this is from the agent and I said the same, she has cash in the bank and has done for a few years. All sounds a nightmare but I said I'd ask around. I've shared the advice, appreciate the support👍🏻
I opened Bangkok bank account in Nana branch with a certified copy of my passport (got it done at British Embassy) on visa exempt, very easy to do just needed a Thai number, I actually used hotel as my address.
This is limited to a savings acc so you can't use the app but you can you get a master card issued for online transactions.