@Gary *********

I was told you need to have 30 days or more, remaining on your current stamp.

@Brandon ***********

like you say it is better to open an account in the area/province you choose to settle in, because some problems can only be rectified, at the actual bank where you opened the account, with Bangkok bank, out of Provence ATM fees for cash withdrawals (using a Bangkok bank ATM) is ฿15 to use the physical card, or a cardless withdrawal using the application is free!

@Sachuwat ******

a lot of people now are saying it's difficult or impossible to open a Thai bank account yourself, on a short-term visa such as a tourist visa, and saying the banks are requesting a long term visa, I think it was some time last year, they tightened up a lot of the rules and regulations regarding bank accounts, you could always try a few banks first, if it's to difficult, an agent in places like Pattaya, can assist you for around ฿4000, yes you will need a Thai account if you plan on staying full time in Thailand, I think the ฿800k needs to be seasoned for two months in a Thai account before you apply.

I have only really had proper personal experience in Pattaya immigration, which is a nightmare, and also a few quiet rural offices, in Pattaya there are only visa agents willing to help for a fee inside the immigration office. and in rural offices, they only accepted completed paperwork to check, wouldn't really help with any decisions regarding most suitable visa, but I've heard of volunteers in other offices, that help out but they always seem busy, he doesn't actually say which visa he wants, but mentions 800k so it must be the retirement visa he is thinking about.

@Graham *****

I made a comment to him, saying only use that link I sent for information, about applying on the E-visa website, and said to only use the E-visa official website "directly" and not to go through any third party sites, But yes, good idea you supplying the official link, I'm sure he appreciates the help.

Immigration officers are only really there to process visas, maybe in a quiet immigration office they may give you a short period of time with some suggestions, but it's ultimately your decision, as to what visa is best for you, do some research as to the most suitable visa, based on age and circumstances, either that or just use a recommended visa agent, that will do the whole process for you, but remember that they are a business, they may not necessarily advise the best visa, but a suitable visa, that they can also make money on getting it issued to you.

Make sure you apply "directly" with the Thai e-visa official website, not through any third party websites.

@Sean *******

@Sean *******

as long as you meet all the requirements your visa application will get approved, sometimes they ask for additional documents, you need to print the E-visa and carry it in your passport, it has an issue date and a use by date, you can enter Thailand anytime within that date to activate the visa, and you get stamped in for 90 days, the London embassy are very quick at issuing e-visas, people report getting them usually within a week, so a month before would be okay, I've send an information link in another comment, that explains the way to apply on the E-visa site.

Apply for the NON O visa on the Thai e-visa website in the UK, before arriving in Thailand, try and open a bank account yourself, it may be possible with the non O visa, get a visa agent to open the bank account if you can't do it yourself, and deposit ฿800,000 that needs to be seasoned for two months, when you arrive in Thailand go and get a list of requirements for a "12 month extension of stay based on retirement" after 60 days in Thailand you should be able to apply for the extension, the new DTV is another option to look at.