Hello
Many thanks to all who contributed to my question concerning TIN.
Let me answer a couple of questions raised.
Why do I need a TIN : My Bank of 40 years in Europe area sent me reminder letter based on my address with them in Thailand asking me to supply them with a Thailand TIN.
Why do they need it : It is a Legal requirement for Banks in Europe, UK, Switzerland etc to have their clients advise them of their TIN for their country of residence. If they cannot obtain it from their client after some warnings accounts are suspended and then cancelled.
Did I get my TIN : Yes, this morning from Chiang Rai revenue office, very helpful staff, needed copy passport, bank book, blue house book of my girlfriend. Amazingly they came back after a few minutes to tell me I already had a TIN from some work I did in Thailand 30 to 40 years ago. This was before the age of computers so their record keeping is excellent. They updated my address and corrected my originally recorded date of birth. They gave me my upto date TIN document, laminated. No charge. Excellent. So my Europe bank sorted and I can used my Laminated TIN for proof of address etc.
I also know to open a bank in UK now besides proof of address they with ask you for a TIN, failure to supply they will not allow a new Bank Account.
Hope this helps
Regards