Trek800

I think EU (Schengen) and UK should introduce same system for Thais what Canada already have. If Thai Citizen who owns biometric passport have had Schengen/UK Visitor visa in last 10 years then they should be available to apply for ETIAS or ETA for the UK.

No restrictions coming from Surat Thani to BKK. When going back, I would rent a car and drive to Surat. Last week I drove from Chiang Rai to Nakhon Si Thammarat and didnt see any manned checkpoints after Phayao/Phrae border or around that area.

I'm using CIMB and very happy with their service. Branches are never crowded because not many people are using this bank I guess. Withdraw money from any ATM in Thailand without fee (might be free only 2 times per month) and transfer money to any Thai bank account for free from my IOS app.