, Make sure you have at least 20,000 baht equivalent, in any currency, in cash, when you enter Thailand. Immigration hardly ever ask but have it just in case.
No, there is more to it than that, I think. You need to provide more for an O-A, such as a criminal check. The 'O' based on retirement is minimal documentation. Proof of pension is the main requirement. Others more qualified than me can answer this question. Edit: Someone just has.
You just need a bank statement showing a state pension payment (DWP). That's all I supplied for a successful application for a Non-Imm 'O' based on retirement in November, last year, at the London embassy.
Don't forget that the 30 days includes the day you arrive and the day that you leave so you only get 29 nights in LOS. Not uncommon for people to not understand that and overstay by one day.
People are always asking this question lately. It seems a small amount of money to carry for peace of mind. Personally, I wouldn't enter any foreign country without a reasonable amount of cash in case I run into problems with my credit/debit cards, at some point.
Yes, it was. I made sure I sent plenty of 'evidence', such as bank statements and a copy of my return air ticket. I had the same experience, last year, when I applied for a Tourist Visa. You have to pay with a Postal Order, including £10 extra for return postage. I included a self-addressed envelope. Pretty painless.
I successfully applied for a Non-Imm O visa based on UK retirement (receiving state pension) by post about 3 weeks ago. I got my passport back in about 5 days.