Should I start the O-A visa process in the US or apply for a Non-O visa to get my retirement visa in Thailand?

@Nick ***********

the problem now is that the banks aren’t opening accounts for people on the 90 day visa. They want to see a one year stamped OA or O retirement visa.

@Mark *******

my advice to people who hold a non o 90 day is to request to see the bank manager. Often all you get to see are junior staff who realise that things have changed and are scared of making a mistake. Before the problems started I had to visit the same branch 3 times to get an account. They wanted to see a work permit which us impossible to have on retirement extension. They confused my re entry stamp with my visa. They didn't know I could hold a Thai driving license as a foreigner. On the third attempt I asked to see the manager had to wait a while but when he came out he knew exactly what to do and I had my account in around 20 minutes. Often success or failure depends on the bank, the branch and who you get to see on the day.

@Nick ***********

The bank manager at Krunsri at Westgate mall in Nonthaburi opened my account years ago when Bangkok bank was making my life difficult. Also Kasikorn is good.

@Mark *******

a Non-O retirement visa is a 90 day stamp, a 12 month stamp that follows is an Extension of Stay but you can't get that without a bank account unless your Embassy still does the income affidavit