Because most aren't actually doing business IN Thailand, with other Thais. Their incomes are from outside Thailand in most cases and are already spending more inside Thailand than most local Thais. Most pay taxes back home, as well. Paying less in taxes is something everyone should strive to do. I left Thailand last year after 179 days and will never spend more than that per year there. Don't want the hassle, added expense, or immigration surprise in the future.
New year, now I can spend another 179 days there. :)
Maxing out and using tourist visas to the extreme, when you're in fact, not a tourist. Not illegal, but not what the visas are intended for. Womp womp.
63K THB is still cheaper than the required 500K THB equivalent sitting in an account for months. If they provide the statements, I'd pay that. Education visa and language school enrollment is about 40 to 50k THB for a one year visa, so 63K is a steal for 5 years... Mind PMing me the agent?
Just open a Charles Schwab account and enjoy free ATM withdrawals. They refund all fees, including foreign ones. Money in a Thai bank is money they will track and tax. Seems like many want an account to flex being a white guy with QR payments. I'd rather keep my money in my American account and not fuss with ever changing Thai bureaucracy that may cause you headache later. Your landlord will accept cash. You can use your foreign cards for Grab, Bolt, food panda, 7-11 app, etc. I see no benefit in paying an agent for the privilege of giving Thai authorities an inside look to my finances.
I know it's an unpopular opinion here, but honestly, would probably be a good idea if they did do that. Kind of stupid to allow people with a single doctors appointment or taking a week long cooking class access to your country for 5 years.
