If you are located in Bangkok, I know a law firm who can assist you open the bank account. You only need your passport and you do not need the embassy letter.

@Eddie ******

No, you have ask your local immigration office, that they can change ED visa to Non O and than Non O to retirement visa for you.

@Eddie ******

You can change to Non O once and then you must convert to retirement visa.

If you are looking for a long term stay, this is a good option.

Regarding the non-immigrant O visa and the Retirement visa, the seasoning of the funds for two month is not required when you are changing from Tourist Visa into Non-immigrant O visa. The 2-month seasoning will be required when converting the non-immigrant O visa into a retirement which will take place 2 months after you receive the non-immigrant O visa.

Hello. If you are having a a problem obtaining a document from the embassy for opening an account, this page may interest you in opening a account under a visa amnesty stamp.:

Just get Non-O (Married) 90 days in The UK and than change to 1 year inside of Thailand. (90 days address reporting at the immigration in Thailand)

@Steve ******

You will get a Non-O (Married) 90 day from England, and after you entering to Thailand before your visa expried 30 day, you can apply 1 year inside of Thailand, as long as you have 400,000 THB in a Thai bank.

You have many option, you an apply for the 6-month METV or 1 year Non-O (Married a Thai wife) from England.