@Nick ***********

Check with Thai Visa Center.

Yes.

Bangkok Bank has an INTERNAL policy which allows them to start a SAVINGS account for you, with a Mastercard Debit Card/ATM.

Context is so important in communication.

@Chanin *********

Thai citizen returnees and maybe a few diplomats. These are NOT commercial flights.

Istiaque Chowdhury For me (UK Citizen) the cost is RM 150 (Malaysian Ringget) at the embassy.

The real cost is in hotels and airfare, Taxis, food etc.

@Ivan ***********

As I said in a reply to someone else, I ALWAYS have a backup plan AND an "if all else fails" plan.

@Oliver *******

Hmmm. You may be right. I didn't consider the "under 50" part (I'm 72). Still, it may be worth a shot.

@Oliver *******

Unfortunately, Governments are renowned for doing stupid things which go against their stated objectives and interests. But, if you act fast, and can scrape up 18,000 Baht before the end of July you CAN get you current O visa converted to a 3 month non-O using one of the Visa services you see on here. (ThaiVisa claims almost 100% success)

@Oliver *******

It really depends on your situation , budget, and objectives. Since I started globe hopping nine years ago I have always thought my way through and prepared for 3 situations at minimum. "Plan A" being the preferred objective and method, "Plan B" the fallback plan, "Plan C" the "If all else fails" plan. I usually build in some flexibility into the budget and schedule for each plan.

In the current circumstances my "Plan A" is to hope that Malaysia and Thailand agree on a "Travel Bubble" and I can go down to KL to renew my visa. Failing that Plan A-2 is "or any other country". "Plan B" is pay one of the established Visa companies to get me converted to a 3-month non-O visa and go from there. "Plan C" would be move to another country with less constrictive Visa requirements, which has also got the virus under control, until things loosen up back here in Thailand.

Or. We can close our eyes, cross our fingers, hold our breaths, and hope Thailand renews or extends their Amnesty program.