ok as a retired American living in Thailand I'll just keep on getting my retired visa by showing my bank book with monthly deposits of 65,000 baht per month
What you mean is the US Embassy in Bangkok will not give a proof of income affidavit. But as a US citizen you can still use monthly income of 65,000 baht a month for retirement visa. You show your bank book with a monthly deposit of 65,000 baht for 12 consecutive months. But he did not state that, his statement is wrong.
What you stated was they are American and cannot use monthly income for visa which is an incorrect statement. Also, they can get their retirement visa online while still in America.