What Are the New Requirements for the Non O Visa for Retirement in Thailand from the London Embassy?

Question

Just noticing an update on the London E visa application website and the London Thai Embassy website.
I believe they may no longer issue a single entry Non O visa for retirement UNLESS you are in receipt of a state pension or at least of state pension age, which means you need to be over 65 years old. 
That now is the only choice. The other options for retirement, apart from the O-A visa, have gone. I would suggest anybody not over 65 years old (The minimum state pension age) and wanting to apply for the Non O visa for retirement, calls the Embassy and asks if it is still possible to apply before wasting your time applying.

Ask Thailand · Answer

Recent updates indicate that the London Thai Embassy may now require applicants for a single entry Non O visa for retirement to be at least state pension age (65 years) or receiving a state pension. The other retirement options besides the O-A visa seem to be phased out. It’s advised for individuals under 65 to contact the Embassy for clarification before applying, as some have reported successful applications without pension proof by showing sufficient bank statements.

Da **** · Answer

I can confirm Paul's experience above, quick and efficient. Steve, the non immigrant 'O' only requires that you have a statement from NI Direct. Strangely it asks for a current years statement which I did not have ( and indeed don't appear to be issued ). I used my original statement from the Future Pension Centre that was nearly 18 months old without the problems that would have caused in LoS.

Ron ******* · Answer

This is interesting and now included on the Hull consulate website BUT not on the E visa application site or the London Thai Embassy website. They appear to of put something into place for partners of state pensioners.

Hull still lists the Non O as being available to anybody over 50. Whether they still issue it though, remains to be seen.

Hull still lists the Non O as being available to anybody over 50. Whether they still issue it though, remains to be seen.

Steve ******* · Answer

Am I missing something. Where does it say that you have to be on a pension. You just need to show 3 months of bank statements in excess of £10,000.

Biff ******* · Answer

Even before the E-visa system the London embassy have been pointing people to the O-A visa if they say they want to retire in Thailand. I know people who were flat out refused an application for a Non-O based on retirement years ago and were instead pointed towards the O-A. They converted in country instead and then obtained an extension of stay.

Paul ********** · Answer

If anyone is having difficulty with the London site it might be worth giving hull a try , did it online , next day confirmation of receiving it , next day another saying it had been granted and can pick up when they open on the 2nd jan. Just turn up with p.p. ,  photos , application form and 70 quid.