U can try at Krungsri and open a NRBA bank account only with your passport. Has a bit limited functionalities but comes with a card that works globally. Worked 2 months ago at the Branch in Sukhumvit, next to T21.
thank you for your detailed post from today. Yes, it depends on the border you enter from, but I've entered Thailand mostly through BKK and DMK, only twice via the south to Hat Yai..good that you're gonna change your visa soon to make it easier in the future and avoid any hassle!
Garrett Greenwald 3 years ago an Agency in Penang told me there are 3 SETVS/year..Things have changed a bit lately.. I invite anyone who has had 2 SETVS this year (Including extensions, so 180 days in total) to get the 3rd SETV and try to re-enter Thailand through an Airport Border :)...
latest reports from folks who have stayed on SETVs for more than 120 days and tried to re-enter on a fresh SETV. Land borders are more lax if you have your 20k cash and return ticket. Airport immigration control is more strict. For example (my case), In 2 years I had 2 SETVs (one a year) and that's it (been there for less than 3 months in the 3 last years) and I was still grilled at the DMK airport when I attempted to enter on my 2nd SETV in the passport..it also depends on your luck I guess :)...