I wrestled with this issue as well. Need an "O" visa to open a Thai bank account, need a Thai bank account to apply for "O" visa. But the good folks here explained that applying for the "O" visa in your home country before coming to Thailand solves the problem.
What is acceptable "proof" of retirement income ? Please correct me if I'm wrong but I understood it to be an affidavit from your country's embassy. But that some embassies have stopped issuing them.
You knee jerk naysayers are funny. It's all about the relationship and how much trust there is between you. There are trustworthy people in Thailand. The land our villa is on is in my sisters in laws name. The 10 million baht build has all been done with a handshake, no contract or lawyers involved. There hasn't been so much as a "hiccup" of a problem. But then, I've been with my wife for 25 years, so trust is not an issue. Yes, I'll admit, I'm one of the lucky ones.
Glad you took it to heart. As many said, not even legal anymore. Years ago, you could for much money, but only worth it if you had a big emotional attachment to a bike. Lots of bike available at good prices in Thailand.
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