I didn't think you could get a retirement visa outside of Thailand at the moment, the only availability (diplomat, business etc excluded) was an elite visa or the single entry tourist visa, also a lot have said this can't be changed once in Thailand?
Even though the above pic re the documentation required is from Israel, it does state accomodation 'after' asq, have to find a "friend" for an invite or as mentioned book with free cancellation.