With instability here unlikely to yield before THE WEDDING

Any ides guys

SCB want 2% to deposit into aUS$ account that pays virtually nothing

To withdraw it again is 4% so

I would need over 416,ooo baht frozen unuseable just to have the funds in aThai bank

Of course with e risk exchange rate can fluctuate any day if not pegged maybe need extra 5-10?% to be sure it doesnt go under the magic line while sick asleep etc

So looks nearer 45ok tied up and useless

Is there a better way please?

Apparently you are talking about the money required for an extension of stay based upon marriage. There is no need to keep it in a US dollar account. In fact, that is risky due to fluctuations in the currencies involved.

Place it in a fixed term or regular savings account in Thai Baht and you just get nailed for the currency conversion once. This would not be "frozen and unusable" other than you shouldn't touch it during the time leading up to your annual renewal. If you have provable income you do not need to deposit that much (if any).

This thread probably should be in the Visa/WP etc section as it will get attention from people more "in the know" than I am.

TMB No Fixed account 2.5% interest, allow 2 withdrawal any amount per month no penalty, 3rd cost 50bht, good for visa funds

Bangkok Bank 3.5% fixed deposit account money held for 5 months, minimum 200,000bht not good for visa funds

Bangkok Bank 5 month fixed deposit account should be fine for Immigration visa funds as you have access to it at any time and is a cash account. All you lose if withdrawn is the interest.

Bangkok Bank 3.5% fixed deposit account money held for 5 months, minimum 200,000bht not good for visa funds

It is good for visa funds. Fixed accounts are fine.

http://www.bloomberg...-12-months.html

DBS's Wee Forecasts Thai Baht to Rise 8.8 Percent in 12 Months

If SCB are charging that much you are with the wrong bank.

http://www.bangkokbank.com/Bangkok%20Bank/Personal%20Banking/Transaction%20Accounts/Foreign%20Currency%20Account/pages/fcd%20fees.aspx

0.25% fee on deposits and TT withdrawals.

1% fee if you withdraw USD's in crispy Greenbacks.

But I suggest you put in in a five month deposit at the BKK bank unless you need to access the cash after the three month fermentation period is over, in which case the TMB at 2.5% is a good deal.

Bangkok Bank 3.5% fixed deposit account money held for 5 months, minimum 200,000bht not good for visa funds

It is good for visa funds. Fixed accounts are fine.

http://www.bloomberg...-12-months.html

DBS's Wee Forecasts Thai Baht to Rise 8.8 Percent in 12 Months

WOW !! Brilliant

http://www.bloomberg...-12-months.html

DBS's Wee Forecasts Thai Baht to Rise 8.8 Percent in 12 Months

For every expert that says 'up' there is another that says 'down" and one more that says "no change". And they are probably all wrong.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-11/baht-falls-on-concern-central-bank-will-intervene-to-curb-gains.html

It looks like CIMB have a 6 month account paying 3.8% (AER) that may be suitable for visa money.