*Update*

I eventually managed to open an account with Bangkok Bank. What I had was correct and the only additional thing required was a certificate of residency which I got today from immigration. One other thing you really should get is your own Thai mobile number to use the banking app and get alerts about your account which I also got today. I did have to point out my visa was an e-visa but the lady behind the desk listened and understood unlike in the other branch last week. Looks like I’m here for at least a year yay 🥳

Please could someone who is knowledgeable help me out? I applied on the Thai embassy in London’s website for a non O retirement visa which was granted and it even says retired on the visa print off which I received from the embassy via email. I have just been to the Bank of Bangkok to open a bank account so I can transfer the 800,000 baht to start the two month process off in order to be granted a year’s extension but the lady in the bank is telling me that I only have a tourist visa. I’m confused as there was nothing else I could apply for on the embassy website so now I’m worried that I won’t find a way around it. Thanks in advance for any help. I have heard that Bangkok bank can be difficult to open an account with so if there is another bank that is more leanient I would try there. I’m going to call immigration and see if they can help but I get the worrying feeling that I’m back to the start again of going to be a forever tourist which ideally I don’t want to be as I wish to buy a vehicle and have the full benefits a retirement visa offers.