@Abey ********

doesn't matter where there is a Thai embassy. It's all done online. Even where there isn't a Thai embassy, there is an embassy that serves that area online.

No, you will not be able to get a bank account if you arrive as a tourist.

As you saw, there is no such thing as in-person visa applications anymore. Everything has been standardized to the e-visa system.

The non-O visa is most certainly an option, as it's an option at every embassy because they are all standardized on the e-visa system.

@Mike *****

just go on the website of your Thai embassy and look up the requirements for the 90 day non-O retirement visa. It's not difficult. And then once you're in Thailand you would apply for annual extensions.

@Prakash ********

immigration officers don't know anything about visas issued by an embassy. It's a completely different government agency

@David *******

seems they're not willing to take that chance since they'll be on the hook for any scam losses

I believe many of the banks are stopping to offer online services. They only want people to use the mobile app, because they can restrict that to a single phone number they know is registered to the same name as the person on the account. It's a new measure because the Thai government is going to start holding the banks responsible when there are frauds and scams, so the banks are closing all the possibilities that they can.

There is no Thai girlfriend visa. If you are over 50 you can apply for the non-O retirement visa. If you're under 50, about the only option you have is the DTV.

There is no multiple entry non-O visa. Most embassies haven't been issuing them for years, and the last ones that did stopped when they switched to e-visa in January.

The non-O gives you 90 days to arrive in Thailand, open your bank account, and get everything setup for your 1-year extension. You'll need to have your proof of funds in the account within 30 days because when you apply for your 1-year extension the money must have already been in your account for 2 full months.

First of all, it's the non-OA visa, not the AO visa.

You cannot self-insure for non-OA. You must purchase approved insurance from one of the approved Thai companies on the embassy list.

If you don't want to have to worry about insurance, get the non-O visa instead. That does not require insurance, medical certificate, or background check like the non-OA visa requires.

@Fabiola *********

It's much, much more about how long than it is about how many. If you only stayed 35 days so far in 2025, then you are probably okay unless you have a lot of history before than or an education visa in your passport. But you'll almost always get a warning before they actually deny entry.