@Ken *******

virtually impossible to open a bank account without a long term visa. Also means she doesn't need to book an onward flight. Saves time at immigration as well, as not having to go for the visa and then the 12 month extension.

That's understandable, but it's one very simple form, information provided by your bank, some photocopies and passport photo. So 90% of people will have no problem navigating the process, if they try.

@Sarick *********

not true. If you arrive with a long stay visa (like a non O based on retirement), banks will open an account for you.

They will not open an account on a tourist visa, visa exempt or DTV.

@Ben ******

why would anyone use an agent to extend their stay based on retirement, after getting the visa?

It is simple, takes less than an hour and costs 1,900 Baht.

It seems bewildering when you are at the planning stage, but when you start the process you realise it is quite simple really.

Get a non O visa based on retirement before you come to Thailand online from the Thai Embassy.

Travel to Thailand, open a bank account and transfer 800,000 baht immediately.

Go to immigration and get a list of their requirements to extend your stay.

Wait until your money has been in your account for 2 months then go to the immigration office with everything on their list of requirements. You will need to complete one A4 form with simple questions like; name, passport number, date of arrival etc. Pay 1,900 Baht and that's it for a year.

You do the immigration office part each year to extendyour stay for another year. Good luck.

@Allan *************

why make it more complicated and be forced to use an agent?

Much easier now to get the visa before coming to Thailand, since they made it virtually impossible to open a bank account without a long term visa.

@Tracy ****************

yes.

I don't know which country and organisation you work for, but are you sure you are allowed to work from abroad?

I used to work for the Government and it was forbidden in my area.

As others have stated it is not necessary, but if you want to change to the monthly income method in a year, you need to deposit 65,000 Baht per month for 12 months to qualify next year.

@Steve ***************

me too, sadly opening bank accounts in Thailand is much more difficult now.