Yes, for a typical expat in Thailand, 72 years old, previous medical history, drinks heavily, smokes and eat loads of hamburgers..... oops sorry ... cover refused!
It must be very tiring for you to read about it. Children being blown up. Wives, husbands, mothers and fathers being killed. It must be absolutely terrible for you. ☹️☹️
"If I wrote, authorising my Thai bank to release funds from my account to a nominee. Wife for example, would they do so? i.e. Funds locked away for visa purposes. The obvious answer I suppose is to ask them. I just wonder if others here may have had experience."
No chance! Send her your ATM card.