Opening a bank account in Thailand without a long term visa is virtually impossible. That is why people advise getting the non O before coming to Thailand. Do you already have a Thai bank account?

@John ******

you are welcome. Good luck with everything.

@John ******

yes John. As long as you return to Thailand with enough time to extend your stay again, everything is good. Essentially you would need to come back in about 11 months time after leaving Thailand maximum. The 90 day report is 90 days in Thailand, so the clock stops when leaving Thailand and starts at 1 again on the day you return.

@John ******

yes, the 12 month extension is the next step, after you have the 90 day non O. You can get the re-entry permit anytime before you leave Thailand, but it would make sense to get it at the same time.

Will 90 days be long enough for you to complete everything? I was thinking you would be better getting the 12 month extension (and re-entry permit) before going to the USA, then you have plenty of time.

Have you visited both countries? IMO Thailand is the best choice. The only real advantage the Philippines has is that the people speak English as their second language. Everything else in Thailand is so much better and safer. The healthcare, infrastructure, food and culture are all great in Thailand. There's also very little crime compared to Philippines. Accommodation is expensive in the Philippines, but most other things are probably a little bit cheaper. I personally didn't feel safe in the Philippines, I feel completely safe here in Thailand. The choice is yours.

@Tim *****

I am not an expert as my Embassy will not issue the affidavit, but that is my understanding. Ask at your immigration what they need to accept the affidavit method.

@David *********

sorry mate, you and I are stuck with the 800,000 baht method.

Like I stated, you are making a really good point about the non OA, but it reads like they can only apply for the non OA from their home country (not the non O). Many people are confused about this and think that they can only get the non O when they get to Thailand and as we both know that is not true, as they can also get the non O. Opening a bank account in Thailand with a non O should not be a problem as it's a long term visa. The problems people are having are with tourist visa or visa exempt entries.

@Jennifer *****

pointing out that the non OA visa is an option is a really good point, but you are part of the reason that people get so confused about which visa to choose. You can easily edit your comment by adding the word 'ALSO' in the first line, between the words "can apply" and in a few other places. I realise you will not do this because it means admitting I am correct.