My in-laws just retired to Thailand, they just got the 90 day non-immigrant O visa, the stamp on the passport and the visa pdf. They also got a certificate of residency from the police station and have been trying to open a bank account. They have gone to almost every bank in koh samui and no branch have accepted the application for a bank account, despite having all the required documents. They always make up something or just straight don’t want to do it. Has anyone has the same issue? What do you recommend?

We're now seeing a lot of people with DTV cannot open bank accounts. But many people don't know what's happening with thai banks.

Thailand banking has already joined CRS in 2023. CRS means common reporting system. That means banks here will need to report individuals to other countries banks and tax authorities. It's a thing which HNWIs don't like because of their privacy concerns.

A Thai elite visa is also a kind of glorified tourist visa. DTV visa is also a tourist visa (banks here always say that). However, our DTV holders cannot open. But from the banks side, they have to do a lot of paperwork. That's why they don't like us, dtv holders.

Although they already joined the CRS, they didn't clean up the mess first which is agents. Yes tourists can still open any bank accounts with the help of agents. So, think about yourself, money laundering cases etc. i won't explain further here.

Do you think my plan is ok for travel to Malaysia and then O visa in Thailand?

Retire in April 2024, two pension begin. Finish up in the UK

September 3rd 2024 one way flight to Penang, with pre booked onward flight to Hat Yai

90 day stay Penang.

84 days later (25/6 nov) Fly to Hat Yai (Thailand) on a 60 day tourist visa, applied for in Penang.

Begin process for O visa in Thailand, find somewhere to rent, deposit 800,000 in a bank

Return to Penang (59 days later) Jan 23rd 2025, chinese new year, by air from Hat Yai.

Get another 90 days in Penang

Return to Thailand 89 days later (april 21/22 2025) to complete O visa and retire