@Ally ***********

lots of great advice here. I didn't use an agent, but wish I had for this service as it was a pain driving backwards and forwards across Bangkok etc. Was it really only 5,000 baht? If so that was a bargain.

@Ant **********

it depends on the visa type. For the non-O visa you are correct you need the Thai bank account, but for example the non-OA based on retirement you do not need a Thai bank account, but you do need the mandatory insurance etc.

@Martin ******

I suspect my bank will do that at some point, although I am going back to the UK in a few months, so if I can keep it until then I will use it a lot to keep them happy!

@Dave ********

yes, it's like we are doing one of the most unhelpful things possible and to rub it in we will patronise you at the same time.

@Dave ********

i see, they didn't really give you a reason. That's annoying it's sometimes handy to have a credit card for things like booking flights. My bank has threatened to close my credit card because I hadn't used it for years, so I quickly used it and all was okay.

Did they give you a reason?

1. Get the non-O visa online from the embassy in India.

2. Fly and Enter Thailand, ensuring the immigration officer stamps you un with the non-O visa.

3. Open a bank account in Thailand within a couple of weeks.

4. Transfer 800,000 baht into your account.

5. Get a list of requirements from immigration to extend your stay.

6. When your money has been in your account for 2 months, go back to immigration with everything on their list and extend your stay.

@Graham *****

yes absolutely.

Seems like Chat gpt is getting confused with the requirements if you apply for the non O inside Thailand.

@Graham *****

yes I think that's the case Graham. I haven't needed to open a new account yet. The recent changes at Bkk bank might force my hand and encourage me to change after my next extension.