DrJack54

OP, most likely not an option but you do not have to return in person to obtain your stamp.

OP what type of visa are you intending to apply for in Vientiane

There is no insurance policy with agent. The one post earlier that had success and did not buy insurance also had a non O in passport. Cannot see the point of that post as you are on a tourist visa. Before turning to agent you could try Kasikorn bank. You might fluke it, especially if you have a lease. Bangkok Bank are pretty emphatic about residence certificate or statement from your embassy. Being in Pattaya you might try a few banks. Don't waste too much of your time. If possible please report back with responses from banks.

Extension to a non O based on retirement are absolute walk in the park. Especially if you use money in the bank method. No health insurance requirement. How old are you. You say close to 50 does that mean 48.

When did optional health insurance become a "Thai visas, residency, work permits" forum topic.

Which immigration office?

I've recommend Siam Legal to few folk and they have been happy. You could also pm @ThaiVisaCentre for guidance/advice. Bangkok Buddy you could also ask. What type of entry do you have. Visa, visa exempt?

Think your question was asking why pay an agent when you can just buy insurance to achieve same outcome. Some immigration offices will not provide residence certificate same day. Think you stated that you required bank account that same day. Also CW for example require a residence certificate however that requires a 90 day report. Also takes between 1-2 weeks to be posted out. Many folk are not doing 90 day reports as they are on eg tourist visa. Also some folk reading these threads are looking to obtain non O and need bank account asap.

@RedArmy... Why not quote my complete post. I mentioned he could try random branches. You obtained a residence certificate and paid for insurance. As in another thread same question but was in Bangkok. RC will not be same day there. You stated .... "- I needed an account that day so paid 5900 for their policy." Did you abtain residence certificate same day? Can assure you that's not possible everywhere.

You are aware it's cost is 600k. How are are you? If over 50 then why not obtain a non O retirement and live here on extensions.. The TDL in your OP is sort of irrelevant unrelated.

That insurance scam has been an option forever. The OP is in Pattaya. He might have luck with random branch. He also could use agent. Maneerat is one example. Approx 5k. No residence certificate or insurance required.

A lot has changed in 12 years partly due to money laundering laws.

Just another rouge immigration office not abiding by changes to the requirements.

Which country are you from. Meaning does your embassy provide income letter

Don't do a 90 report. When you reenter your 90 day clock starts again. Added note: after being stamped in have quick look at stamped in "admit till" date. It should be same date as on your extension expiry date which is same as on your reentry permit.

Outline exactly what you provided to open bank account in Bangkok. Specifically when you obtained the account being with visa exempt or tourist visa.

I'm not relating second hand info. I went to Bangkok Bank about 2+ years ago to open a bank account. I have lived in Thailand at that time for several years. I had a non O retirement and subsequent extensions and a reentry permit. Also account with another bank. I attended Bangkok Bank largish branch Sukhumvit Rd Asoke. Spoke with the manager. He wanted a residence certificate or statement from my embassy. He also wanted some sort of statement from my Australian Bank. I had lease agreement. Note same condo for 10 years. No good. I also had a large sum of cash that I mentioned....no good. Years prior to that I tried to open my first account and was a nightmare. Yes I tried taking Thai friend. Had the school teachers uniform on and long time bank account with that branch. No success.

hi i think its 1 bank account , sorry i hardly check in here much It can be in couple of accounts. In a situation where someone makes a mistake an accidentally tips below required funds then another account could be used in addition to the one for immigration purposes.

So basically you achieved opening Bank account at a bank that your sister in law works at! Best add that criteria to the "list of requirements" for future advice.

Yes you need 10k covid insurance cover for 30 days. Don't forget your reentry permit. Single reentry 1000baht.

This topic of opening a bank account on a Tourist Visa or visa exempt entry has been kicked to death. The cut and paste from Bangkok Bank you posted has been posted many times previously and is not complete. BB (in Bangkok) will require a residence certificate. In Bangkok that requires you to have made a 90 day report (not possible). Even if it was possible the RC takes between 1-2 weeks to obtain. Your alternative is obtain equivalent from embassy. Problem is not all embassies provide them. Oz embassy being one. My suggestion of using an agent is specifically directed at situation where someone has entered visa exempt or TV and is looking to obtain a non-O asap. You stated .... "Just get either a Thai friend with a BKK bank account to go with you or a letter from your home bank saying you are a customer and include your bank's SWIFT code in the letter" Been there done that personally and with others. Didn't work.

Thanks for the tip. Just now had quick look at web site. Looks interesting and good reviews. Maybe more helpful for land border entries. As for this thread....I posted 2 jabs enough. Having stated that ...I'm heading back to Oz in couple of months. I'm going for first booster soon ish at Bang Sue just to cover myself for travel. Not required but doing it anyway. Let's all hope that TP and rubbish insurance dropped in next month or so.

Sounds like a sweet plan to me. As I suggested earlier certainly put Vietnam on your list for consideration.

Hey poss no I didn't. The pm is open. Mind you I haven't received any for couple of days (unusual) so maybe I have accidentally switched em off.

What stops you from reentering Thailand visa exempt and obtaining non O retirement at immigration in Thailand.