Through trial and error I have managed to work around some issues that have Required a "work permit" or non-immigrant B visa but I thought I would make this topic to brainstorm some experiences that other people have encountered and what they did to solve the issue perhaps helping others. Please share

I have been asked for a "Work Permit" for:

*Opening a Bank Account

*Getting a Drivers License

*Getting Post Pay mobile, wifi service

What if you are so independently wealthy, never need to work a day in your life and are way too young for a retirement visa?

You have no desire to invest or get married and just want to enjoy the "Land of Smiles".

What do you do to work around some of these requirements that seem illogical?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

What worked for me:

Opening a Bank Account - I did an internet search, read many forums and others experiences in Banks and branches that were more relaxed. I entered a branch, nodded yes to the person handing out the Qtickets, when my Q was called, I sat down with a bank employee, smiles from ear to ear, as he began thumbing through my passport looking for the infamous required visa/wp, I struck up conversation and laid down about 100,000b in a bank strap. Not ethical? I'm sorry but every time I use me debit card at a merchant, they make money.

Getting a Drivers License: - I went to my embassy, paid $50 for a drivers license affidavit (without appointment, I had connection) and that was sufficient in lieu of a work permit

Getting Post Pay accounts: - I haven't bothered

I now have a bank account, atm card and drivers license. I just need to sharpen up my "Thainess" and I'll blend right in, I think. I still need to get a machete, any suggestions?

My story re: 'connections' as mentioned above -- I told my Thai trucking friend the way his drivers park to unload his trucks someone might get hurt or killed.

His reply: That's OK I've got 'connections'

My reply: What if the family of the person you hurt or kill has better connections?

My story re: 'connections' as mentioned above -- I told my Thai trucking friend the way his drivers park to unload his trucks someone might get hurt or killed.

His reply: That's OK I've got 'connections'

My reply: What if the family of the person you hurt or kill has better connections?

Thank you my friend. This was just a connection to not wait for an appointment 2-3-4 weeks at the Embassy and they saw me immediately

Wot about yr visa

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

Wot about yr visa

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

The visa I had at the time was probably a 60day double entry tourist visa

WP is not a requirement for a DL. They just use it for proof of address. You used one of the other ways to 'prove' your address.

Many people get bank accounts without a WP. Nothing unusual in that.

I just need to sharpen up my "Thainess" and I'll blend right in, I think.

You can check the smug box. √

WP is not a requirement for a DL. They just use it for proof of address. You used one of the other ways to 'prove' your address.

Many people get bank accounts without a WP. Nothing unusual in that.

I just need to sharpen up my "Thainess" and I'll blend right in, I think.

You can check the smug box. √

Terry, odd thing is that the affidavit I paid $50 for doesn't even have my address on it nor did they care to see a current lease. I could of been sleeping on Sukhumvit somewhere. Just "paperwork" as others have said in other posts with no logic..

Sharp Thainess

OK! Can sharp now:

1. Buy a condominium and obtain yellow book. - Completely replaces any temporary address proofs

2. Open company, employ local people and obtain NON-B+WP - can switch to Post Paid mobile

3. Marry Thai woman and have kids with her

4. Speak fluent Thai

Edited August 22, 201312 yr by Mario2008
Thai script removed

I dont understand your comment " I struck up conversation and laid down about 100,000b in a bank strap. Not ethical? I'm sorry but every time I use me debit card at a merchant, they make money." So you paid the bank 100,000 baht fee to open an account? I opened my first account with only 5000B and they never asked for my work permit. I know several guys that opended account with out 1000B and no work permit.

The first bank account I opened ( many years ago now ) was achieved with a tourist visa and 1000bht.

I still have that same bank account today !

It really is not difficult to open a Bank account in Thailand. If one bank seem reluctant then just move on to the next bank/branch.

In my opinion it also helps to be well presented when asking bank staff to assist ! A scruffy appearance may lead to rejection !

A WP is indeed "golden" but you don't need one to open a bankaccount or obtaining a DL.

In most cases a solid proof of address will do (yellow book, house-papers, rental contract).

A WP is nothing more than a proof that you are traceable and by God.....that is so important for Thai bureaucracy.

Was this thread started from under a bridge?

I dont understand your comment " I struck up conversation and laid down about 100,000b in a bank strap. Not ethical? I'm sorry but every time I use me debit card at a merchant, they make money." So you paid the bank 100,000 baht fee to open an account? I opened my first account with only 5000B and they never asked for my work permit. I know several guys that opended account with out 1000B and no work permit.

Yes, I opened my account back when I was in the country on a 30 day visa exemption long before I took up full time residence and with a very small initial deposit. No big deal. Still have the same account.

If the O/P thinks showing a bank employee Baht 100,000 is going to wow him/her, I think the only person he impressed was himself.

You really don't have to be especially clever or ingenious to get done fairly simple things here.

Edited August 22, 201312 yr by Suradit69

A WP is indeed "golden" but you don't need one to open a bankaccount or obtaining a DL.

In most cases a solid proof of address will do (yellow book, house-papers, rental contract).

A WP is nothing more than a proof that you are traceable and by God.....that is so important for Thai bureaucracy.

Sorry I have to disagree with you. A work permit establishes that you are living here full time and have an income. Therefore

something like getting a credit card you are considered less risk compared to someone that would be here on a tourist visa, who

can just up and leave at anytime.

I dont see having a work permit as being golden. I have not seen where my work permit has helped me achieve anything I could

not get without it. I had my bank account before I had my WP. Truck was in my name before I had a WP. When I bought my truck

if I had a work permit then I could have financed it with a Thai co-signer. A person with an O visa can achive the same things as with someone

with a WP, except to work.

I agree this might have been started by someone under a bridge. He suckered me in. Every time I try to get out, I get pulled back in!!

Edited August 22, 201312 yr by ericthai

Never had a WP - have all of those things mentioned in the Op. This year I got three new Blackberries from the UK - went to True and signed up for post pay account with data to cover all three (1500/mo) just passport to prove I exist - didn't need proof of address or anything (they only used the ID page of the passport - no visa checks (didn't even turn to see it), though I was OK on Marriage "O"). Bank accounts I use letter from Immigration/Embassy - same for DL. As always with these things here - really depends who serves you on the day, different day/place/person different rules.