If you are serious about starting a business, invest in some legal advice to avoid costly banana skins - Lawyers for Expats (Thailand) - Brian Ramsden and his business partner, Pook who is a barrister level Thai-lawyer.

@Dorian *****

welcome, and I agree. The cost of an agent in the grand scheme of things whether one rents or lease/buys property is relatively small.

Think carefully applying direct unless you are confident you can provide all required documents accurately, and you can sell your case. Once you establish an account with the BOI, you are effectively locked in and will have difficulty re-establishing another account if anything goes awry.

I recommend you contact Brian Ramsden of Lawyers for Expats (Thailand) who will afford you an initial cost-free discussion. And, by the way the BOI charge 50,000THB for each applicant and lawyers will charge up to this figure, just understand what outcome you can expect for what you "finally" pay.

@Michael ******

there are insurers that will insure you with exclusions if you have any pre-existing medical conditions and/or claim waiting periods relating to certain old age ailments. Suggest you try an insurance broker.

@Billy *********

apologies Billy, didn't understand the language. I take it back.

@Billy *********

how childish and unhelpful to the chat conversation.

Thailand's banking sector has been rattled by evidence of fraud discovered in one bank in particular. It's set off a chain reaction and reset, on personal accounts, phone numbers and SIM's linked to account, and daily transaction amounts. This is what happens when certain groups abuse the banking systems, and bank officers become tempted with incentives.

You can obtain a cost-free initial discussion on your Visa options from Lawyers for Expats (Thailand) - Brian Ramsden and his business colleague, Mint. Brian and his Business Partner, Pook also specialise in giving advice on property rental contracts, land-lease contracts and house purchase contracts as well as personal estate protection in Thailand via Thai-written Wills.

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

and the poster should not count on opening a bank account with a tourist visa if indeed this was part of the plan.

@Craig ******

yes, it did, and it was my host country rather than home Country eg. Malaysia whose licences are produced in English