Gaybutton

Obviously people do manage to get their first-time retirement visa, but I don't know how it works or what people have to do if they don't already hold a Thai bank account.  Maybe it has to be done through one of the visa agents.  Maybe they can also help to open a Thai bank account.  Can't hurt to try.
I've never used a visa agent, but I do know in Pattaya Mots-Services is reliable, reasonably priced, and honest.  One of the services they provide according to their web site is "OPEN THAI BANK ACCOUNT" When you read the details, their fee is 3500 baht and they can do it even if you have only a tourist visa.  See:  https://www.mots-services.com/
One thing is clear - things involving Thai bank accounts and retirement visas are not getting any easier.  I wish I could provide better advice, but this is the best I can do.

It would be nice if you at least could go into a bar at all.  But so far you can't.  This thing about permitting alcohol in restaurants in Pattaya beginning January 16 is not engraved in stone.  That is not by any means guaranteed.
There is also nothing I've seen that says there are any plans to permit alcohol later than 9:00pm and nothing I've seen that says January 16 is necessarily going to mean the bars will open.
Folks, I hope none of you are going to wishful think yourselves into planning your holiday in Thailand too soon and end up disappointed.  You might want to consider waiting until the bars really do reopen and alcohol can be served - a lot later than 9:00pm.
Don't be all that upset that you're not in Pattaya right now.  You're missing all the bars closed, much less public transportation, some favorite hotels closed, and plenty of rain nearly every day just when you would want to be on the beach and just when you would be going out to dinner and the bars.

I believe that is exactly what is happening.  In all the years I've lived in Thailand I have never seen so much rain over such a prolonged period of time.  No seasons I have ever seen in Thailand come even close to what has been happening with this one.
Maybe things will dry out later, but the fact is we are now a month into Thailand's dry season - and around here it is anything but dry.  The only things dry are the bars . . .

It would be nice if you at least could go into a bar at all.  But so far you can't.  This thing about permitting alcohol in restaurants in Pattaya beginning January 16 is not engraved in stone.  That is not by any means guaranteed.
There is also nothing I've seen that says there are any plans to permit alcohol later than 9:00pm and nothing I've seen that says January 16 is necessarily going to mean the bars will open.
Folks, I hope none of you are going to wishful think yourselves into planning your holiday in Thailand too soon and end up disappointed.  You might want to consider waiting until the bars really do reopen and alcohol can be served - a lot later than 9:00pm.
Don't be all that upset that you're not in Pattaya right now.  You're missing all the bars closed, much less public transportation, some favorite hotels closed, and plenty of rain nearly every day just when you would want to be on the beach and just when you would be going out to dinner and the bars.

In my opinion, the short answer is absolutely no.  I live in Pattaya.  From where I sit, the current situation sux.
In Bangkok none of the bars are open yet.  Whether they will be, what the imposed rules will be, and how many boys will have returned to work in the bars by then is anybody's guess.  Right now restaurants can serve alcohol, but only up to 9:00pm.  No word yet when that might change.
In Pattaya no bars and no alcohol even in restaurants.  As it stands now, restaurants in Pattaya will not be allowed to serve alcohol until January 16 and there is no word at all as to when the bars will be allowed to reopen.  The government restrictions have effectively killed Pattaya's holiday season.
I keep stressing that for the bars can reopen is by far not the same as will reopen.  We really don't know how many bars, especially go-go bars, have even survived to be able to reopen.  I am expecting many of the bars won't reopen until it appears there will be a good chance of enough customers to make it worth reopening.
There will be varying opinions about this, but my own opinion is I wouldn't be planning a trip to Thailand at least until we have a much better picture of what is happening and when it will be happening.  If it were me, I'd be hoping for a trip to Thailand maybe around March or April if things are returning to at least a semblance of normal by then - and the way things are currently going, that's a mighty big if . . .
I have a gay Thailand board too.  If you wish to check it out, it is:  https://www.gaybuttonthai.com

To me, that is the saddest part of all.  Even those of us who would want to support the gay venues and hope to help them make a comeback, now find it virtually impossible to do.  Even living in Thailand doesn't seem to help very much.
I think it is obvious to all that if the Thailand gay scene, especially the Pattaya gay scene, does make a comeback, it won't be a quick comeback.  I believe it will take years.  Just how many years - who knows?  I just hope those of us who are running out of spare years live long enough to see it.
Part of the problem is so much is unpredictable and it is difficult even to guess what might happen.  I would love to see Pattaya make a comeback to the way things were in the gay scene's "golden years", but for those of us who were fortunate enough to be here to experience those years, all we can do for the foreseeable future is to remember them.

In my opinion, the short answer is absolutely no.  I live in Pattaya.  From where I sit, the current situation sux.
In Bangkok none of the bars are open yet.  Whether they will be, what the imposed rules will be, and how many boys will have returned to work in the bars by then is anybody's guess.  Right now restaurants can serve alcohol, but only up to 9:00pm.  No word yet when that might change.
In Pattaya no bars and no alcohol even in restaurants.  As it stands now, restaurants in Pattaya will not be allowed to serve alcohol until January 16 and there is no word at all as to when the bars will be allowed to reopen.  The government restrictions have effectively killed Pattaya's holiday season.
I keep stressing that for the bars can reopen is by far not the same as will reopen.  We really don't know how many bars, especially go-go bars, have even survived to be able to reopen.  I am expecting many of the bars won't reopen until it appears there will be a good chance of enough customers to make it worth reopening.
There will be varying opinions about this, but my own opinion is I wouldn't be planning a trip to Thailand at least until we have a much better picture of what is happening and when it will be happening.  If it were me, I'd be hoping for a trip to Thailand maybe around March or April if things are returning to at least a semblance of normal by then - and the way things are currently going, that's a mighty big if . . .
I have a gay Thailand board too.  If you wish to check it out, it is:  https://www.gaybuttonthai.com

Well, the good food part is certainly available.  And there is no longer a curfew, but with the bars still closed and restaurants forbidden to serve alcohol after 9:00pm, doesn't seem like a curfew is necessary with nothing much to do at night.
As for reconsidering your plans, you're far from alone in that.  You might want to read this article:  https://aseannow.com/topic/1239902-it’s-expats-not-tourists-that-are-visiting-thailand-business-leader/

To me, that is the saddest part of all.  Even those of us who would want to support the gay venues and hope to help them make a comeback, now find it virtually impossible to do.  Even living in Thailand doesn't seem to help very much.
I think it is obvious to all that if the Thailand gay scene, especially the Pattaya gay scene, does make a comeback, it won't be a quick comeback.  I believe it will take years.  Just how many years - who knows?  I just hope those of us who are running out of spare years live long enough to see it.
Part of the problem is so much is unpredictable and it is difficult even to guess what might happen.  I would love to see Pattaya make a comeback to the way things were in the gay scene's "golden years", but for those of us who were fortunate enough to be here to experience those years, all we can do for the foreseeable future is to remember them.

Perhaps - if that is the only reason a person is traveling to Thailand.  

In my opinion, the short answer is absolutely no.  I live in Pattaya.  From where I sit, the current situation sux.
In Bangkok none of the bars are open yet.  Whether they will be, what the imposed rules will be, and how many boys will have returned to work in the bars by then is anybody's guess.  Right now restaurants can serve alcohol, but only up to 9:00pm.  No word yet when that might change.
In Pattaya no bars and no alcohol even in restaurants.  As it stands now, restaurants in Pattaya will not be allowed to serve alcohol until January 16 and there is no word at all as to when the bars will be allowed to reopen.  The government restrictions have effectively killed Pattaya's holiday season.
I keep stressing that for the bars can reopen is by far not the same as will reopen.  We really don't know how many bars, especially go-go bars, have even survived to be able to reopen.  I am expecting many of the bars won't reopen until it appears there will be a good chance of enough customers to make it worth reopening.
There will be varying opinions about this, but my own opinion is I wouldn't be planning a trip to Thailand at least until we have a much better picture of what is happening and when it will be happening.  If it were me, I'd be hoping for a trip to Thailand maybe around March or April if things are returning to at least a semblance of normal by then - and the way things are currently going, that's a mighty big if . . .
I have a gay Thailand board too.  If you wish to check it out, it is:  https://www.gaybuttonthai.com

In my opinion, the short answer is absolutely no.  I live in Pattaya.  From where I sit, the current situation sux.
In Bangkok none of the bars are open yet.  Whether they will be, what the imposed rules will be, and how many boys will have returned to work in the bars by then is anybody's guess.  Right now restaurants can serve alcohol, but only up to 9:00pm.  No word yet when that might change.
In Pattaya no bars and no alcohol even in restaurants.  As it stands now, restaurants in Pattaya will not be allowed to serve alcohol until January 16 and there is no word at all as to when the bars will be allowed to reopen.  The government restrictions have effectively killed Pattaya's holiday season.
I keep stressing that for the bars can reopen is by far not the same as will reopen.  We really don't know how many bars, especially go-go bars, have even survived to be able to reopen.  I am expecting many of the bars won't reopen until it appears there will be a good chance of enough customers to make it worth reopening.
There will be varying opinions about this, but my own opinion is I wouldn't be planning a trip to Thailand at least until we have a much better picture of what is happening and when it will be happening.  If it were me, I'd be hoping for a trip to Thailand maybe around March or April if things are returning to at least a semblance of normal by then - and the way things are currently going, that's a mighty big if . . .
I have a gay Thailand board too.  If you wish to check it out, it is:  https://www.gaybuttonthai.com

Obviously people do manage to get their first-time retirement visa, but I don't know how it works or what people have to do if they don't already hold a Thai bank account.  Maybe it has to be done through one of the visa agents.  Maybe they can also help to open a Thai bank account.  Can't hurt to try.
I've never used a visa agent, but I do know in Pattaya Mots-Services is reliable, reasonably priced, and honest.  One of the services they provide according to their web site is "OPEN THAI BANK ACCOUNT" When you read the details, their fee is 3500 baht and they can do it even if you have only a tourist visa.  See:  https://www.mots-services.com/
One thing is clear - things involving Thai bank accounts and retirement visas are not getting any easier.  I wish I could provide better advice, but this is the best I can do.

Obviously people do manage to get their first-time retirement visa, but I don't know how it works or what people have to do if they don't already hold a Thai bank account.  Maybe it has to be done through one of the visa agents.  Maybe they can also help to open a Thai bank account.  Can't hurt to try.
I've never used a visa agent, but I do know in Pattaya Mots-Services is reliable, reasonably priced, and honest.  One of the services they provide according to their web site is "OPEN THAI BANK ACCOUNT" When you read the details, their fee is 3500 baht and they can do it even if you have only a tourist visa.  See:  https://www.mots-services.com/
One thing is clear - things involving Thai bank accounts and retirement visas are not getting any easier.  I wish I could provide better advice, but this is the best I can do.

Obviously people do manage to get their first-time retirement visa, but I don't know how it works or what people have to do if they don't already hold a Thai bank account.  Maybe it has to be done through one of the visa agents.  Maybe they can also help to open a Thai bank account.  Can't hurt to try.
I've never used a visa agent, but I do know in Pattaya Mots-Services is reliable, reasonably priced, and honest.  One of the services they provide according to their web site is "OPEN THAI BANK ACCOUNT" When you read the details, their fee is 3500 baht and they can do it even if you have only a tourist visa.  See:  https://www.mots-services.com/
One thing is clear - things involving Thai bank accounts and retirement visas are not getting any easier.  I wish I could provide better advice, but this is the best I can do.

Now without holding the retirement visa it is very difficult to open a Thai bank account, but if you try hard enough and are willing to try enough different branches it still can be done.  How much longer it can be done is anybody's guess.
If anyone has any reason to believe you might sooner or later need a Thai bank account, I suggest doing whatever you need to do to get it during your next trip to Thailand.
From what I understand, Kasikorn Bank (aka K-Bank) is the bank most likely to approve opening an account.

Do you remember which visa you had at the time? 

Those of you who have been on the boards long enough may recall I used to very often urge those considering retiring in Thailand or making multiple trips to Thailand to open a Thai bank account while you still can - because it was getting more and more difficult to do so.  Many years ago when I opened my Bangkok Bank account, which I still hold, I had no problem doing it on the 30 day privilege.  Obviously now it is far more difficult for foreigners to open a Thai bank account.
No problem at all, though, if you hold a retirement visa.
So - if TotallyOz's friend succeeds and we find out how he did it, I'll repeat my advice - if you may ever need a Thai bank account, open one while you still can . . .

Do you remember which visa you had at the time? 

Those of you who have been on the boards long enough may recall I used to very often urge those considering retiring in Thailand or making multiple trips to Thailand to open a Thai bank account while you still can - because it was getting more and more difficult to do so.  Many years ago when I opened my Bangkok Bank account, which I still hold, I had no problem doing it on the 30 day privilege.  Obviously now it is far more difficult for foreigners to open a Thai bank account.
No problem at all, though, if you hold a retirement visa.
So - if TotallyOz's friend succeeds and we find out how he did it, I'll repeat my advice - if you may ever need a Thai bank account, open one while you still can . . .

Do you remember which visa you had at the time? 

Those of you who have been on the boards long enough may recall I used to very often urge those considering retiring in Thailand or making multiple trips to Thailand to open a Thai bank account while you still can - because it was getting more and more difficult to do so.  Many years ago when I opened my Bangkok Bank account, which I still hold, I had no problem doing it on the 30 day privilege.  Obviously now it is far more difficult for foreigners to open a Thai bank account.
No problem at all, though, if you hold a retirement visa.
So - if TotallyOz's friend succeeds and we find out how he did it, I'll repeat my advice - if you may ever need a Thai bank account, open one while you still can . . .

Bear in mind the way things seem to work with the banks.  If you don't get the answer you want at one bank branch, just go to another - and another.  Chances are if you go to enough of them, sooner later you'll be able to open an account.  Don't forget to also get online banking.
I suggest trying Kasikorn Bank, aka K-Bank.

Bear in mind the way things seem to work with the banks.  If you don't get the answer you want at one bank branch, just go to another - and another.  Chances are if you go to enough of them, sooner later you'll be able to open an account.  Don't forget to also get online banking.
I suggest trying Kasikorn Bank, aka K-Bank.

If Thailand really wants an influx of international tourists, I think the obvious thing to do is to eliminate the unnecessary hoops and come up with an app that actually works.
I don't see how Thailand can expect mass tourist arrivals when they make just getting to Thailand so confusing and difficult.

If Thailand really wants an influx of international tourists, I think the obvious thing to do is to eliminate the unnecessary hoops and come up with an app that actually works.
I don't see how Thailand can expect mass tourist arrivals when they make just getting to Thailand so confusing and difficult.

You can buy it from any insurance company.  Seems to me you actually have to buy it from other insurance companies.  From what I am reading, you must already have it and be able to prove it on arrival in Thailand.
Just think - this rule might actually last a week or so before they change the rules yet again . . .

You can buy it from any insurance company.  Seems to me you actually have to buy it from other insurance companies.  From what I am reading, you must already have it and be able to prove it on arrival in Thailand.
Just think - this rule might actually last a week or so before they change the rules yet again . . .