What is the easiest method to initially deposit funds when opening a bank account in Thailand?

@Brandon ***********

Like I wrote before: all agents have discontinued to open bank accounts on tourist visa and visa-exempt, and also have discontinued to make it possible for people to apply for Non-Imm O Retirement visa change if they are on touristic entries . . . . . New regulations in effect since February 1st . . this was posted by Tik Tok today, Maneerat. F.S Consulting and Mot's have confirmed . . .

By far your biggest problem will be opening a bank account in the first place.

Cash is always the easiest and withdrawable instantly! And other methods will have a wait period.

Cash Is the best , but Is Better change in BKK or CNX (Not in a bank) 😉

Wise takes only 1 minute to transfer your money 😊

Transfer via Wise

If you bring cash be sure to bring new unblemished bank notes. You should be able to order them ahead of time at your bank.

I use direct bank transfers from my US bank to my Thai bank account. My US bank doesn’t charge for international transfers but I’m sure I’m probably not getting the best exchange rate.

A couple of years after I got here I tried to set up a Wise account. It was a disaster and I don’t use Wise. I know others love Wise. What I am suggesting is that you make sure you have a back up plan by using a US bank that allows you to do international wire transfers.

You should also have two US bank accounts each with a credit card. If one credit card get hacked or frozen then you have a source of funds from the other credit card. I have a US Credit Union account that doesn’t do international wire transfers but I have access to that money through the credit card.

Usually bank wire is cheaper for larger amounts. Bank fees for sending wire transactions vary. Check with your bank and do the arithmetic to see if wire or Wise is cheaper for the amount you are transferring. For me, break even is about ฿150k but your mileage will vary.

Cash to open... Then transfer anyway you like

I brought cash for my initial bank deposit the day that I opened my Bangkok Bank account, but since then I use Wise as the rates are very competitive. Now I can draw money from ATM free of charge. No more 220 baht a time fee

I think depends on status in thailand. If for family reason, can transfer large amount, and of course they will ask reason.

Wise has a comparison tool that tells you which is the best option at the time you are transferring. It is not always Wise (but often is).

Speaking of Wise . What's the maximum amount you can transfer in 1 go. ??

Sorry for invading your post Joseph

Take 500 or 1000 baht cash to open account, then use wise to to transfer larger amounts

and if you use WISE, and need the transfer to be coded as having come from abroad, you need to pick the correct reason for the transfer when asked by WISE. Because WISE normally uses their Thai account for the last step, so it will be coded by your Thai bank as having come from inside Thailand

I use wise to transfer money. Think that might be a good option.