@Michael *******

big clamp down now on opening up bank accounts without the correct visa. Long gone are the days where they'd accept your cash. This persons best option is to apply for the correct visa in his own country before arriving in Thailand. Then the process is pretty straightforward

@John ******

some people just leave it to the very last minute. Visa extensions can be done weeks in advance just for these situations.

@Michelle ****************

you can also get a "dependency " visa which all you have to do is get your marriage certificate verified by your embassy, then translated into Thai and verified by the ministry of foreign affairs. This way only 1 of you (the visa holder) can attach a dependent and only have to deposit 800K or show the 65K (for a full 12 months).

This is what myself and my wife do successfully for the past 6 years.

I don't know if this is different for different countries (we are British).

@Cris *****

it might actually be an idea to go to your bank and show your current visa. Their records will show your on a ED visa so you could actuallybe at risk of your bank closing your account.

You can not renew your British Passport online from Thailand.

You have to use VFS.

It's a free service (you only pay for your passport)

Catch 22 situation

Several payments using wise ect which Will probably cost the same transaction as 1 UK bank transfer.

Its a one off payment so bite the bullet on that one.

You need to show the money in your account ASAP

I've been there done that.

Had a "SIA" licence but still had to pay for their checks to obtain my OA visa.

Looking back I wished I'd opted for just the "O" visa as the health insurance is very restricted to only certain companies with Thai approval.

@Pat *****

I was in a similar situation,

Please note to all none UK citizens.

The British embassy here in Bangkok does not issue passports.

They can only assist you with the process of getting emergency travel documents.

The emergency travel documents are done online and you print them off (there's a cost involved).

Inform your airline especially if your transiting through another country.

Keep a copy of your police report and emergency travel documents.

@Christopher **********

married to a Thai?

Took me 12 months and half a tree of paperwork to get mine and my English wife on the yellow house book and we own the house.

If your renting you may struggle to get your name on the yellow house book.

Personally I'd try another branch or bank.