Why do you listen to rubbish? And you're not applying for a 12 months retirement visa, you're applying for a 1 year extension to stay based on retirement.
I've been staying in three provinces in three regions over the years. Many years ago you could just waltz in at any bank anywhere and open an account on a tourist visa. One of those accounts at Bangkok Bank is still active and where I keep most of my money. I have other accounts for daily expenses.