I got my own visa and have extended it in two different provinces several times. I opened my own bank account. I also got married, bought a house, got the yellow book and ID card. I also obtained my 2 and subsequent 5 year driving licence and bought a car. All of these things I did WITHOUT using an agent. The visa and extension is one of the easiest things to do (the extension is one A4 form with about 15 questions (name, address, passport number, date arrived in Thailand etc). If I am unsure how to do things I ask immigration or online here where there are some brilliantly knowledgeable and helpful people like the moderators. You quickly learn to ignore or block the idiots telling you false information or to use agents.

Ulrik is 💯 correct. When you apply for the Non O visa in Aus, you can use money in your Aus bank as proof, but when you apply for the 1 year extension in Thailand your 800,000 has to have been in the Thai account for 2 months (I think you know this already, but just confirming). The non O does not have a mandatory insurance requirement. It is the non OA that requires insurance and police checks etc. The only thing that has changed recently is opening a bank account. It used to be possible with a tourist visa, but now you need a long term visa (like the non O) to open an account, so you will be okay. Good luck.

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.