@Frank ***************

there is no compulsory requirement for insurance, to apply for a 12 extension of a non O visa, based on retirement.

I've been told Halifax "may" put restrictions on account use, if living abroad, they must have decided to apply restrictions, are they allowing you to keep your accounts?? Get a revolut account, i use that for online booking etc, I like the digital disposable card feature, I don't even use credit cards anymore, just don't need them.

@Greg **********

Max fredriksson I have heard some people say, they couldn't "transfer" an account from one bank to another, in a different Provence, they were told to just open a new account, and to close the old one, if it was no longer needed, which is pretty much the same thing, apart from perhaps filling out a few extra forms, I've wondered tho, if you just change the address, doesn't that leave the problem, of only being able to sort certain problems, at the bank where the account was first opened, you would expect everything to just swap over, to your local bank in your new home city, but we are talking about Thailand now 🫣😂

Like others have suggested, you can convert from a tourist visa, to a non O inside Thailand, but it seems you need to do it as a "package" with an agent, they will complete the whole process for you, from opening the bank account, to obtaining the non O visa, and then getting the 12 month extension, if you use your own money, to meet the financial requirements, you can do the extension yourself next year, try agents in Pattaya first they are usually cheaper, or the "thai visa centre" in Bangkok have recently said it can still be done.

@Barry ******

I think you need to make a will, and leave instructions, to who is the beneficiary of all your assets, assuming you have any, if unclaimed I think it just goes to the government, as far as I'm aware it's the same in any country.

The reason you are getting mixed information, is because some immigration offices, will issue the initial non O and some won't, and will suggest you leave Thailand, and apply at a thai embassy in a neighbouring country, then return and they will issue the 12 month retirement extension, so you will need to do that, or get an agent in somewhere like Pattaya, is usually the cheapest, you should also be able to open a bank account with a non O, if you do the visa, with your own finances through the agent, you should be able to do the extension yourself the following year.

@Andrew *******

Stuart is a volunteer in an immigration office in Thailand, others seem to confirm that, and as far as I'm aware, and has lived in Thailand for years, and through what I have seen, he usually gives good advice, I haven't read all the comments, between yourself and Stuart, so can't give an opinion on who is right or wrong, it sounds like you and him have had a clash of personalities, if you don't agree with his advice, just scroll on as they say.

@Andrew *******

it sounds like you have already made your mind up, so probably best to agree to disagree.

@Andrew *******

I'm assuming you are not a regular, on the various Thailand visa advice pages, because otherwise you would be aware, that Stuart Cumming is certainly not a troll, and regularly helps people, with visa and Thailand related advice.