Apply for a day tourist visa before you come to Thailand

@Sam *******

yes it's definitely worth the risk. Use the correct reason for transfer and immigration will be no problem.

@Ruth ******

indeed you did.

@Ruth ******

it is very hit and miss. It's a case of trying as many banks as you can until you find one, but if not I read it costs about 3,000 baht with an agent so if you are struggling maybe it is worth that amount.

@Brooke **********

and keep paying the agent year after year, instead of swapping to the monthly income method in the second year🤔

@Sam *******

I used wise to transfer my 800k, no problem if you use the correct reason (long term stay in Thailand).

I think it's different when buying property.

Someone else asked a similar question and somebody suggested that Malaysia Airlines offer a flexible ticket that is fully refundable.

I would have a look to see if available, they said they have used it and lost a couple of dollars on the exchange rate refund, but otherwise sounds good for you.

@Bennett *******

I opened a second account for this reason. One account with the money deposited for immigration and another for daily use with many transactions.

@Neil *******

yes that's the problem, the international driving permit is valid for ayear, but in Thailand you must have a Thai driving licence after 3 months or insurance is invalid.

The driving licence is easy to obtain with the international permit.

There's no need to transfer banks.

I moved area and thought I needed to, but you don't and I have successfully extended for another year in my new area, using a different bank branch.

The bank provided everything I needed for the extension on the day.

As for the fees, if you use the cardless withdrawal method, no matter where you are in Thailand it is free ( I withdrew money today and it's really easy).