That means you have 90 days to use it. You will be stamped in for 90 days on arrival whether you enter on day 1 or day 90.

It doesn’t have to be applied for from your home country. Many embassies and consulates around the area will sell you one. You can even buy one in country for 2,000 baht if you meet the requirements.

An METV is only available from your home country or country of legal residence.

You can’t renew it but you could go home and buy a new one. Some embassies or consulates may have restrictions on whether you could get more than one in a year.

There is only one way now to get a DTV and that is by emailed PDF.

Since January 1st this year all embassies and consulates use the online evisa system.

Prior to January some embassies and consulates were affixing stickers which is why you see some mention of them.