DrJack54

What simple facts don't you understand...... It would be very difficult to open a bank account in Bangkok on a tourist visa or visa exempt entry. Granted the OP did not even state his details ...location etc. You obtained your accounts in Pattaya great. The use of agent is a suggestion especially for those where time is of the essence. Often the case when "converting" to a non O. There are several threads on this topic in "banking finance" forum. Have also read recent reports that even Banks in Jomtien/Pattaya have started asking for residence certificate. Some people post regarding their own personal experience that can sometimes be outdated. Indeed money laundering laws have possibly caused some of the tightening of the rules.

An option for you but not of much assistance to the OP.

I assume next time you would be applying for a non O retirement or marriage. If your plan is to enter visa exempt then it's the airline that may require the onward flight. As you mentioned, this can be a throw away ticket or you can "rent a flight". If entering visa exempt or with tourist visa you need to open bank account asap. The reason being that you require 15+ days remaining on your permission of stay. Non O marriage and subsequent extensions have easy financials and the benefit that the funds can be used after extention final stamp.

Geez. The OP has not been active in the thread virtually from the start. Still unaware of where he is located. The reason to highlight Bangkok is that it has significantly more hurdles than other areas.

Not all, but a lot of these threads are opening a bank account as first step to obtaining a non O from visa exempt or tourist visa entry. Given that application requires 15+ days remaining on permission of stay the opening of bank account needs to occur asap. A residence certificate in Bangkok takes time. Between 1-2 weeks. The option of letter from embassy also takes time. Some embassies such as Au don't even provide this service. Even if residence certificate was instant from CW you need to be doing 90 day reports at CW to apply for one. People on tourist and visa exempt entry cannot obtain a residence certificate in Bangkok.

No need for a Rant about the financial requirements for extensions based on retirement. You asked simple question in the OP and it was answered. Want to keep your funds in Cambodia fine. Use and agent to get around the financials.

As I pointed out earlier, my posts regarding requirements to open bank account is in regard to BANGKOK Not Chonburi or Phuket etc.

Read my post again. It refers specifically to opening a bank account in BANGKOK. Not referring to Bangkok Bank or Phuket.

My posts have been regarding Bangkok. But excellent you could open accounts so easily. Post their branch locations to assist others.

The person you are quoting is planning to obtain the non O retirement inside Thailand from a visa exempt entry. To obtain the non O he requires a bank account with 800k on day of application. The bank account is step 1..

I was replying to this post... "Can anyone confirm that, if using an agent's services (such as those of Siam Legal)"..... I gave the correct advice. ThaivisaCenter also provide this service. You state ..... "..the person can do it on there own...". Almost impossible if person is on visa exempt or tourist visa and opening an account in Bangkok. Banks will require residence certificate or letter from embassy. You cannot obtain residence certificate in CW unless you are making 90 day reports. Not all embassies provide the letter that the bank requires. Oz embassy being one. Post facts.

The difficulties arise for folk on tourist visa or visa exempt at some immigration offices. You had a non O retirement. Different situation completely.

Siam Legal can open bank account. Think you will find they deal with Bangkok Bank. Fee ~ 3k... When choosing a bank be aware that only these three accept large transfers using WISE. Bangkok Bank. Kasikorn Bank. Siam Commercial Bank. The others have limit of 50k baht per transaction. Also be aware that SCB does not have a branch at CW immigration..

You mention applying for the non O marriage in USA and subsequent extension in Thailand. For extensions the funds do not need to be shown to have come from abroad. Even if you obtained the non O in Thailand the money being transferred from your joint account to account in your name would not be an issue. Bit unrelated but discuss with your bank that your wife can be a signatory to your account without her name being listed on the account. This is useful. As already pointed out several times you require a Thai bank account in your name. The more simple option is to use money in bank method. That would require 400k in bank for 2 months prior to application for extension plus best to keep in bank during the under consideration period (approx 1 month). The funds can then be used. Income method is another option. Note it's not average. It must be 40k+ per month.

Well that simple statement sums it up. As you are already in Thailand you have few options to extend your stay. You can obtain a 30 day extension to your visa exempt entry. You can also obtain a 60 day extension "to visit Thai wife". You can also do a border bounce to obtain a visa exempt entry 45 days. That can be extended by 30 days. The rest of your post is just random confusion. In the future you can obtain a non O marriage and annual extensions. That can be done from a visa exempt or tourist visa entry. The most straight forward option is money in the bank. In simple terms that requires 400k to be in the bank for 2 months plus approx 1 month under consideration period, so all up approx 3 months per year. That money can then be used. Simple easy requirements. Your first step this trip would be to open a bank account in your name.

You stated this...... "Even if so, I don't necessarily plan to be in Thailand for more than a week upon return"... A reentry permit for the sake of 1000baht would keep thinks simple. OR ...don't get a reentry permit and reenter visa exempt. Up to you..

My post was referring to opening a bank account in BANGKOK. Also @tonray rather than a laugh emoji outline recent experience of opening a bank account in Bangkok with a tourist visa or visa exempt.

Disregard all the above posts.. If you are planning to open bank account with visa exempt or tourist visa at Bangkok then you will require an agent.

1900 baht

Big problem in Bangkok as a residence certificate is often required and that's not possible on visa exempt. The process of visa exempt to non O retirement and subsequent extension is very common. I suggest an agent for the bank account component. They tend to use Bangkok Bank.

Almost all agents can do non O retirement and subsequent extension using the clients money in the bank etc. That will cost less than an agent doing the non O and extention without any funds in the bank. With an aging expat community think your inquiry will become common question.

You can obtain a 30 day extension to the visa exempt entry for 1900baht. So 75 days all up. Sweet deal.

OP, you mean reenter visa exempt. No problem and yes can do same day. BTW you will receive a 45 day stamp.

That would not be a problem. Since you have funds available I suggest the money in bank method is a good option. The 400k baht only needs to be in your account on the day you obtain the non O in Thailand and for annual extensions for two months prior to application. After final stamp is given the funds can be used/withdraw as you wish.

The io will not be interested with onward flight. The airline at departure may wish to see onward flight.