IRS; We are going to get ours regardless of where you are

[Karee 4,191]

Have you tried opening a local account at any of the large international banks that have a presence in Thailand? There are US based Institutions with local presence in Thailand. Since US based institutions have the compliance issues around US regulations largely worked out, perhaps it's easier to establish local bank account through them?

I was ready to tell you that's impossible in Thailand, because it used to be. Their banking laws are/were very restrictive concerning foreign banks. However, I just looked it up and Citibank is offering full banking services in Bangkok. I'll need to look into that. Wish I would've known sooner since I leave for Thailand tomorrow.

It would be funny if Citibank in Bangkok turned me away because I'm American.

[Karee 4,191]

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/jamaica/231771/PDFs/ice_form_i_210.pdf

Is that an attempt at a humorous version of "America. Love it or leave it!"

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I was ready to tell you that's impossible in Thailand, because it used to be. Their banking laws are/were very restrictive concerning foreign banks. However, I just looked it up and Citibank is offering full banking services in Bangkok. I'll need to look into that. Wish I would've known sooner since I leave for Thailand tomorrow.

It would be funny if Citibank in Bangkok turned me away because I'm American.

Yes, it would be. Wouldn't make any sense if they did, however, since they have to deal with US regulations all over the world as it is.

ETA: Enjoy your trip!

Edited April 9, 2014 by Mr. Big Dog

[Robby999 1,024]

Is that an attempt at a humorous version of "America. Love it or leave it!"

No, that would be post #12. My post was aimed more along the line of " maybe by enforcing immigration laws and perhaps lightening the load on social programs that should be used an a safety net instead of a career choice, then the gov wouldn't have to scrounge for every dime they can locate to keep their socialist dream alive.

[Karee 4,191]

Yes, it would be. Wouldn't make any sense if they did, however, since they have to deal with US regulations all over the world as it is.

ETA: Enjoy your trip!

So I called Citibank in Thailand and it looks like they have what I need. I'm meeting with them Friday. Also, they have a few Citibank branches here in the Dallas area, so this could turn out to be super cool. My big concern is if I can transfer money to other banks in Thailand, and he said that isn't a problem, although it may take a day or two, which is fine with me.

Thanks for posting the idea. I never thought to revisit it, since I tried it once before and they said no because it was only an investment banking branch in Thailand. That was in 2005 though.

[Karee 4,191]

No, that would be post #12. My post was aimed more along the line of " maybe by enforcing immigration laws and perhaps lightening the load on social programs that should be used an a safety net instead of a career choice, then the gov wouldn't have to scrounge for every dime they can locate to keep their socialist dream alive.

I've come to realize that no matter what, they're going to make every attempt to get every penny they can, whether they have a 16 trillion dollar debt, or a 16 trillion dollar surplus. It's in their nature. Like the scorpion/frog thing.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

No, that would be post #12. My post was aimed more along the line of " maybe by enforcing immigration laws and perhaps lightening the load on social programs that should be used an a safety net instead of a career choice, then the gov wouldn't have to scrounge for every dime they can locate to keep their socialist dream alive.

And lighting the load on being the world police and so much foreign aid

[Karee 4,191]

So an update. I went into the Bangkok Bank Emporium branch locked and loaded with all kinds of paperwork (as well as my good looks) ready to argue with them about why they have to open an account for me. I printed out all the paperwork from their website saying it was no problem. Turns out I didn't need any of that. They said no problem, here's your passbook and visa debit card. I applied for internet banking as well, and should have the PIN at my MILs address next week. Another VJ member tried the same thing at the same bank (different branch) last week, and was told to buzz off immediately. He didn't get far.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

So an update. I went into the Bangkok Bank Emporium branch locked and loaded with all kinds of paperwork (as well as my good looks) ready to argue with them about why they have to open an account for me. I printed out all the paperwork from their website saying it was no problem. Turns out I didn't need any of that. They said no problem, here's your passbook and visa debit card. I applied for internet banking as well, and should have the PIN at my MILs address next week. Another VJ member tried the same thing at the same bank (different branch) last week, and was told to buzz off immediately. He didn't get far.

Seems your good looks put you at an advantage.