, and you're apprehensive because you think the pound might get stronger, you can open a Currency account, which you can use for your visa extension (as long as the value doesn't drop below ฿
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0), and in doing so the bank will automatically open a standard ฿ account.
I've found (at Pattaya immigration) pals that have changed from retirement to family, and I assume most new family visa extensions, are receiving a initial visit.
Personally, I'm on my fifteenth year and they've never bothered with me.