Red flagged at immigration

[Dr.Winston]

Catch 22  ? ... I can't get one without a bank account, I can't get a bank account with(out) a retirment extension.

 

In all honesty I would take OnTheEdge's advice and get an agent to sort it out for you. I don't think it's particularly expensive and might save you lots of grief. I managed to open one recently without an agent but it took all the Thai language, charm? And BS I could muster to get past the jobsworth of a manageress I who was assigned to my request.

[Guest]

So in this climate is it safer to apply for a 60 day tourist visa from the Thai embassy before leaving the country?

yes, for aure