Thai non immigrant "O" visa

[think_too_mut]

To open a bank account in Thai, you need at least Non Immigrant "O" Visa. I submitted my application 23. June 2025. and received email approval June 30th 2025 (it was today).
Took them 5 and a half business days. Applied from Japan, Osaka Royal Thai Consulate looks after Nagoya. During the application process, you must be within the jurisdiction of that particular Thai Embassy/Consulate. I could not go to Thai on 60 days exemption and wait on the approval there (within Thai). They will quickly find it out and cancel my visa application.

My neighbour, an American, 15 years in Bangkok, 2 children, Thai wife, opened his account 15 years ago when the rules did not really exist. He received a call from his bank, June 1. 2025, his account was blocked, asked him to supply some documents that he is living in Thai.
That much about 4,000 THB to an agent and "someone knows someone in some bank".

My next steps:
Go Thai (July 3) with the printout of that "O" visa (still, have to present TDI form about my arrival and departure).
Get Yellow Book (I own the condo, wife and daughter have their "Blue Book") and get into the system.
With that, go to Immigration for their document (not sure what it is but it is needed).
Open a bank account.
Transfer 800,000 THB to my newly open Thai account and let it season for 2 months.
In the meantime, I can get my Japan driving licence converted to Thai DL, no test, no exam, eyes and reflex test only.
When 2 months seasoning of the funds are up, apply for my retirement visa (O). I do not have to sit it out in Thai, can leave and come back 2 weeks before my "O" visa expires, September 27. 2025.
No agencies as yet.

 

 

[think_too_mut]

Got my retirement visa extension valid until 30. September 2026. multiple entries. I guess it kicks in after my current non-O 90 days visa expires.

Timeline:
4. July 2025. Friday: consultation, paperwork, copies at Thai Visa Center, payment (1 hour)

7. July Monday - opening bank account. TVC staff was at the bank branch to assist (TVC car picked me up, 40 minutes at the bank, brought me back home)
 

8. July Tuesday - processing

9. July Wednesday - my passport with 1 year retirement extension and multiple entries and my bank passbook in my hands. A messenger delivered it about noon.

It was very quick, possibly, I got lucky and was within a batch of other applicants that they process once a week or in 10 days.

Absolutelly great service by Thai Visa Center.