true. There was a non stop argument from one guy when I said the TDAC can be completed within 3 days of arrival. It can. Including at the airport if absolutely necessary. But after about 20 posts saying I was wrong, I gave up. 🤦
you won't get a bank account with a tourist visa. And you need a bank account for the retirement extension of stay within Thailand. So, if you want you can do that retirement visa in USA, arrive, open bank account, and do extension process when you're ready to move.