Rolo89

I didn't say it has clean air or good pavements? But Vietnam is a lot cheaper and it's closeness to the coast makes the air a lot better than Thailand. Although yes all the factories near HCMC etc does often give toxic days. Most of the country is green at the moment. Meanwhile Thailand is orange

Thailand is eastern european price with awful air quality, death trap pavements and scams everywhere. Not suprised people are going to countries that represent value.

Thanks, having no luck in BKK. Will try elsewhere!

What bank and what branch? I'll try it

When was this though? I know people that opened them at the end of 2024 without issues, then it got more difficult but people could still open with agents. But in April 2025 agents aren't even taking money to help open accounts as they can't.

It is uniquely Thai - a visa that allows you to stay long term and be a tax resident. But also makes it very difficult to get banking. In other countries if you have the visa to live for 5 years then banking is not an issue at all. Like a Thai living in the UK for 5 years would have no issues with walking into just about any bank and getting an account, or use one of the many neobanks to sign up online in 5 mins.

Thais can open a UK bank account if they have a visa to reside in the UK for years. Foreigners in Thailand with a 5 year DT visa can't easily. They could last year and earlier in the year with an agent. But right now in April 2025 it's difficult.

I told the full story. I'm not a retirement visa but a DT visa.

I think marriage and retirement visa makes it easier, DTV is basically a tourist visa. They've been burnt with too many dodgy people and are worried about fines.

Tried a dozen branches now (in expat areas), they all say no and try each other. Spoke to an agent a few weeks ago and they said it was possible but would have to travel to Pattaya. Then the next day said their bank (Bangkok bank) in Pattaya was no longer accepting foreigners and they would be back in contact when they were. Heard nothing since. So think even agents can't help at the moment. It used to be possible if you bought an expensive product from the bank, but apparently not anymore.

Foreign cards, but it would be nice to pay by QR code

On the DTV and was planning on paying Thai tax, but since tightening the rules on banking it's impossible to get a bank account until you have a work permit. My DTV allows working for my foreign company remotely in Thailand, but how can they expect me to pay Thai tax if I'm not even allowed to open a bank account?

A shame, leaves the others with more power in the market. Which is what they want and then can increase prices.

I'm more concerned about the safety of the thousands of high rises that are being left to those with vested interests to check if they're safe!

Yes it's very worrying all the buildings they've declared are perfectly safe from a quick check. There could be another earthqake at any time and these already weakened buildings might not fare so well.