Whats that obsession anyway of getting a thai bank account?
Imho its completely useless one unless one will spend prolonged and extended time there (many months of every single year) which will raise the question of getting an adequate visa anyway which in turn will make opening an account like a walk in the park.
*The currency is pretty much useless outside of its region, not on an african level but not that much away from it either.
*General transaction amounts are low due to low level of income/wealth of the vast majority.
*No place for offshore banking due to being a somewhat closed currency.
*Inflation incoming in 2024 and thereafter due to certain plans proposed starting early next year.
So what good is it for? Same goes for an account in Cambodia,Malaysia or Laos etc.
Everything you said is true, but the reality is that a Thai bank account can still have its place in your offshoring arsenal.
For instance, they generally have no comissions (or laughable ones), very low minimum balance requirements, and you get a debit card that you can use anywhere in the world (online and in ATMs).
Yes, inflation can be a problem, but it can also be used to your advantage. The Thai baht has always been relatively stable anyways, fluctuating (predictably) around the 1USD = 35 baht mark. It is also a relatively strong currency in the region, making that Thai debit card very useful in Vietnam, Laos, etc.
I agree that this may change next year with the threat of inflation due to the new rules though. We'll just have to wait and see.