What are the challenges and processes of obtaining a Non-O visa in Thailand for retirement purposes?

Hi All, Bit of a read, hope it helps

Just a update to explain the difference between doing your homework and reality in Thailand and how it can so easily go wrong if you don't persist.

Applied for my Non O with the intention of retirement from my home country, Evisa app, No issues.

However flight day quickly approached and still processing,

Flight day, flew to BKK, on arrival quickly checked emails, Nothing.

Entered the kingdom Visa exempt.

One day later received confirmation Non O approved. Okay I'll have a holiday in Bangkok for a month head to Udon Thani where I have a home, Pop over to Lao, for a few days and activate my Non O on the way back in,

Did it, No problem at all, Stamped in for 90 days.

Couple days to get my bearings then Im off to open my bank account for my 12 month extension in 80 days time,

Heard one of the K banks were expat friendly and they have a great english app.

Went to the nearest branch with everything required to be to be told, Sorry, you not have retirement visa.

Thought Omg am I gonna be deported,

Went to Immigration to confirm everything was sweet and the IO confirmed No problem

Next day went to a larger branch same bank, Sorry we cannot accept your secondary form of identification. Now I'm really starting to worry. Left the bank pretty stressed by this stage.

Looked online and suddenly noticed that the residence certificate can be used as proof of Address, Identity and Visa status

Returned to the initial branch, used translator to calmly explain my findings to the customer support officer, he looked it up, He spoke to a colleague and APPROVED.

As they say in Thailand,

KEEP FIGHTING 🙏