@Stuart ********

A Fixed Deposit Account also works.

You can also keep the 800k in a Fixed Deposit Account.

Never give your passport to anyone except your immigration office.

@Lynnette ******

Sending money to your Balance is totally free as long as you do manual transfers from your bank account back home to Wise's local bank account. The fee is a bit cheaper when sending money from the Balance to your Thai bank account. The idea is that you can keep money in the Balance and use it like a common bank account. For some currencies you can even earn some interest.

@Lynnette ******

It means you're sending money to your Wise Balance. Then you can send money from the Balance to your Thai bank account when you feel like it.

Where are you staying? The procedure isn't exactly the same when it comes to documents needed. It differs a bit between immigration offices. Do you have a TM30 receipt in your passport. It's crucial at most offices and non-negotiable.

Do you really think that every person trying to open a bank account is staying in Bangkok? I'm staying in Jomtien and when on a long term stay,like a non-immigrant O, there's no problem to open an account at Bangkok Bank as long as you meet the requirements.

@Kool ******

I'm not talking about opening accounts on tourist visas which have actually never "officially" been accepted.

Why even think of applying for an O-A visa? Go for the Non-immigrant O instead. Less hassle.

If you meet the requirements,you don't need an agent. Just get a check-list showing the documents needed.