Buriram immigration office?

[iammike]

CO-CO « on: Today at 11:28:08 AM »
decided to apply to BKB in Buriram for Foreign Currency Accounts

Totally OT, and we can take it to another thread, but what is the benefit of having a Foreign Currency Account in Thailand?  This is an honest question.

Immediate availability of funds to switch to Baht when the rate is favourable.

+1, or having to close your account at your Home Country Bank because you are not a resident anymore

[KhunG]

CO-CO « on: Today at 11:28:08 AM »
decided to apply to BKB in Buriram for Foreign Currency Accounts

Totally OT, and we can take it to another thread, but what is the benefit of having a Foreign Currency Account in Thailand?  This is an honest question.

Immediate availability of funds to switch to Baht when the rate is favourable.

+1, or having to close your account at your Home Country Bank because you are not a resident anymore

Okay, on the immediate availability of funds, does that switch of funds count for visa extension purposes, or do those funds have to come directly from overseas?

On the second, my home country doesn't require residence to have an account.  Thanks for the replies.

[iammike]

<snIp>

On the second, my home country doesn't require residence to have an account.  Thanks for the replies.

Offtopic.

@KhunG, I have no idea which country you are from, but in the country where I am from, a lot of NON-Residents are being asked to close their accounts at their Bank mostly because they don't live there anymore.
(This maybe is because of the forming of the Banking Union and could start effecting other EU countries as well.)

This was in the news last week

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2016/11/amro-abn-amro-to-close-the-accounts-of-15000-people-who-live-outside-europe/

[CO-CO]

<snIp>

On the second, my home country doesn't require residence to have an account.  Thanks for the replies.

Offtopic.

@KhunG, I have no idea which country you are from, but in the country where I am from, a lot of NON-Residents are being asked to close their accounts at their Bank mostly because they don't live there anymore.
(This maybe is because of the forming of the Banking Union and could start effecting other EU countries as well.)

This was in the news last week

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2016/11/amro-abn-amro-to-close-the-accounts-of-15000-people-who-live-outside-europe/

I have 4 UK bank accounts and 6 UK credit cards.

I haven't lived there for nearly 10 years.

My advice to any expat coming to Thailand is to retain a home country address, bank account and credit card.

No UK bank now offers current accounts for expats.

[iammike]

<snIp>

On the second, my home country doesn't require residence to have an account.  Thanks for the replies.

Offtopic.

@KhunG, I have no idea which country you are from, but in the country where I am from, a lot of NON-Residents are being asked to close their accounts at their Bank mostly because they don't live there anymore.
(This maybe is because of the forming of the Banking Union and could start effecting other EU countries as well.)

This was in the news last week

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2016/11/amro-abn-amro-to-close-the-accounts-of-15000-people-who-live-outside-europe/

I have 4 UK bank accounts and 6 UK credit cards.

I haven't lived there for nearly 10 years.

To the best of my knowledge  UK isn't part of the Banking Union, and also with the BREXIT, I doubt you guys will follow the EU Banking Rules. But I have the same back in Europe (only less credit cards namely 1 ) , and I moved out in 2008, but I'm maybe forced to close one of my accounts. I am waiting for the letter where the bank ask me to do so.

Edit: But this very much offtopic and (if) the letter arrives I will scan it and post it with of course a translation

[DeputyDavid]

Coco did you meet any resistance at Buriram BKB??  I did. I had to go to head office and open one there.  The problem was they wanted leter of residence from Immigration which as we know they don't just hand out. Even with yellow book which they refused to acknowledge.

[BillH52]

I have several friends who utilize a mail forwarding service in their home country;  they are furnished with an actual street address for their mailing address; then, packages and mail is forwarded to them anywhere in the world.

[CO-CO]

Coco did you meet any resistance at Buriram BKB??  I did. I had to go to head office and open one there.  The problem was they wanted leter of residence from Immigration which as we know they don't just hand out. Even with yellow book which they refused to acknowledge.

DD - see my post above.

BKB (incorrectly according to their website) asked for a certificate of residence but don't issue letters that BI seem to ask for.

I obtained a certificate after forcefully requesting one from immigration.The account is in the course of being opened.

The staff were actually very polite and efficient - up to the level of their knowledge. More training required.

Prakhonchai Nick (who actually goes a step further by having having permanent residence) has received a semi-apology from BKB head office and has been asked to go back to the branch to see a specified member of staff (to complete the account opening).

[DeputyDavid]

Coco did you get that account after all?  I remember I had to also get a letter of reference from the branch I opened my account at originally.

[CO-CO]

Coco did you get that account after all?  I remember I had to also get a letter of reference from the branch I opened my account at originally.

Yes, sorted DD.

The girls are lovely in Bangkok Bank and I found them very helpful.

As in many cases in Thailand there are issues with knowledge and training. Prakhonchai Nick and I knew more about their products than they did. That said, I have to say that BKB, Buriram and Kasikorn Bank, Prakhonchai are the best  banks that I have experienced in Thailand.

[buckwhelk]

At the end of the day, Tod, much of what you try to push upon people is nothing but you trying to prove something about your manhood.

What you fail to see is that most expats live here because they want to. They enjoy living here and wish to continue to do so. If that involves a bitof hoop jumping once a year then so be it. It is a small sacrifice.

I for one would rather you did not go to Buriram Immigration flexing your metaphorical muscules and exercising your inflated ego. It could, and would most likely, have a negative effect for the rest of the expat community here in Buriram.

Totally agree on all your points Starman

[BillH52]

Arrived @ BI this afternoon, about 1:30 for my first 90 day renewal.  3 minutes later, my passport was returned to me with visit completed.  How cool is that!

[DeputyDavid]

Way cool!!

[nookiebear]

Way cool!!

A nice cool 18 degrees here right now

[DeputyDavid]

When you open a currency account and make a minimum deposit BKK Bank sends you a nifty gold VIP card in the mail. Thinking it was a gimmick I showed it to the greeter who then took my documents completed all forms for my transaction and called another girl over to explain the card. She said no waiting. You go direct to first desk or window one or six. You are VIP. SO don't throw those cards away. They really do help.