On the background check you need a Live Scan done. You can get it done at some law enforcement agencies or UPS, check around. If your pension is at least
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baht, you don't need to keep money in a Thai bank. I got my O-A visa in December using my retirement health insurance, just hope I can get back before it expires??
You might be better off calling the Thai Embassy in Washington D.C. they seem to be willing to answer questions much easier then the L.A. Consulate. Plus all the protests are in that area along Melrose very near Larchmont