You need to apply for a non-O based on being over 50 online (not a tourist visa). When you get to Thailand after opening a bank account and depositing 800,000 baht for 2 months, you can apply to extend your stay for 12 months (this is not a Visa, you use the visa to enter Thailand initially). I don't know how long it typically takes at your Thai Embassy, but I think there are two in the USA, so it might be a good idea to state which one you are using to get better replies. Good luck.

I feel your pain and have faced similar situations not at immigration, but at various Amphur. Silly question but are you over 50 and have you considered applying for the non-O based on retirement instead, as it's very simple. I have chosen to not go down the marriage visa route because of the challenges you are encountering!

@Terry *********

you need the original divorce paper, but you can get the freedom to marry document from the UK Embassy in Bangkok. Make an appointment online. You then need to get it translated.

@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.