zok7

9 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

Yes you can. Just look through the banks websites for the conditions.

As an example;

 

.http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/PersonalBanking/SpecialServices/ForeignCustomers/Pages/Account.aspx
Even if you are in Thailand for only a short visit, you can open a savings account and get a debit card, which are convenient and cost-effective ways to manage your everyday finances.

A Bangkok Bank savings account is the first step to accessing our products and services. Savings accounts are passbook-based and you can also apply for a Be1st Debit card, which can be used at ATMs and to make purchases.

 

Tourists include the following visa types: Tourist, Transit, Visa on Arrival, Exemption Visa, Non-Immigrant MT
and S.

 

This is fantastic news. Presumably they have branches all over Thailand or is this a Bangkok thing?

Thanks so much people. I didn't think it was possible to get a bank account on a non-working visa anymore but will give it a shot.

Final question, can anyone recommend me a good place to search for apartments. houses etc. I've been looking on siamrealestate.com but if anyone knows any better ones - all they seem to have is Phuket or Pattaya and I'd rather live somewhere a little less seedy.

The last time I was in Thailand I spent most of my time on various islands to the east. Koh Chang, Samui, etc.  Are these areas more expensive to rent a decent place? I'm after 2 bedrooms not too far from the beach with a pool. Creature comforts as I'm not 21 anymore. Somewhere fairly peaceful but with bars not to far when the mood takes me. 

(edit - ah just seen the separate areas on the forum for this question. Thanks all the same.)

Thanks for the advice people.

As a follow up question. If I can't get a visa it looks unlikely I can get a thai bank account. What's the best practice for getting money from a UK bank account into Thai Baht ready to spend? I here Credit Cards/Debit Cards charge and then the Thai ATM's charge on top. How expensive is it? And is there a way round getting stung like this?

Hi there,

I was wondering if people could offer me some general advise I can't seem to find on the internet. I'm a UK citizen and I work remotely over the internet and was wondering if I can get a work permit in Thailand. The work doesn't involve Thailand or Thai people. I'd be being paid from the UK into a uk bank account but would be willing to pay Thai tax. Can I do this? The reason I ask is I want to rent a place for 6 months or so in Phuket but I'd worry that if I didn't get the second 3 month tourist visa I wouldn't be able to return to my flat.