@Wabi *****

not with Wise, need a local bank account for that, or a bank account from a country in the region that participates in the QR system, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong I believe can pay with Thai PromptPay QR. I think PromptPay is also cross-compatible with UnionPay QR in China but AliPay and WeChat are more common there. KB wallet from Korea.

@Ph**

there are still things your bank may want you to go back to the original branch for. Like if you have to get a new card, or this new biometric thing. I do think it's better to open one where you are, if possible.

@Kim ********

I agree with you though a foreigner on a DTV is not likely on Thai minimum wage and a few thousand shouldn't be a deal-breaker to get a bank account open if necessary. They probably can get it open for less themselves if they are willing to spend the time on it but will still probably have to pay for the residence cert. Agent could reduce the wait from several months to a few days.

@Kim ********

that's not the median income, that site is not reliable. Average wage is only 15,000 THB/month. Official stats from the BOT here:

@Van****

it depends on the immigration office. Historically in Chiang Mai you could get a residence certificate even on a visa exempt entry without a rental contract, my first one years ago I just had to give my address, didn't need any contract at all. Different provinces have different requirements, in some an agent can make it easier.

Residence certificate is just a statement of your address from immigration, it has nothing to do with any official residence status. You may also be able to get this from your home country embassy, some will do it, some won't.

@Wabi *****

you don't need a work permit for a bank account, it's just one option, if you don't have a work permit you need to show something else like a residence certificate or embassy letter. Everyone on a retirement extension has a Thai bank account but you can't get a work permit on that either.

You need to try multiple banks (ask which branch in your location) or just pay an agent to do it for you.

@Har****

one of the stated criteria for opening a bank account is a reference letter from a trusted individual such as an existing bank customer. I wouldn't be surprised if money is involved but it's *possible* that agents are merely providing this and don't actually have to pay for it, as this is an official criteria.

@Sa***

yes, the work needs to be from outside Thailand

@Den***

you should check out Shopee, it's mostly local shops. Much larger range and lower prices too.

@Batuh ***

I've seen reports of people from developing countries who have got it.