When I first arrived in Thailand, I lost my bank card immediately. It was a huge problem. I just always thought I wouldn't be able to set up a Thai account, so I didn't for about two years. Now I have accounts in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the USA and the UK. And working on more! I think it's a lot easier to just have a local account for things so I set them up all the time. Honestly if you want something you will find a way to do it. And if you don't want it enough you will find a lot of excuses. But getting an account in Thailand is easy, it just takes persistence. I tell you the banks to use and avoid, and what to say when you want to open an account in Thailand. Stay emPowered, Beck