I open my Bangkok bank account on a tourist visa about 2 years ago in Pattaya. Have also updated my registered sim number to my account. No issue with the bank account so far.

The concerns were about not being able to have the convenience of using the bank app, not so much about the money being forfeited by the bank, unless the money is not legitimate, which is why some suspicious accounts are frozen. However it seem the account holder has to physically turn up at the bank to withdraw the money before it is closed completely. Tough luck if you are located half the globe away

Tourists who open a bank account with agent but using their account legitimately are getting caught by this mess.

Been using Trumoney for payment for a while. Can top up easily at counter or via another Thai bank account. For those think cash transaction is faster, the app should be open already and you only need to press the “pay” button at top right of screen once to get into the QR code screen. This can be done in advance BEFORE your turn to pay. Common sense is lacking if you choose to open the app only at your turn and hold up the Q.

No offence meant but For those who think cash is king , I pray you do not have to travel to China 😅 cheers !

It’s not all the time as mentioned. When there is no fee from WU, it seem lower for my case. Just wanted to bring the awareness to compare. Cheers !

@Brandon ***********

thanks for sharing 🙏

I have done many wise and western union transfer from my country to a Thai bank account over last 6 years. It’s actually dependent on the day and time you sent based on my personal experience and not due to reason. If I send during office hour on a weekday it can arrive in seconds but if sent at night , can take one more day although I also encounter night transfer that is immediate. If there is a coming holiday or on a holiday itself on either country it could stretch too.

By the way I notice recently WU has a better rate than Wise especially when there is no fee promo period from WU, transfer is immediate as well although at the transaction page say up to a few days. Worthwhile to compare before you send.

Is it possible for a tourist under the days visa to apply for a Thai license ? I have my own license in my home country and is recognised under IDL. Thanks

I did this last week.

Go the the telco shop with your passport and your SIM card. Register your passport to your sim number. Top up 50B to get a slip of paper that show your name , registered sim number. Bring this slip of paper to the bank with your passport and bank book. Bank will then verify and they say it’s done.

@Ben *******

if you change phone you need the OTP again , or when you want to log in to more than one device