It helps if your partner or someone in your extended family or one of their mates comes to the Amphur with you and speaks on your behalf.

I just did my first online registration returning to my yelliw book/pink ID/drivers license address. Seems to have worked.

Google map indicating residence to immi office ok for OA Thai wife renewal (not my wife - the 'visa')

Paul Martin no insurance required or mentioned when opening acct or since then.

Kasikorn would.not open an account 6 years ago despite 8 members of my family holding accounts at the branch. Even with a long term visa, tabian ban, ID card, drivers license. Somewhat disappointed I walked to Bangkok Bank and 30 minutes later departed with an account, a passbook, an ATM card, active phone banking and on line banking.

Bkk bank, small town branch, yes a painful process but always ok. Good local staff, kind and helpfull.

I learned words to be relatively independent. Numbers, directions, complements, household items, food, finance, directions and more. Then google translate to fill in some gaps.

Korat requires the same as Chiang Mai + passbook transaction + bank acquired statement + bank letter. If you have to come back another day due to a change in requirements you have to repeat the bank process and fees.

I note that Immigration has no interest in one's pink ID card or yellow book and has never in 15 years requested a copy when renewing thai wife related annual extention. Same for drivers license but can understand that. Also my wife has a Thai passport which still requires her to provide a copy of our marriage cert and her name change certificate and a statement from the Amphur that we are married? Strangely a Thai passport is not as powerful as I would have thought.