is it an electronic copy that they send online or does it go to your branch David? Also, do immigration offices readily accept this version of statement? Many thanks.
from what you are stating here, it seems like the non-OA visa is the one for you ( multiple entry, no requirement to bank money in Thailand and for between 1 and 2 years). It lasts for one year, but I read that if you work it correctly you can get approximately 2 years from this visa, by arranging a second years insurance and flying in and out of Thailand at the end of the first year. The question about when to do it, i guess depends on the visa you choose, but I believe the non O and non OA are valid for entry for 3 months, so you probably want to apply in about January 2026. Brandon has given you excellent advice on your other points.
The extension is granted on the same day you apply. You can apply for the extension 30 days before your non-O ends, providing your money has been in the bank for 2 months and the days are added to your extension (if that helps with your timings).
Get your non-O retirement visas online from your Thai embassy before coming to Thailand. It's virtually impossible to open a bank account in Thailand with a tourist visa, so you need the non-O first, you can then extend your stay. It used to be possible with a tourist visa, but the banks became very strict earlier this year.
Okay Colin, it's more than the extra things required to get the marriage visa. You can get the non-O retirement visa online before coming to Thailand. This enables you to open a bank account to extend your stay for 12 months. You can then concentrate on getting married. The following year you can extend your stay based on marriage. It's a much easier process, but it's up to you if you want to make it difficult for yourself. Good luck with it all.
definitely worth asking Grace how much they charge to open an account in that case. I don't know how old you are, so I'm guessing younger than 50 or the non O based on being over 50 would be an option for you before coming to Thailand. You are going to have your work cut out for you, if you are coming to Thailand to get married and then get a marriage visa as they are both challenging processes. Not saying they are impossible, but the marriage part involves a lot of chasing around Bangkok back and forth to different agencies and the marriage visa is renowned for being more problematic than the retirement visa. I hope it all works out for you.