What should I say when asked about my purpose of visit to Thailand on a tourist e-visa while planning to apply for a non-O retirement visa?

Anyone advising Non O A visa before you arrive this requires 2 extra things

1, medical insurance

2, Criminal records check

Application for a Non O visa in Thailand not required crazy system.

Will they ask to see a return ticket?

and, you will need a rental contract and a TM30 registration, or they won't allow you to apply

and since you are from Australia, you will need to open a Thai bank account and transfer a minmum of 800.000.- THB onto it. You cannot use the income method, because your embassy does not issue an income affidavit any more. On SOME immigrations, they will ask for a 2-months seasoning of the 800.000.- THB for the application of the "change of visa type" for the initial 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa (the police order does NOT state a seasoning needed for the visa, only for the extension of stay permit) So it is crucial that you visit Immigration and politely ASK for the handout of the requirements for a "change of visa type" from a tourist visa to a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa, and from this visa to the "1-year extension of stay permit" based on retirement

1) You won’t be asked

2) You do not have a 90 day tourist visa.

You'd have been better off getting the 90-day non-O visa. That way you get stamped in for 90 days, and some adminstration tasks would be easier (such as opening a bank account - almost impossible on a tourist visa unless you pay several thousand baht).

Tourist Visa is 60 days. Visa exempt if eligible is the same.

We bought over two suitcases with personal belongings, nobody questioned it when we arrived in September.

If you have a tourist visa it only gives you 60 days upon entry, 90 days is only related to the visa's validity days after issue. You’ll not be asked for the purpose of your visit.

Why didn't you get the Non-O before travelling as this would have made opening a bank account much easier?

Never offer up information to any government official anywhere unless asked. Keep your mouth closed. Most people that get into problems is because they blab unnecessarily. If you do get asked just answer truthfully and to the point.

Welcome and relax. It’s Thailand. They probably won’t ask you anything. But if they do say holiday. It won’t be an issue. You’re going to love it here.