So, currently you have a visa exemption or a tourist visa? You need the Non-O first, then the bank account. Just so you know it can be done. My Thai wife and I have never/will never pay a bribe, have never/will never hire an agent, have never/will never pay for bank account insurance.

When we return in October, I will close my bank account at Government Savings Bank and move my B400k to Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn.

You are on the correct path and you have the most difficult parts completed.

You need a photo of you and your partner at the front of your home showing the address. Go to Home Pro and get stickers-on numbers if needed. You need a photo of your wife and you in your bedroom (I’m not making this up) and photos of you and your wife in a couple other rooms in the house.

And of course because it’s Thailand, they have to be printed in duplicate.

Everything in duplicates.

Arbitrarily changing her surname will surely backfire.

Joint accounts are not part of Thai culture. Easier to understand and conform to Thai culture rather than attempting to make Thailand conform to you.

@Stuart ********

thank you for the advice. I will do that when I apply for my Non-O marriage visa while in the US over the summer.

It’s not valid anywhere. It is a fake document bought online.

@Beth ***

You don’t understand Thai culture. Your old passport will only make it more difficult for you. First remove all the money in the account with your previous surname. Second, close the account. Third, go to a different bank and open an account or go to a different SCB and open an account. This is the way to go with the flow of Thai culture.

I am a U.S. citizen and applied for a tourist visa at the Thai embassy in Seoul, South Korea. They did it. Took me 2 days to submit all the correct documents and it took them 3 additional weeks to complete their paperwork.

@Beth ***

then in that case, first remove all the money in that account. Second, close the account. Third, go to a different bank and open an account or go to a different SCB and open an account.

@Peter *********

ok, sure you did it. But, why? How could that have possibly benefited you?