It’s up to the overworked clerk at the airline desk. Do you really think that person will understand your visa? Of course not. You don’t have a Thai passport, that’s all.

Do yourself a favor and have an inexpensive onward ticket to show.

Customs, immigration and security never look at my laptop other than to tell me to take it out of my backpack and put in the scanner.

If one branch gives you BS just go to another one.

They all make their own rules.

Definitely go with a Thai person to help translate and negotiate.

Bank staff speak no English.

Getting a bank account

Don’t expect to get something for nothing. Each office is an independent business. Each office makes their own criteria.

You certainly will pay a fee for transferring USD from USA to Thailand. The amount depends on the bank and the transfer service.

Banking is an essential service if you plan to spend time here. It’s not FREE.

I prepared ahead of time by getting a bank account set up 6 months ago.

I treated this as an important business transaction, not just a casual activity.

My Thai friend made an appointment for me at the Bangkok Bank branch across from Astra in CM. He also translated for me.

I am a middle aged physician and dressed as such. Yes I did do the whole business card ceremony.

I told the banker that I plan to retire soon and buy a condominium at Astra.

I was asked to purchase a life insurance policy for about $100. Presumably the banker gets a commission. Whatever, it’s the price of doing business at the bank.

They wanted to copy my passport and see my credit card from Wells Fargo. I think I showed them how much was in my account also to make the point that I’m a serious customer.

I also showed them $500 in perfect $100 bills that was to be the initial deposit.

Nothing else was required.

Act like a serious customer and you will be treated as such.

Present yourself properly and you should be fine.

If not, thank them for their time and visit another office.

Best wishes on your adventure to Thailand!

Same same guy stole your punctuation 5555

I am an Internal Medicine physician who frequently travels to Thailand.

Yes malaria is a real illness.

However, the risk is low in most parts of the country.

Try to avoid mosquito bites at dawn and dusk to protect your self.

These are from WHO

Thank you for an amusing story about an officer who enjoys his job.

Tod, thank you for the informative posting.

I’m sad that others are having difficulty coming to grips with the new reality.

Thailand wants tourists to go home and not stay indefinitely.

Perhaps you could expand on what are legitimate reasons for coming and going over a six month period?

Job and ongoing medical treatments seem likely candidates. Other thoughts?

Tod Daniels thank you for your extensive research.