Can I apply for an O-A visa while still in the UK, and do I need a Thai bank account for financial proof?

Okay, as posters said, you apply for the O-A visa in your country before you wing your way here. It requires a police back ground check, a medical certificate, proof you meet the financial requirements (800K baht or the equivalent in a bank account or proof you get 65K baht a month or the equivalent in income each month) AND proof you have the 40K/400K baht out/in-patient health insurance.

The visa is good for a year, good for unlimited entries with each entry getting you stamped in for a up to a year (or as long as your insurance is valid for).

You also need to meet the current entry requirements to get into thailand too once you have that visa sticker in your passport.

You can only apply for an OA visa from your home country or country that you have legal residency. If that’s the UK then yes you can. You can either provide proof of funds from a Thai bank if you have one or from a local UK bank to the equivalent of 800k. Once you have the visa and enter Thailand to get an extension in country you’d need to show the funds in a Thai bank in your name only. Plus medical insurance as you’d have entered on a OA visa rather than a Non O.

Terry please post that question in the group James has linked to. I’m in the same position as you so maybe we can help each other.

As you are in the UK may I suggest you also ask your OA visa questions in the UK based group. Very helpful... /

YES to your first question... I asked if I could apply for an O-A visa whilst still in the UK......And to your second question.....Do I have to have a Thai bank account (NO)...or can I prove that I have the necessary funds in a UK bank...(YES)