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

even for the second year they "require" a different report than the standard statement. So if they state a requirement, but don't actually require it in one instance they might do it in other instances. And yes yes different offices blah blah.

OP explicitly states he doesn't want to... I forget the wording, but the implication was "do something illegal" which is what paying an agent to falsify your records is.

This might be a total miss- but there could be a nugget here. I just did my 1 year marriage renewal and switched to income. Despite all of the noise about requirements for that money- they literally accepted a regular bank statement for a year.

@Dennis ********

swing and a miss! Good effort though.

@Perry ********

I recently had this happen with a security camera subscription. I wonder what's going on in the world of payment processing? It smells like when everyone adopts some new "hey we can do our billing with no fees" service that flops or stops charging. (I could be way off too, just weird when companies can't take your money)

Hey there OP, I'm not familiar with the visa you reference, but because you talk about it in conjunction with learning Muay Thai, this might be relevant:

The immigration departments HATE the education visas. Even if you use it for the intended purpose, if you want to stay after, you will be hassled at every renewal and often on your entries into the country. So, if the visa you are talking about is similar I'd be careful.

Also, while the banks here are maddening, opening an account isn't difficult the way you are probably hearing these days. Follow the process, be polite, be patient, you will be fine.

Absolutele BS. They get a vig for signing you up and have no problem lying to get your money.

@Peter **********

1000 an hour? Where are you?

@Brook *******

right, but as you said you are in Chiang Mai.

@Mark *********

I specifically talk about not using Wise. People use Wise because it is cheaper and it is fast because they use local transfers. Brandon loves a smugly redirect people (although in fairness he is also overall quite helpful) and in true form is providing information that is orthogonal to the actual situation.

@Charles *******

that is a fun line "got all the t shirts" well done