Monthly FAQ thread for October, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

Hi folks,

The following types of questions should be posted into this thread - any standalone posts of this kind posted outside this thread will be removed, with a moderation comment asking the author to repost to this thread:

• Questions about visas/immigration (including 90-day reporting, TM30, DTV, etc) - if they aren't answered here, try Asean Now's immigration forum.
• Questions about banking (including transfers) and/or investing (including crypto)
• Questions about working in Thailand or starting a business in Thailand
• Questions about taxes in Thailand (including import duties / customs charges)
• Questions about studying in Thailand, including questions about universities and schools, where to study, what to study, grants and scholarships
• Questions about moving to Thailand in general
• Questions about Thai Citizenship or Permanent Residence - but you should probably read this site first.
• Questions about where to live, whether and how to buy/rent property in Thailand
• Questions about where to get particular medicines, supplements or medical treatments (including cosmetic)
• Questions about medical insurance
• Questions about cannabis, kratom or other legal drugs (posts asking where to get illegal drugs will be removed)
• Questions about vapes and vaping and the legality thereof

If you have any questions along the lines of any of the above topics, you're in the right place! You can ask away in the comments below, but first, have a read below - and search the sub - it has most likely been answered already.

Please also us know below if you have suggestions for other frequent topics - including links to recent posts on those topics to demonstrate their frequency. If the moderators agree that we're seeing an excessive number of posts on a given topic, we'll add that topic to the list above.

Any other suggestions? Let us know below!

[u/theburmesegamer275]

I'm trying to get an ED Visa through language, and would like to know if any school is good in Bangkok.

[u/EnvironmentalFee1136]

Hello!
I am pondering about buying stationary such pens, markers and stretch notebooks from Amazon USA to Phuket since I haven't had any luck with Kinokuniya, Loft or B2S to get those art supplies. Even though Amazon provides paying import taxes I am hesitant because I am worried that I will have to deal with some little bureaucracy or gray area. Could anybody be so kind as to provide me with some guidance. I really appreciate any input. Thank you!

[u/Training-Quarter-911]

Hi everyone, I am currently on DTV working online but I am not sure how much longer my job will last, I would just like to know how possible it would be to get some kind of work in Thailand, I do plan on marrying my girlfriend in the future which could lead to getting PR but I am still unsure on what kind of work I could get here. I dont have a degree if that helps when answering. Just looking for any advice, thanks guys.

[u/Any_Maintenance9161]

Hello! ANYONE WITH ADVICE on PROCESSING GOVERNMENT CHEQUES?

The Govt of Canada sent me a CANADIAN GOV'TCHEQUE to assist because of Direct Deposit difficulties.

I tried 3 separate Thai banks. Each bank refused to process the Canadian Government cheque.

Does anyone know of a Thai bank that will process a Canadian PENSION cheque?

Anyone with a solution please?

Thank you for listening. Bill in Rayong

[u/Evening_Tradition500 → u/Any_Maintenance9161]

Hi Bill, a few things that may help:

1. Ask for “foreign cheque collection,” not cashing. Thai banks rarely cash foreign cheques over the counter, but larger branches (e.g., Bangkok Bank main branches) can send it for collection. Go to the bank where you already hold an account. Funds are credited only after the Canadian side pays, so expect a few weeks plus a fee. Some banks may require your account to be older than about 6 months.
2. Long-term fix: Thailand IS on the Government of Canada’s direct deposit list, paid in Thai baht straight into your Thai account. Re-enrol via My Service Canada Account (OAS) or Service Canada / International Benefits (CPP) using the Foreign Direct Deposit Enrolment Form for Thailand. Until that’s done, you can also ask them to issue cheques in THB instead of CAD, which are much easier to deposit here.
3. If you still have a Canadian bank account, ask whether you can deposit the cheque through their mobile app. Source: canada.ca, “Managing Canadian pensions and benefits outside Canada.”