I was just re-reading an official Thai Consulate Web site, gathering info on the types of visas and requirements for them. I was reading those for the non imm type A or long stay visa in particular and noticed that the requirement for a bank account did not specifically state that it be a bank account in a Thai bank or in Thailand itself. In fact, because you need the bank account, or proof of income of 65K baht per month or some combo of the two, when applying for the visa, how would you be expected to already Have a Thai bank account. Especially if you are a firtst timer. According to many people, getting a bank account in Thai requires the appropriate visa type in hand. Although I established one in 05 with only a tourist visa. Sadly, I no longer have the account.

Am I reading this correctly or not? Anyone with direct experience using a non-Thai bank to meet this requiement? Maybe I just assumed wrong that all the discussions were referencing a Thai bank account.

The non immigrant O-A visa is obtained in your home country and the funds are expected to be in that location also. Only when you start to have one year extensions of stay in Thailand (these are not visas) are the funds required to be in Thailand.

The non immigrant O-A visa is obtained in your home country and the funds are expected to be in that location also. Only when you start to have one year extensions of stay in Thailand (these are not visas) are the funds required to be in Thailand.

What is a non immigrant O-A visa? What is needed to obtain one?

It is a pre approved non immigrant O (A=Approved) long stay visa that you obtain in your home country and results in a one year permitted to stay stamp on entry into Thailand. You need to be over age 50 and provide medical and police clearance report and pay for the visa in your country of residence. You will need to show 800k (in baht at current exchange rate) or 65k monthly income or a combination. Normally the web site of the Royal Thai Embassy serving your country will have full details (as exact certifications and such vary from country to country).

If it helps here is the Royal Thai Embassy in London

Welcome to the Royal Thai Embassy