I'm going to stay in thai for a year with my thai gf.I really need to work out what to do bank wise, is it better to take alot of travellers checks or open an account with a certain bank,every time i withdraw money i get stung with bank charges.In a year it would really mount up.And what is the best visa to apply for as i want to stay for maybe a year and don't want to have to do loads of visa runs all the time.

thanks alot Ben.........

p.s i'm english

Nationwide flexaccount-good interbank rate-NO Charges and I take out usually up to Bt 20,000 a day  (beer money-from currant a/c)but can be increasedd.

Easy Internet a/c with no transfer fees.

HSBC-Rip Off,RBS-Rip Off.Halifax-Rip Off.Smile-Rip Off,and dont even think of BBs-Nat.West.BOS etc....I have/ tried them all.RIP-OFFs---Argggg...

Visa .Try and get an multi "O" or if poss. "B"(if you intend to work)other wise a tourist to get started. :cool:

PS I DO NOT work for N/W.

Thanks alot i'll open an account with nationwide,i think.how long does a visa'o' last for?thanks Ben...............

First for short holidays-Visa on Arrival....must have return Ticket

TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION

- According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 6 February B.E.2538 (1995) and 8 December B.E. 2541 (1998), and updated December 2002, passport holders from some countries do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes if their stay in the Kingdom does not exceed 30 days.

- The applicant must possess instrument of means of living expenses 10,000 per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.

- Please also be advised that passport holders from some countries who intend to engage in certain activities are requested to apply for a visa before entering the Kingdom.

Those who come in without visa can extend the stay for additional 10 days.

Change of visa status to Non-Immigrant visa can not be done..

Next one for longer stays:

Tourist visa, Thailand

You apply for a tourist visa at the nearest Thai Embassy or consulate abroad.

A tourist visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended another 30 days.

Duration of first permit :

Upon entering the country, as warranted by a tourist visa, permission will be granted for 60 days.

Duration of extension :

Normally, if the applicant wants to continue touring the country, an extension may be granted for not more than 30 days.

Additional extension:

Normally, the Immigration will extend your Tourist visa once again for an additional 10 days. Fee 500 baht.  

For non Immigrant "o" "A" and others visa-check out:

http://www.thaivisa.com/278.0.html

http://www.thaivisa.com/275.0.html

if you intend to work you must have a non Immigrant "B"

Chok dee na krup

:cool: