@Steve ********

That's how it's done. Banks won't open accounts on tourist visa, but non-immigrant is fine

You get a non-immigrant visa before you arrive. You can open a bank account on this

I did about five years ago no problem. Keep in mind you'll still need to transfer 800k to your Thai bank account

@Steve ********

And you definitely didn't use an agent? Roi Et usually only allows 30 days prior for extensions

@Steve ********

There's no such thing as a 15-month non-immigration visa, so it all looks very dodgy. Are you sure you didn't use an agent?

Sounds like you've got a dodgy visa obtained by an agent, so they want you out. I don't know if the other banks are still entertaining agency visas

@Nick ***********

For those with a monthly income stream the 65k transfers makes far more sense. Best interest you get in a Thai savings account is 1%. That's insulting. But many don't have the necessary monthly income. I use the 65k monthly transfer method. Never missed a beat. You just have to remember at the beginning of the month to make the transfer. I never forget because I'm just about out of money by then!

@Wayne *******

Which visa?

@Jackie ***********

The exchange rate offered by my bank is abysmal compared to Wise. I'd be over $100 worse off each month. No thanks!

@David *****

The 65k suits me. It's no problem for me to spend a solid five minutes each month transferring money to live on, which has the double effect of also satisfying extension requirements. I have no desire to tie up 800,000 for the rest of my life, costing me 88,000 baht tax free each year. That's how I roll. I'm retired, and I LIVE my retirement, not EXIST! So 65k per month fits my lifestyle just fine. Others are different and it's their choice. Even those with 800k stagnating in a Thai bank account need to bring in money to live on, so I can't quite see your logic