Peter60

We ran mini-marathons in Isaan over the last 2 years. The competitions are well-managed, and the camaraderie is good. I always feel welcome as a farang sharing an event with Thais. I run for pleasure rather than trophies or prize money but this year several events have advertised that prize money is only for Thai competitors not FOREIGNERS. Farangs can compete but will not share any prizes, even finishing first, second or third. I want to ask this forum is this legal?

Transferring to another bank is straightforward but time consuming. Open a new account with your new bank, you will need to open a current account. The Fixed deposit savings account only lasts for a certain period, perhaps 6 months then reverts to lower savings rate, which means opening new accounts every year! You need money in your account showing for 3 months before, so in your case 800,000 bht. After renewal you can keep 400,000, but no one checks this, you can use the money in a short-term savings or invest for 9 months, lend to others or spend on your beloved. The system was introduced to prevent Visa agents loaning large amounts for the sake of 1 day, but in this area, a Visa agent can still renew for the cost of 19,000 bht and you get to use your money as you wish. As others have suggested better to keep your 800,000 in a pot of money with small interest but there as a "rainy day account" if you need it.

If you are in the Provinces, best advice is to phone your local hospital and ask for the current vaccination programme. For example Maha Sarakham has 2 vaccination clinics, based at the university campuses and you can walk in, register and have vaccination on the same day. Currently it is Sinovac for first injection and I was promised Astra Zeneca for the second injection. No alcohol for 3 days after the jab, so you might want to avoid Friday clinic days.