hwas

I am trying to decide how to do my retirement visa.  Currently in Europe.  I do not have a Thai bank account.  I do have health insurance through a US company and it provides coverage in Thailand, however, it is with Blue Cross group insurance and while I can get a letter stating that I have coverage in Thailand, I seriously doubt that I will be able to get the required letter signed by a company Director.  
 

I had planned to go to the Thai embassy on Tuesday to get a non-O visa, but now I am not sure. 
 

Is there a way to get the retirement visa without it being dependent on the health insurance?  I thought I had read that it would be possible enter Thailand on a tourist entry permit and to then apply for the visa. 
Thanks for your help

I mailed in my renewal yesterday.  According to the embassy, it will take 2-3 weeks to process 

The Australia fees are worse than the US.  I am living in Portugal, so have to renew thru US embassy Lisbon.  Charge is 117€
 

Thank you.  I will have to renew thru US embassy, Lisbon

I am trying to decide whether to renew my passport now or wait until I am in Thailand.  My intention is to get a non O visa and after waiting the required time, to apply for a marriage visa in Thailand.  My passport expires in one year.  If I use the old passport for the non O visa and then get a new passport as soon as possible after arriving in Thailand and get the marriage visa with the new passport, will I only have to carry the new passport, or both?

Avoid Rama 4 pet cliinic in Bangkok. We brought our dog there to be spayed, they did poor work and he died from internal blledding. Furtherk in Thailand you have no recourse and vets accept noresponsibility