@Andy ***********

from what I've been told, you accompany the agent to the bank, the bank clerk fires the ฿800k from the agents account into your account, then prints a statement and maybe they also update your bank book, then they fire it straight back into the agents account, it sounds like it's all completed in a matter of minutes, it must just get over looked that the ฿800k, hasn't been seasoned for the two months prior to the application, I'm not sure.

@Andy ***********

I've never heard anyone suggest, agents have fake accounts before. 🤔

@Andy ***********

as far as I'm aware, agents don't leave money in peoples bank accounts for a week or two, the person who wants the visa, they could just transfer it out, and do a disappearing act, and start a new life in Cambodia or Lao 😂

@Greg **********

Brandon Thurkettle the issue with agents in Pattaya opening bank accounts, apparently it's Bangkok bank, they are now saying you can't open a bank account on a short-term visa if you are under 50 years old, I believe some agents can still open an account regardless of visa status or age, but apparently things have changed a lot even just in the past few weeks.

It depends on what you want to do, if it's just general servicing, tyres, brakes, and suspension etc, I've had good experiences with the FIT Auto service centres, they are usually situated at the back of the PTT gas stations, B quick or Bacs I've heard are also okay, see if there is any in your local area, I personally got fed up with back street garages, generally just ripping me off with over charging, or even charging for work that didn't need doing, or not doing it at all and still giving me a bill, and sometimes using cheap parts bought on Lazada, while being focused on maximum profit, I also had the same issue with the motorcycle, I now go to the honda dealership for everything, it's the same price, or slightly more than those little rip off motorcycle shops, with the car I use the above fast fit centres, and anything they can't do, its off to the main dealership, it's more than worth the extra to know it's been done correctly with genuine OEM parts and oils, the good thing with the above mentioned businesses, there is no farang price or ripping off, it's disheartening because I was always a supporter of small family run businesses.

In pattaya it seems to be around ฿4000, for a 30 day extension, just message a few agents on Facebook and get quotes, saves the leg work.

An instant access thai savings account is fine.

I've heard stories of them sometimes sending people away, even in the final week, and telling them to return on the final day of their stamp.

Some Pattaya agents can still assist with opening a bank account, but I believe it's more difficult if you are under 50 years old, I've heard a few saying it cannot be done, while others say it's more expensive, or you need to buy insurance if you are under 50 years old.

@Tim *****

I suppose if it doesn't recognise you, if you wear your glasses, you could go back to the bank, and get another photo done, I've heard of people doing that, or get some contact lenses 🙆😅