This morning I went into the Nang Rong Branch of the Bangkok Bank and asked if my Bangkok Bank ATM visa card could be used in Australia, as I am going back home for a couple of weeks to sort out a deceased estate. The girl at the teller window said absolutely not, then the girl at the next teller window concurred that I could not use it. I asked to speak to the manager but he was nowhere to be found but I expect a senior staff female when asked about my ATM card repeated what the 2 tellers had earlier said. Then a male staff employee piped in and said I couldn't use it in Australian ATM's. They said I would have to get a new one and that it would take 3 or 4 days for the new card. The new card according to them was the blue card not the multi-coloured card which I had. The blue card is in fact the old card and the multi-coloured card is the new one.
My wife was with me so there were no translation problems.
On a hunch I decided to go to the Bangkok Bank at the Mall in Korat where I had my account. Both ladies I spoke to said yes I can use the card in Australia but to confirm it they called an information officer at head office who spoke very good English and he confirmed that I could use it and that he would contact the Nang Rong branch and tell them what happened.
I guess my instincts took over from the rampant lose face syndrome that affects much of Thai society. Instead of saying they don't know and phoning someone who does, I spent another 5 hours in travel and the hire of a taxi. Am I frustrated, you bet I am.
Regards
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