When does your current visa/exemption end?

The online Visa that Brandon explained lasts for 90 days once you are in Thailand. Therefore you have about 3 weeks to open your Thai bank account and deposit the 400,000 baht, so that you can apply for the extension of stay before your visa expires. Good luck.

@Stu *******

I realise it's unlikely, but if they ask for pictures of your passport visa pages, maybe take them before you travel, just in case. Good luck and hopefully your visa arrives before.

My understanding is that you need to stay in the uk until the visa is approved, so telling them you are not going to stay could be a mistake. I think the marriage visa is likely to take longer for approval than a retirement visa (I have no experience, but that's the way it seems in Thailand). What is your plan if it is not approved before you travel?

Really? Over what period and which account?

As Jay said it should be possible with a residence certificate from immigration and a Thai phone number. If one bank refuses, try a different one until you find one that will open an account for you. I am with that bank you are referring to, but if I was starting now I would choose Kasikorn.Good luck.

Great reply from John (as always) covers pretty much everything I think.

Get a folder and make copies of your documents (you will need copies constantly and some passport photos). Go to your local immigration office and ask for their list of requirements to extend your stay (every office is slightly different) and the application form. Good luck.

@John-Paul *****

it's really simple, but it does involve being able to access the website and read the information. If someone can't do that yes get an agent. People get the non-O in their home country (including the USA) online every day, so yes whoever you spoke to either didn't understand your question or they gave you bad information.I am only replying to correct you because people get confused by misinformation spread by people here.

@John-Paul *****

immigration where? Ask a silly question in the wrong place and you get a silly answer! Go on to the Thai Embassy for your country where you would apply and look for yourself to get the correct answer.

@Jason *****

you would think there would be some criminal records check before permitting entry to Thailand, but nope. If you apply for a non-O visa instead of the non-OA a criminal check is not required. It is a bit worrying i can agree with you.