actually I stand corrected. My friend Mr Grok clarified that while Embassy’s generally issue O-A, Non O can in-fact be issued externally. Mind you TIT so we cannot take Groks take on how an IO would/should behave. Partial extract of the Grok output as below.
Non-Immigrant O Visa (Retirement) Inside Thailand
The Non-Immigrant O visa (retirement category) is commonly used by those over 50 who wish to retire in Thailand. It can be initially obtained abroad or, in cases, applied for or extended inside Thailand through a change of visa status or extension of stay at an Immigration Office. This visa is often simpler to extend annually compared to the O-A or O-X visas, as it may require fewer documents for extensions, depending on the local Immigration Office’s discretion.
as I understand Non O is only available in Thailand (and you would enter under a tourist visa or similar ) and it’s via Immigration Office.. Non O-A is outside from Embassy only(And once upon a time a Non O-X) . Same end result retirement Visa though, just slightly different paperwork. I’ve been on non O for 11 years and it has less requirements so yes it’s a better choice if you have the prerequisites. Mind you if you are just starting out then O-A is perhaps the only way if you haven’t the agent connections to orchestrate a bank account.. which has become very difficult lately as you no doubt read. I wish everyone luck. I’ll sign off now and allow others to offer their thoughts
There is Non O-A and Non O.. O-A you get before arriving into Thailand via embassy and will give you time after arrival to open bank account.. research both options it will become clear.
If you have the 800k in the bank - 1900 baht(plus re-entry stamp). Very easy to do.. no money then agent required @ cost.. this option might become a thing of the past though, so be careful