I'm currently in Hua Hin with my wife on a research trip with one eye firmly on retiring here, possibly later this year. We both plan on obtaining a Non-O Retirement Visa and getting the 1 year extension but there are a couple of points I'm a little confused about.

I understand one of the most urgent tasks after arriving would be to open Thai bank accounts and deposit 800k in each but to open accounts we need a certificate of residence and to get that we need to present a lease agreement to immigration.

How long would that lease need to be?

Ideally what we'd like to do is, ahead of our arrival, secure a very short term let of maybe 1 or 2 months, perhaps through AirBnB or suchlike, whilst we look for a longer term property.

Would immigration accept that and would they put both of us on the certificate?

First thing you need to note is to obtain the Non O retirement e-Visa prior to entering Thailand.

Indeed the bank most likely requires you to obtain a COR.

That may or may not require a lease.

Suggest you obtain advice from HH immigration.

You could also discuss with bank especially in relation to lease if you are providing a COR.

NOTE: Airbnb notorious for messing folk around in providing TM30.

Be aware that it's possible to have non Thai wife piggyback on your Extensions as your dependent.

She would need to enter Thailand with a Non O.

More involved now than in past years.

If you can afford to obtain separate Non O retirement that's also good option.

You state.... "Would immigration accept that and would they put both of us on the certificate?"

Answer no. You need separate bank accounts and separate COR.

Thanks.

We both intend to get our Non-O visas in the UK so I think the only query remaining is how long I need to arrange accommodation for so we can both get a certificate of residence.

If we need to take a longer lease to obtain it then so be it but I would prefer to do a month or two then do some viewings to get the right place.

37 minutes ago, Smudgy said:

.....I think the only query remaining is how long I need to arrange accommodation for so we can both get a certificate of residence

As stated... That's up to immigration office.

In reality you should only require a TM30.

Explain to immigration that it's your intention to use some initial time to find a residence that suits long term.

COR has certainly been issued without long term lease.

That's good to know.

If it isn't a prerequisite at least I could talk to immigration about our plans and hopefully make progress.

I have been told that Hua Hin immigration are pretty decent.

The most economical way to rent is to do it " rai deun " ie.monthy payment rather than daily as with most hotels. This means signing a lease agreement where you agree to pay in advance ( usually 1 month ) plus a deposit. Then water and electricity is paid at the end of the month. It's all detailed in the lease agreement. It's possible to leave at any time , you don't have to stay for years . The landlord should report your presence to immigration for the TM 30 , with this you can get your COR and open a bank account.

54 minutes ago, persimmon said:

This means signing a lease agreement where you agree to pay in advance ( usually 1 month ) plus a deposit.

The thread is about opening Thai bank account.

You didn't mention lease in attached thread re need for lease to obtain COR.

OP, here is recent thread re opening bank account. Suggest you try immigration with TM30.

Kasikorn would be my pick.

As DrJack has already mentioned, each immigration office has their own requirements for various things. Most immigration offices do not require a lease for a CoR, they only require a TM30.

If you decide to go the AirBNB route, make sure you message the host before booking anything. Anytime I use AirBNB when I know I will need a TM30, I always message the host first and ask them if they will do a TM30 for me and send me proof. If they say no, then I don't book that listing and continue looking.