I tried it (w/o an existing account at TransferWise!) and it took 2 or three days. Still acceptable, when compared to 100 € fees.

Get you a local account and then let TransferWise send the money from your home account to your Thai account. Easy, takes 2 or 3 days, but a very correct exchange rate.

Yes, you need.

The German government has a worldwide online register, where you can enter your address etc. abroad and who to contact in case of an emergency. But that is all voluntary. Still, some times it might be pretty helpful, like after the tsunami or during civil unrest in an area. OTOH this is NOT open to folks asking for your present address or such.

Hope that info helps...

Just try another bank or another branch. The requirements are different from bank to bank and from branch to branch. Best chances are in a (former?) tourist area. Good luck.

Why would you want to buy a condo in the name of somebody else? If you want to get rid of your money, I can give you my account data...

Meines Wissens gibt es keine O-A Verlängeruing, nur eine Verlängerung als "Rentner-Visum".

Oder hat sich da was geändert?

Andrew, that "conditions" to open a bank account vary from branch to branch. Best chances though in an area with many foreigners living.

Hup-Verbot. Ist halt eine alte Hupe...

I only repeat, what I was told. And (unfortunately) I am over 50...