I think a lot depends on where you try I am in exactly the same situation as you but was told in Bangkok Bank in Central you can't open an account here but maybe in smaller places

Look at saga annual multi trip you can change the number of days to 90 days at a time, last year cost me around £270. Aged 64 with 1 pre existing medical ( asthma).

@Mark ********

that is one possible option but wanted to stay off that hamster wheel if possible

@John *********

not that I am aware of

@Mike *****

not an option sadly as partner is a working School Teacher

@Stuart **********

have a I think residence certificate that was the main reason for going. Got a Thai phone sim in my name reflecting the address where I live. So far not managed to get the bank account open, but in Bangkok Bank the girl was helpful, we were at central shopping centre and she said no bank ib shopping centres will open accounts for foreigners but that Local branches may well do. I along with my partner will go to her local bank and try there. We had on a previous visit asked for their requirements which we can meet. The proof will be in the pudding when we try next week

As requested by some I did make the point to the I O that as far as I was aware there was no such visa and that on a standard non O for retirement and I believe Marriage that work was not allowed but all I got back was we can not do extension for that visa

@Daz *********

also last week there were 2 bank holidays in Thailand at least Schools government offices were closed both Monday and Tuesday if the embassy follows thai public holidays that could make the process longer

Seems a little long I applied via the London Embassy first week in May and got visa in 5 working days

I plan on marrying in Thoen later this year and have also been told two witnesses are required