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Stuart **********
This is a summary of
Stuart **********
's contributions to the platform. They have posed 6 questions and added 896 comments.

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COMMENTS

Stuart ***********
@John *******
or simply get the non O before coming to Thailand 🤷
Stuart ***********
@John *******
to apply for the non O inside Thailand you need 800,000 in a Thai bank and it's virtually impossible to open an account on a tourist visa. The method you are suggesting used to be possible, but the banks have cracked down on this now, so it's virtually impossible. Much easier to get the non O before coming to Thailand.
Stuart ***********
You are applying for the wrong visa in your circumstances. Choose the non O (not OA) on the Thai Embassy website, then you do not need health insurance or criminal checks. Good luck.
Stuart ***********
@John *******
this is virtually impossible now as banks will not open accounts for tourists. He needs to get the non O before coming to Thailand.
Stuart ***********
@Pete *******
okay, I was just checking you weren't applying for the non O retirement visa, because if your plan is to retire in Thailand, you need the non O visa before travelling, or you would not be able to open a bank account to extend your stay.
Stuart ***********
Apply for the non O based on retirement before you come to Thailand and you can open a bank account here. No need to use an agent, extending your stay is easy and there's no criminal checks. Good luck and enjoy.
Stuart ***********
@Mark ********
I said 'virtually impossible ' not 'impossible'. I personally would worry about using an agent that offers to open an account on a tourist visa when the banks are closing the accounts of people that only have tourist visas, but it's up to you.