@Carsten ***********

it's whatever you want it to be golden balls.

You make of it what you want. You're already sending me to sleep.

@James ******

no, I'm fine ta, bab. How about yourself, need some help?

@Darren ********

what do you even mean??

@Bart *************

so, having read my info, how do you suggest I get the Thai bank account and finally the retirement visa? TIA

So on what visa can I open a Thai bank account? I am getting knocked back trying to do it in Trang on a tourist visa. Also was told that the immigration and Embassy etc do not recognise a Revolut account with registered address in Thailand and all funds in Thai Baht as a Thai bank account, can I be sure this is correct advice?

@Ken ******

and there is no requirement for it to be a bank account in Thailand? Obviously it should be in my name, but in UK is okay?

@Ken ******

Thank you. It looks like the best advice on here. To clarify, where must I go to apply for the 3 month Non O visa?

@John *********

I understand, but also ask myself how they will know what country I am in when applying online with a VPN?

Thanks for all your answers, although the final solution for me is not much clearer. So, from a visa on arrival stamp in my passport, (not a visa an exemption) what is my quickest and cheapest route to a retirement visa? I have the 800,000 baht, (currently in my UK account), I have proof of address in Thailand from the local Thai Immigration office stapled into my passport, I have medical certificate from a doctor at the local hospital. I apply today for a UK Police certificate for visa application purposes. I have 2 passport photos. To complete the checklist I believe I must open a Thai bank account and deposit 800,000 baht in it for 3 months, but keep on getting told different stories. First, I can not open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa I am told many times from many different sources. Other sources say it is easy for ferang on a tourist visa to open a Thai bank account in Bangkok or Pattaya.

The Bank of Bangkok branch in Trang, my preferred branch to open an account, they say I must have a long stay visa, no 30 day tourist visa exemption. They told me to ask about a long stay visa (oa, ox) and I can open an account with this. The immigration office told me the same. They say a Thai bank account is not a requirement for this visa although I will still need to show 800,000 baht in gbp has been in a UK account for 3 months. No problem for me to show this.