All phone plans here are cheap relative to the usa. Suggest you go to an AIS store and buy an annual pre paid package for data only and just top up every once in a while with ฿100 for calls and txt.
it's not hard if you have: passport copies, residence certificate, long term lease, etc. show up looking somewhat professional, smile and treat bank officers with respect. I'm surprised how many people i see showing up at a bank in a singlet and flip flops... Banks consider themselves professional, respect is important.
apply for non-o from aus. Don't waste your money on an agent. Process is easy, though feels tedious at times. Just be patient and follow simple directions.
that is exactly what i advised her to do. But also, to do a little better research so she understands the process better rather than relying on FB opinion.
you need to do a little better research. Go to Laos, apply for visa via evisa for non-o based on over 50. Once you get visa, reenter the kingdom on your non-o. Then go open a bank account. At the end of your 90 day non-o visa, and having seasoned your 800k for 2 months, you can apply for a 12 month extension of stay.