@Paul ******

make it easier for yourself by getting the non O visa before you come to Thailand as others have stated. It used to be possible to do it the way you planned, but the banks are being very strict about opening accounts on tourist visas, because of all the high profile investigations into mule accounts. A few minutes doing your visa online before you come should make the process smooth, with no need for agents.

@Stephen ********

good point, they took a photocopy of my visa last week when I changed my address.

@John ******

when was this and which immigration office?

@John ******

why? What happened?

@Martin ********

It's one a4 form with about 15 questions, things like name, date of arrival in Thailand, address in Thailand. The rest is simply photocopies of your documents and a hand drawn map of where you live. It couldn't be much simpler. I have done it four times and it has taken me less than an hour each time. I respect your decision, but it's very simple really.

@Dwain ******

It does depend on the immigration office and choosing the best day/time, but I have done it four times now in two different provinces and the times ranged between 30 to 55 minutes. Admittedly, you do have to spend a bit of time in the bank in addition to this.

It's an easy process (admittedly heavily dependent on lots of photocopies). So it depends if you want to give your money away or spend an hour in immigration each year. Up to you.

Easiest way is to get the Non O before coming to Thailand. They can then open a bank account without needing an agent, as they have a long term visa. They should open the account as soon as they get here and transfer 800,000 baht. They get a list of requirements to extend their stay for 12 months from immigration and when the money has been in their account for 2 months, take the documents on the immigration list to apply. It costs 1,900 baht and there's 1 a4 size form to complete with simple questions like; name, date of arrival in Thailand etc.

@Marc **********

yes, that would definitely be much easier Marc. You can do it 30 days in advance and the time is added on to your current extension, so there's nothing to lose. Don't forget to get a re-entry permit at the same time. Good luck.

@Marc **********

I am unsure what the requirements are to get the non O in France, look online at the Embassy website. The only way your monthly pension will be accepted for the 12 month extension is if the France Embassy in Thailand will provide you with an income affidavit. If not, yes you will have to deposit 800,000 in your Thai bank account immediately. The 65,000 per month transfers only works for the second and subsequent annual extensions.