I just read this requirement listed at the Royal Thai Embassy in Los Angeles. Is that true generally speaking? I believe it is possible to apply for a marriage-based Non Imm O at any embassy, doesn't have to be the passport country. Strange that the rule would be different for the retirement-based visa...

16 minutes ago, Equatorial said:

I just read this requirement listed at the Royal Thai Embassy in Los Angeles.

No idea what requirement you mean.

More information and a link to the requirements you mention would be helpful.

32 minutes ago, Equatorial said:

I just read this requirement listed at the Royal Thai Embassy in Los Angeles.

Royal Thai Consulate in LA, not the Embassy.

 

OK, got it now.

Non O retirement must be a US national or have residency.
No such requirement for the Non O based on Thai spouse.

 

This was recently raised in another topic. It depends on the Embassy/Consulate in question.

Visas based on Thai spouse/family are issued based on humanitarian grounds, whereas visa based on retirement are not - which may make a difference.

Note, it's a different requirement again for a Tourist visa, where either having residency or having a valid US visa is sufficient to apply.

6 hours ago, Equatorial said:

Strange that the rule would be different for the retirement-based visa..

I obtained my Non O retirement at Vientiane thai embassy. 

OZ passport.. 

18 hours ago, Liquorice said:

More information and a link to the requirements you mention would be helpful.

 

For reference, here is the link - https://thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/non-immigrant-type-o-retirement

 

And a screenshot... note the additional listed requirements - hotel and booked flight out...

 

7 minutes ago, Equatorial said:

And a screenshot... note the additional listed requirements - hotel and booked flight out...

Just shows they all make it up as they go along.  Flight out?  That's just plain crazy.

15 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

Just shows they all make it up as they go along.  Flight out?  That's just plain crazy.

And yet on the Thai Embassy DC website, for the Non O (retirement) there is no requirement for any flight details.

https://washingtondc.thaiembassy.org/en/page/non-o-retirement

 

 

 Non-Immigrant Type “O” Retirement

Validity of visa: 90 days (single entry) 

Fee: 80 USD

Purpose of Visit:  This type of visa is for pentioners aged 50 years or above who wishes to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 90 days without the intention of working. Holders of this type of visa are allowed to stay in Thailand for 90 days. Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Eligibility: 1. Applicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application) 2. Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) 3. Having the nationality of or residence in the country where applicant’s application is submitted If the applicant does not have a valid visa or re-entry permit, the applicant must request a visa, at least 15 working days before the intended date of travel, by filling in the information and uploading all required documents online at https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ (Please note that the visa application fee is non-refundable) For instructions, please check https://www.thaievisa.go.th/static/English-Manual.pdf

Required documents to upload in the system (Large and clear JPEG or PDF format):  Passport Biodata Page or Travel Document (Must be valid within 6 months from travel date) Photograph of the applicant, taken within the past six months Document indicating current location (driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay) Recent bank statement for the last three months showing the applicant's name and ending balance of no less than $30,000 or proof of monthly income of not less than $2,500/month) along with the current bank statement showing incoming income

 

 

I believe you're not understanding the requirements, the rule is you have to be legally in the country where you apply, 

 

You can apply for non o visa at any Thai consulate in a nearby country, you upload your visa/entry stamp as proof you're legally allowed in and are there when you apply

 

Thousands of people have gotten their non o visas from Vientiane, or Savannakhet or Phnom Penh or HCMC or Hanoi showing upas tourist in those countries.