Thanks to those who understood the real point of this discussion.

This is not about hacks, fintech workarounds or personal status.

It is about a simple principle: If people are legally allowed to stay long-term in Thailand, they should also have access to basic local banking.

Dismissing the issue with sarcasm or ego doesn’t change the reality — it only avoids the question. Problems aren’t solved by pretending they don’t matter; they’re solved by acknowledging them and pushing for reasonable solutions.

Rules only change because someone demands change — not because everyone stays silent. We are paying visitors contributing to the local economy, not passive guests without a voice.

Comments like “If you don’t like it, go elsewhere” or “Just get a different visa” completely miss the point. I can leave. I can change visas. But why should I — when the current situation is simply irrational?

The issue is not personal inconvenience. The issue is a broken system that blocks legally residing long-stay visitors from basic banking access.

Accepting unfair or illogical rules doesn’t make them right — it just keeps them unchanged.

PS: Having the name Vladimir does not make me Russian any more than being named George makes you British royalty.

I’m fully aware this isn’t a new issue — I was not “sleeping under a rock.”

I raised this topic deliberately because long-standing problems don’t disappear by being ignored.

Saying “it’s always been like this” doesn’t make it acceptable — it only explains why nothing has changed.

The fact that this problem exists for a long time doesn’t make it acceptable.

Long-term residents being excluded from local banking is irrational and harmful.

Problems change only when people stop accepting them.

DTV_Begpacker I am not Russian.

@David ******

and who takes the bribes? Who makes the laws?

@David ******

me neither. Why do they exist? The agents.

@David ******

one simple question: the agents who are they? Thais or Farangs?

Anonymní účastník 348 I understand that it’s technically possible to extend a DTV visa – but the bigger picture matters.

Thailand has changed. During our last visit in late 2022, my wife was almost pushed off the sidewalk by a group of tourists who clearly didn’t care about local customs or basic manners. Unfortunately, this behavior affects everyone – even those of us who try to respect Thai culture and live quietly. Locals become less friendly, more suspicious, and the once warm atmosphere starts to fade.

We're now seriously questioning whether it’s worth putting 1.6 million baht into Thai banks just to get two retirement visas. Add to that rising costs, growing bureaucracy, and possible taxation of already-taxed foreign income – and the dream of peaceful life on a Thai beach feels more and more distant.

So yes – it’s possible. But is it still the right place?

Anonymní účastník 348 Sure, it’s possible – if you’re ready to tolerate the absurdity of submitting job offers, resumes, bank letters, rental contracts and half your life story just to extend a stay you’re already legally entitled to.

And to make it even better, every officer interprets the rules differently. Welcome to Thai immigration. This is Thailand!

Right. Let's all clap because someone managed to pass the immigration obstacle course. Maybe next time we should thank them for letting us breathe. How about we stop normalizing this nonsense?

When enough people stop tolerating this madness and take their money elsewhere, maybe the system will start treating long-term visitors like humans instead of suspects.

At some point, it’s not about ‘doing it right’ anymore – it’s about whether it’s worth it. Thailand is great, but not irreplaceable. A temporary boycott wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Are they Nuts?

Hi. Was it difficult to get it?