I have a 2 BR, 84 sq meters condo, with 3 ACs we run all the time. Just paid the quarterly electric and water bill of 7000 THB. Could be cheaper if we didn't run ACs, as I see many of my neighbors never run there's.

I was told they can open account for an existing customer, and if I buy the insurance I was an existing customer. 😎 The second option was to obtain a certificate of residence from immigration. I went with option 2. That was 3 years ago. I hear it's even harder now. I was able to open it with CR, I was at Bangkok Bank on 2d Rd in Pattaya.

@Richard *********

Well that's the thing about Thailand, many rules are arbitrarily and inconsistently applied. They will ignore a rule, like bar closing times, for months on end. And then one day, the police, the army, the navy and the mayor and staff; with the media in tow, are out in full force, shutting down bars and arresting people. The next night or so, things are back to normal.

@Richard *********

During COVID, when they were very strict, I booked a very cheap, cancelable hotel, to cover the entire stay.

@Richard *********

Just 12 years of coming and going to Thailand. Even the extensive COVID procedures, twice. As to the outbound flight, it's Thailand's and many other country's requirements, many say they never worry about it, and never been asked. In a couple of dozen of trips, I've been asked for outbound flights, a couple times, more so by the airline personnel. Bottom line, if you do not like the visa rules of a country, don't go to that country.

@Mark ********

Ok, got it.

@Mark ********

I never do the fake ticket thing, if that's what your referring to. When needed I get the cheapest ticket to Cambodia and Vietnam. And actually go spend a few days, I don't get why people go, and never leave the airport, just turn around and come back. Go explore and enjoy.

@Richard *********

I didn't say Thailand was unique, quite certain it happens elsewhere. USA is way harder, if a tourist is coming from Thailand.

@Mark ********

True. Me I'm not spending thousands of dollars, traveling for 24 Hours. (From USA). To risk being denied entry or a hassle at immigration or denied boarding. If need be I just book a changeable or cancelable ticket, or a cheap ticket to Cambodia. And actually go to Cambodia for a few days.

The reason Thailand does this, Thailand has a long and storied history of people coming and never leaving. Many times these people don't have sufficient finances for long term lodging and subsistence, so they end up working illegally, begging or scamming. So Thailand requires a ticket out of Thailand, proof of lodging, and proof of finances, and for some proof of insurance.