Yes you can use the 65,000 method for the second year and yes you can transfer to the retirement visa for your second extension. You will definitely need your own account to deposit your money for visa purposes.

@Richard *******

I do this. Does it include any charges the Thai bank might add for converting the currency if you send gbp?

Get a folder and keep multiple copies of all your documents in there together with a few passport size photos. You can then take your passport and the folder with you to immigration every time you attend and you should have everything you need.

@Nongnuch *******

I am talking about converting the currency in the Wise app before sending it, not using a different bank. Is that still more expensive?

@Tom ********

I took the advice of the group previously and change the currency before transferring. Always a good idea to check.

I think it is cheaper if you change it into Baht before sending it to your Thai bank account. I'm not an expert, someone will correct me of that's not true.

It might be easier if you explained the type of things you want to do in your retirement. Everyone is different and will have different hobbies and interests and the people that reply to you are likely to be different to you. Me personally, I love the outdoors and walking on the beach, I also have a house and I am renovating it. I love the people, culture, climate and beaches. I used to play sports, but injuries restrict that now. Thailand is very safe as others have said.

@Robert ********

glad you asked this question, I have often wondered the reason as I agree it seems counter intuitive.

This is ridiculous, you should not have a problem opening a bank account with a non O visa. Whereabouts are you? Perhaps someone knows a compliant bank where you are. Avoid the banks in shopping malls, Bangkok bank is usually the easiest. Dress smart, be polite, and take a Thai speaking person with you.

@Stephan **********

that's true, yes you need to wait a few weeks, but you don't need to do anything other than go back to the office to collect it. As for the paperwork, I just have a folder with several photocopies of each document inside, so I simply give them the required number of each document. I guess some people might find these things challenging, but if you are organised I think it is very easy.