You can stay w/o visa for 14 days. Any time beyond that you will need a visa beforehand.

@JP *******

In general you will need youer passport with a visa stamp, but which visa is not everywhere the same. Best is a 3-month visa. Then you might need your rental contract, and that should be all. Careful: each bank and each branch has slightly different requirements and from my experience it is easiest in tourism areas. Good luck.

P.S: If you have a Thai to come along (NOT a bargirl!) that should help.

DIY and save the "commossion" for the agent.>

Get the right documents and then try different bank branches until you find one, that accepts you. A bit time consuming, but you can do it on your own.

Or request a cheque.

@Jeffrey ******

I don't like others doing things for me, unless I specifically requested it. I still want to be in control, instead of my iphone...

Advantage: Police can not confiscate the mobile phone.

Disadvantage: What, if you get yourself a new phone?

It can be fun to change Bhatt into Baht...

If you can stand the worse food and the higher criminal rate, then try the Phillipines.

absolutely no insurance necessary. That is just the bank trying to dupe you into it.

500 Euro bills are officially out of use, since several years. 200 Euro bills will always be extensively scrutinized, if they are fake.

100 Euro bills are accepteds for exchange everywhere, provided they are clean and unspoiled.