Can I apply for Long Stay O-A visas in Australia using an Australian bank account and claim my wife as a dependant?

Question

I am reposting this... initially posted on wrong FB page.

Hi, My wife and I have just returned from 3 weeks in Chiang Mai and are in the process of selling our house and then obtaining Long Stay O-A [retirement] visas.
My questions :
If we apply for this visa in Australia and we do not have a Thai bank account... will the provision of an Australian bank account with the required amount be acceptable.
This money will not be in the bank for the required 60 days.

Also do we have to apply separately or can I claim my wife [age 58] as a dependant and thus avoid double financials.

Some of these questions have been answered but I was also told this is the correct forum and answers will be better informed

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user is seeking guidance on applying for Long Stay O-A visas for retirement while still in Australia. They inquire if an Australian bank account can be used instead of a Thai account for visa financial requirements and if they can claim their spouse as a dependant to avoid double financial requirements. Responses clarify that it is permissible to use an Australian bank account without a seasoning requirement when applying from Australia, and they recommend both individuals apply separately for the O-A visa to maximize benefits.

Mickie ********** · Answer

I followed your posts on the other site. Good advice/input there

Tod ********* · Answer

I would say that seeing as you both are over 50, that you each should apply for the year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa (even though that means you both meet the financial requirements)

I say that because that visa allows for unlimited entries for the year it's valid for and each entry gets you stamped in for a whole completely new year. Unfortunately there is no companion visa that allows that which is available for a trailing spouse to get.

That O-A visa is worth it's weight in gold because you can get two years of stay in country out of a one year visa.

Judy ********** · Answer

I'm following your thread Larry, if you doing mind. 😊[mention redacted]g

Tod ********* · Answer

Do not confuse the requirements to get a year long extension of stay from the immigration office INSIDE the country (that requires banked money be in a thai account and that it be seasoned the requisite amount of time) with the requirements to get a year long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa from a thai consulate in Australia (that does NOT require the banked money to be in a thai bank and does not have a seasoning requirement either)

Can I apply for Long Stay O-A visas in Australia using an Australian bank account and claim my wife as a dependant?

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