In many countries you need to demonstrate residency to apply for the non O visa (e.g. I couldn't get it in Greece). I got mine from Thai embassy in Taiwan.
Thank you both. What I'm hearing is essentially the same answer, expressed in different ways, from your two different perspectives. I am clear that the 90 day visa start date is the date I get stamped in when I arrive. And the visa validity date is the time period within which I need to arrive in Thailand to activate my visa. Thanks again for taking the time to respond and make sure that it's accurate ð
That's quite a process. Thanks for sharing. I'll be applying in Chiang Mai. Hopefully won't need to do a 6 week visit. Will check before/when I arrive, thanks for heads up.