In USA, we can use our cc or debit cards and earn miles. Does anyone do the same in Thailand with their Thai bank account?

Does citibank count? They have the premium miles card for airline miles. Afaik, you need to be a resident of Thailand.

Does citibank count? They have the premium miles card for airline miles. Afaik, you need to be a resident of Thailand.

 

By resident, do you mean working here? Or, on your way to being a Thai citizen?

By resident, do you mean working here? Or, on your way to being a Thai citizen?

 

non-B visa and work permit or non-o visa and annual retirement extension satisfies "long stay" status for both Citi and AMEX Thai Baht denominated platinum cards, though these are usually "invitation only" (invitations issued liberally once you pop up in their marketing databases) but usually also requiring 1Mil (AMEX) - 3Mil (Citi) Thai Bht in a Thai bank. AMEX has a Thai Airways co-branded platinum card where "points" earned can only be converted to Thai miles but you also get bonus points/miles for charging Thai tickets to the card, otherwise AFAIK both offer platinum cards where "points" can be converted to Thai miles or used for other local business services - I don't know if either issues non-platinum THB denominated cards to non-Thai residents in Thailand with lower money in the bank requirements

 

local Thai banks usually give away debit cards to falung as easily as ATM cards but with few if any benefits, but credit cards for falung are more difficult even for "long stay" falung, usually full payment on statement and/or requiring a term deposit or insurance policy to cover the  max value of the cards, most local credit cards earn "points" but not sure if any can be exchanged for Thai miles

 

as always with Thai banks , your mileage may vary!

 

bkkguy

bkkguy, thank you.  Great information.