Is there a reason you are applying for the non-OA visa? The VAST majority of people don't want the non-OA visa, they want the non-O visa that they will then extend annually in Thailand. The non-O doesn't have any of these requirements except for proof of funds. No insurance, no medical check, no criminal background check.

As far as your questions, if you want to use your own insurance then your insurance company has to fill in and sign the form. There's about a 0.% chance of that actually happening, which means you have to buy an insurance policy from the list of companies on the approved embassy list.

Who is the "some says you do?"

Even when visa exempt was only 30 days, you still wouldn't have needed a visa. Right now it's 60 days. No one should ever have said you needed a visa.

You do not need a visa.

Normally 10-15 business days. Though they might have slowed down in anticipation of Songkran and Easter. There was also another Thai holiday at the beginning of the month.

You can always try sending them a Facebook message asking about the status. Just keep it concise, your name, passport number, application number, and just ask for a status update. But I don't think they'll be open much this week between Songkran and Easter.

@Ben *******

No, you can't.

Has nothing to do with "can" you. You HAVE to starting May 1st.

@Abey ********

doesn't matter where there is a Thai embassy. It's all done online. Even where there isn't a Thai embassy, there is an embassy that serves that area online.

No, you will not be able to get a bank account if you arrive as a tourist.

As you saw, there is no such thing as in-person visa applications anymore. Everything has been standardized to the e-visa system.

The non-O visa is most certainly an option, as it's an option at every embassy because they are all standardized on the e-visa system.

@Mike *****

just go on the website of your Thai embassy and look up the requirements for the 90 day non-O retirement visa. It's not difficult. And then once you're in Thailand you would apply for annual extensions.

@Prakash ********

immigration officers don't know anything about visas issued by an embassy. It's a completely different government agency

@David *******

seems they're not willing to take that chance since they'll be on the hook for any scam losses