creating a bank account with language school ed visa in thailand impossible?

You're hitting the classic Bangkok bank wall. The issue is that most branches follow a strict "work permit or university letter" policy, but some smaller branches or newer banks are more flexible. Try Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya) in a less central area like Bang Na or Ladprao, not the Siam or Asoke branches. I've heard from a few language school students that they got accounts at CIMB Thai or TMB (now ttb) with just their ED visa and a certificate from their school, but you have to insist on speaking to the branch manager. Also, having a friend who already has an account at that branch can sometimes help if they refer you, so ask around your classmates.

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yeah it's a pain but it's not impossible. try a branch that's inside a university if you can get in, like the kasikorn or bangkok bank at chulalongkorn or thammasat. they're used to students and don't freak out about ed visas as much. also if you have a thai friend who can come with you and vouch, that helps a ton even if the bank says they don't need it.

another trick is to go to a branch that's inside a big mall like central world or siam paragon but not the main banking floor - the little kiosks or desks on other floors sometimes have different rules. i know someone who got one at scb in central rama 2 just by being persistent and showing her school cert + a local sim card bill in her name. also bangkok bank on sukhumvit 71 near on nut bts is known to be chill with ed visa students if you catch the right teller, just avoid monday mornings when it's chaos.

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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