I just got an METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa). I applied online. I was not in my home country when I applied. I am US citizen and I used the Thai Embassy from my home country. Maybe the Thai Embassy in the UK is as flexible. I did have to get a little creative with the paperwork but its worked out for me several times. Good Luck

If it comes to it, Bali will be my secondary location.. 90 days x 2, I will find some place to go for a couple of weeks. 90 days TH, 90 days ID, 90 days TH, 90 days ID, some place for a week or two.

I am skeptical the taxation will become a thing. With double taxation treaties in-place, and new or newly enforced taxation just means more paperwork, not necessary more taxes but who want more paperwork either.

@Chalante ******

I am curious about this.

@John *********

I have been working online/remotely for a few years now, mostly on tourist visas. There *may* be tax concerns in the future but mostly if you are not taking a job from a Thai person, there are little concerns about working online.

Its a common question. The fastest easiest options are find a bank that will sell you an "insurance policy" to open a bank account or find an agent to open the bank account for you.

You might be able to apply for the visa in your home country, come in on that visa, go to immigration, get the letter then go to the bank. That might, legally work, but I am pretty sure most people exercise one of the two above options. FWIW, I bought the insurance policy.

I bank with Bangkok Bank and haven't had any problems. I did have to buy an 8000 baht insurance policy. The internet banking seems to be working without issue. Maybe you are unlucky with the branch?

I used to bank with KTB, I would avoid them. The last I knew they shutdown the web portal so you can only use the phone app.

I just applied for and received my METV from the Thai Embassy Washington DC.. You can do an evisa - no reason to travel there.

I have been nearly ten years and most of that was on tourist visas. There is no reason you can't stay a year. Once you get here and start to talk to others you'll understand more.

I would recommend applying for an METV, plan to stay 9 months, and leave your plans open-ended from there. I think you will find it makes more sense once your here.

Extensions are almost guaranteed.

I double check the final figure, before putting in my credit card number and decide at that time "is this price worth it"... The big joke is that a lot of those properties don't bother putting accurate pictures... You get misled on price and product.

I had to provide my criminal back check. I went to the local court house and they provided me a state that I had no outstanding cases. This seems to satisfy the background check requirement. Its interesting to note that the local court house was in a different state than where I got in trouble.

@Han *******

They don't need to get all the countries... Just the top five, Australia, UK, Korea, US, etc.. There is no value in chasing around $1 but there is a value in chasing around $100. And yes, life is unfair.