Can I use funds from my UK bank account to obtain an O-A visa in Thailand, and what are the requirements for extending it?

@Massimo ********

There is absolutely nothing wrong with standing up for yourself. If the immigration office doesn't understand the rule, stand up for yourself. It's true, this is Thailand, and it's their rules, but the immigration office can not change the rules for different people.

I think this post have gone long enough, and I'm closing comments

@Ellie ******

it’s personal account

@Ellie ******

current account, like any other account, money can withdraw with atm and can use phone app and cheque book. Rejected. They wanted a saving account with passbook.

@Chris *******

Was also confused but I think I’ve made a decision.

While O visa has less requirements on intitial entry to Thailand, when the 90 days is up and you apply for an extension, you’ll have to gather all the same info as if you were to apply for an OA.

So, if you pass all the requirements for an OA, why not just do that in your own country and then you have a year before you need to go through it all again in Thailand for the extension.

@Peter *******

Not Correct... When in Thailand you go Immigration and file for a one year Extension of Stay... 800,000 Baht in your Thai Bank Account in your name only, file form TM.7, copies of passport pages, bank letter, bankbook, proof of residency (lease agreement. Go to the Immigration office get a list of all items required.

@Peter *******

That's correct, but you can get a one year extension of stay based on being over 50

@Peter *******

It has been done many times in the past (pre-covid) and will be done by some in the future. No rule change yet to stop it. However, if Covid re-entry rules persist the time required back in the home country processing a return to Thailand could get drawn out.

@Peter *******

IF NORMALITY ever returns to Thailand ... That is if non covid times return where the land borders of Thailand and of immediate neighbor countries are also open - Then having an O-A Visa takes on a whole new light. Because the O-A visa is in actuality a two year visa with an unique method to gain use of the second year. In normal times near the end of the first year with the O-A Visa - because it is also a Multi-Entry Visa - one can just go to the Thai Border (example - Satun) check out of Immigration - walk over - enter Malaysia immigration - then immediately exit Malaysia - walk back 100 meters and renter Thailand... getting stamped back in with an additional 12 month stay in Thailand. Hard to believe - but True.

In normal times one can do this by air travel also when there is no large financial barriers barring return.

@Jonathan ************

Foreign Currency accounts ARE acceptable for proof of funds <- just make sure that there's enough in the account to make up for currency fluctuations.