You should not have any problem. Every bank is different. Every branch is different. Even inthe same bank, staff will give you different answers. Even a letter from you hotel stating that you stay there might be enough without needing a certificate of residence. You may need to try a number of banks/branches.

@Rhonda *******

The proceedure is: 1. Get a Retirement Visa prior to arriving in Thailand. 2. When ther Retirement Visa is close to expiring, you then apply for an Extension of Staay based on being over 50 from the Immigration Office inside of Thailand.

@Dave *******

My understanding is you cannot switch until you have a bank account but you cannot open a bank account on a tourist visa.

No. You need proof of money in a Thai bank. But on a tourist visa you cannot open a bank account.

Unless you have a long term visa when you arrive in Thailand, it is almost impossible to open a bank account here and a money in a Thai bank account is required to obtain a retirement visa herw. So best to arrive here with a long term visa. Then you can open a Thai bank account, season the required money and apply for an extension of stay based on being over 50.

Of course it depends on which Immigration office that you attend - some will have different requirements, but most are 30 days prior to expiry.

You will not be transitioning to a retirement visa. You will be applying for an extention of stay based on being over 50 years of age.

If you intend stay or coming to Thailand long term, then yoiu will need a long term visa.

In Ckiang Mai, they processed my yellow book and Pink ID on the same day in about 90 minutes. But the office was not very busy that day.

@Michael *******

Yes, it is always up to the Immigration Officer. But, despite your beliefs, he must follow the rules which are clear.