@Ray ****

The HQ branch at TTB Bank – Phaholyothin Head Office accepted my documents, but the head office was the one that denied my bank account application. Since opening a payroll account is not possible for DTV visa holders, I believe this is a clear case of discrimination that I’ve noticed in the Thai system. I first recognized this issue when people from Middle Eastern countries applied for a Thai visa—we all saw it, actually. I’m from the edge of the Middle East and Europe, and I didn’t like it at all. Whether or not the bank account is approved, no foreign national should be treated differently, especially when they are granted a 5-year visa.

Now, I’m looking into digital nomad visas in the Philippines and Uruguay. I advise everyone to be cautious before handing over their hard-earned $400 for a Thai visa application.