@Laurie *********
, FIRST you're going to have to decide if you're getting the "retirement visa" in the USA from a thai consulate BEFORE you wing your way here OR if you're going to come here and then go thru the steps to get it inside the country.
IF you're getting it in the USA before you come, you can bank the money in an account in the US to meet the financial requirements. The consulates that issue the visa you want are Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington DC. You will need a police back ground check and a medical certificate.
Check the website of the consulate you are going to apply at.
That Non-O-A visa is definitely the way to go if you can get it before you come here