You can open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa but it takes a bit. I would recommend an agent.

Banks are bit different here (compared to the US). When you open an account at a branch, it becomes your "home branch" and you will need to get all your special paperwork from that branch, you may be able to use the main branch ( I have never done this but I have been told its possible). The issue is when you open an account in one location (Bangkok) and decide to live in another location (Krabi, as an example). You will need to get paperwork from the bank and only your home branch can provide that paperwork (Bangkok). The same is true for immigration. You will need bank statements for some visas.

I would encourage you to open an account near where you plan to live.

Some people have found ways around this, but do you really want the hassle?

I wouldn't know anything about the motorcycle. However, I have applied for on gotten a Thai tourist eVisa from my home country (US) while in Thailand. Of course I had to leave and come back to activate it. When I applied they requested I show proof of my arrival. They were specific about flight details. It turns out the Thai Embassy in the US is kinda flexible about where you are when you apply.

I use google voice for my US number. That will require you have a friend in the US that will allow you to use their number. It can get setup so the friend is never bothered by the calls.

@David *********

Never use your real name on these sites

@Colin *******

Currently I am on a METV. I have had a few different visas. I have a wife and could get a wife visa but the METV is just easier.

I have been an remote employee for years. The Immigration Police do not come to bust down your door. However, it has no advantages for visas. I am have been using tourist visa for years.. Your marriage will help with the visa.

@John ********

The thing about ED visas is that some people use them to get illegitimate long term stays. Immigration officers are aware of this so they may look twice at your passport. I am not saying its a bad idea just that it may be cause for longer conversations at the immigration. Also, from what I understand, if you are on an ED visa, you may have to take tests to prove you're studying and actually learning.

I lived in Bangkok for 4 years. I loved it. Eventually I got tired of not speaking the language so I moved to Pattaya where English is better understood.

I am also a quiet person so I found a quiet neighborhood in Pattaya. I am naturally a city dweller so the situation suites me because I can be in big city yuck when I want and I don't have to live in it.

@Braulio ********

Kinda the point of the group is to help clueless people, glad you joined.

That's not a problem.

I understand the desire to be prepared and/or organized. But this is Thailand and you'll quickly nothing is what it seems.

The driver's license isn't necessary unless you want to drive a car. Some people choose to drive cars, I prefer a motorcycle (scooter in American speak). International Driver's permit aren't as useful as people think. There are a couple of individuals in this group that insist there is a benefit, I haven't found that to be the case... Maybe for car rentals.

My recommendation is plan to stay one place or another for only a month at a time. Get to know the place before you rent for a year. AirBnB is good for this but AirBnB aren't entirely legal (nothing is as it seems). If you choose to go with a non-hotel situation you will need to concern about the TM30. This is the process of informing immigration you are in town. This must be done within a couple of days of arrive. Hotels will do this for you, private individuals (airbnb) may or may not do this for you... The TM30 is a whole other conversation and a silly process to boot but its necessary.

You will not likely put utilities in your name until you own. You simply just pay the bills.

You get your extension from immigration which requires you file the TM30. Every immigration office is different and some will only accept the application 2 weeks before or stamp (visa stamp) expires. So you worry about this requirement after you've been in town for a little while.

You will want to consider your visa options before you come. If you are 50+ you have a couple of retirement visa options available to you. Another option is Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) this will get you 9 months if you manage your border bounces correctly. Each retirement visa has different requirements and the money requirement can be a little challenging if you do have a bank account.

You will find it difficult to open a bank account, especially on a visa exempt or tourist visa. This means you will have to go to several bank branches, hire an agent, or get advice from someone who knows.

Banks are a little odd. You open an account at one branch, that becomes your home branch and other branches may not be able to help you with some of your requirements. So if you open a bank account in Bangkok and decide to live in Koh Tao, you will have some headaches at immigration getting bank paperwork, or you have to go back to Bangkok... Again this is something you will navigate when you get here and you have an opportunity to talk to other foreigners (not all of them are on this facebook face).

I think your plan should be.. Come on a tourist visa tour around Thailand find the place you want to call home for 1+ year, then look at step 2. Chaing Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok, Koh Samui, etc. Many places to visit to know the place that is best for you.