Can my wife change her 'tourist' visa to a 'non-O' visa without leaving Thailand?

Apologies in advance if this topic has been covered before.

My wife and I have been living in Thailand for decades and have used different types of visas through the years.

We both have USA passports. We now live in Nonthaburi.

I have recently received another 1 year, "retirement" visa. At this point my wife is here on a 60 day "tourist" visa that can be extended for another 30 days.

Immigration had told us that as soon as my 1 year retirement visa was in hand, THEN my wife could apply for her "dependents" visa. (วีซ่าตาม)

But now they are telling us that my wife must FIRST have a "non-O" visa, THEN she can get her "dependents" visa. BUT, they cannot change her "tourist" visa into a "non-O" visa at the immigration office inside of Thailand.

They have told us that my wife must go outside of Thailand to a Thai embassy or consulate in order for her to receive a "non-O" visa. THEN after that, she could go into the immigration office here with her "non-O" visa and receive her "dependents" visa.

So, the question is:

Is there any way to change my wife's "tourist" visa into a "non-O" without leaving Thailand?

Or,

Where is the closest, most convenient place outside of Thailand to go in order to get her a "non-O" visa?

Thanks in advance for any advice.