@David ******

in that case last time I was able to get a statement within minutesat a local branch, but as we all know Bangkok Bank have their own advanced level of ting tong.

@Martin *********

the app sends it by email yeh? I never had any delay, but I suppose anything is possible with any Thsi bank. What I have encountered is a refusal to provide a statement if outside of Thailand. Beyond bizarre, Bangkok Bank again.

The app generates statements, you input the dates required and click go, it takes 1 minute.

Looks like there is conflicting instructions in multiple official sources. I did it the way I described in sometime around February, maybe things have changed. I did not get asked to provide any proof of medical insurance or police certificate as described below. I got the tourist visa from Malaysia evisa service whilst in Malaysia, then converted it in Thailand at my local immigration. I am looking at the TM87 form now that I used to convert from a tourist visa to a 90 day non O visa at Trang immigration. I can see the stamps in my passport relating to both.

People I know here who have already got the OA visa got it before coming here in their own country.

From Thai Embassy...

To obtain a Thai retirement visa from within Thailand, you must first hold a different, valid visa (like a 90-day Non-Immigrant Visa), then apply to convert it at an immigration office after meeting age (50+) and financial (e.g., 800,000 THB bank deposit or 65,000 THB monthly income) requirements. You'll need to provide financial proof, a health insurance policy, proof of accommodation, and apply for the yearly visa within your existing visa's validity period.

1. Obtain a 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa

You cannot directly convert a tourist visa or visa exemption into a retirement visa.

First, you'll need to enter Thailand on a different visa that allows for conversion, such as a 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa.

2. Meet Eligibility Requirements

You must be 50 years of age or older.

You must meet the financial requirements, which include:

A security deposit of at least 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account held for at least two months.

Or a monthly income (e.g., pension) of at least 65,000 Baht, verified by an income letter from your embassy or bank statements.

Or a combination of income and bank deposits totaling 800,000 Baht.

3. Gather Supporting Documents

Proof of your chosen financial option (bank statements, income verification letter).

A medical certificate showing you have no prohibitive diseases.

Proof of health insurance that meets Thai government criteria for inpatient and outpatient coverage.

A valid Thai Police Clearance Certificate.

Proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement and a TM30 form.

4. Apply for the Retirement Visa Conversion

Apply at a Thai immigration office within Thailand.

This application must be made before your current 90-day visa expires.

5. Maintain Your Visa

You must make a 90-day address report to the immigration office every 90 days.

To renew the visa, you will need to present similar financial and health documents.

And this from siam legal

Retirement Visa Thailand (Updated 2025) | Siam Legal International

@Steve ******

last week in my branch of Bangkok Bank was an English man who recently arrived on his OA visa for retirement purpose, opened a new account 2 weeks before and now they were telling him they were going to close his account but they were unable to give any reason why. I signposted him to a reasonable priced monthly subscription legal service as he had planned to get expensive legal advice from Siam Legal in Bangkok.

@Steve ******

from your own country you would get an OA. If you already left your country them 'most people' would not be going home to just get an OA visa. As I said, all the visa rules are clearly explained online with a simple search.

@Steve ******

people get the OA visa from outside Thaiand. The O from inside.

@John *******

you were asking how to get the retirement visa but now you say you were asking how to get a bank account. As I explained, it is as I described, the current situation is Catch 22, you can not get one without the other and visa versa. I am ok because I already have both, but new applicants have this issue, however, if you search on Google and YouTube there are instructions on how it can be done. Just, never pay an agent, it is just another form of corruption for people who have more money than sense snd do not want to learn any skills for themselves.

@John *******

contact immigration in Bangkok and report the problem. Maybe they can help.

@John *******

I converted mine in January this year I think it was, in Trang immigration office. Search Google using "procedure for a non immigrant o visa from within thailand". Some offices with little experience can get a little lost and confused. You can let the head office for Thai immigration know what uou were told and that may help. They are attempting to iron out these kind of issues I believe.