Which country's Royal Thai Embassy has the best reputation for being the easiest, quickest, and most lenient when it comes to issuing Non-O retirement visas? I'm American but I want to apply for a Non-O in a neighbor country, without having to go all the way back to the US. Possible? Difficult? Easy? I heard something about Savannakhet but then others said go to Vietnam and do it. Hoping for some experienced opinions here. TIA.

You have pretty good understanding

Laos is good option.

However requires application fee at consulate

Being USA po for Vietnam requires 'evisa application. Simplest

Laos is 1-3 days after you pay. The complication there is you must pay in person. That involves printing the QR code the e-visa system provides to you after you submit your application, then taking that QR code and the cash payment in Thai baht to the embassy within their morning payment hours.

Vietnam is 3-5 days, and everything can be done online, including payment.

25 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Laos is 1-3 days after you pay. The complication there is you must pay in person. That involves printing the QR code the e-visa system provides to you after you submit your application, then taking that QR code and the cash payment in Thai baht to the embassy within their morning payment hours.

Vietnam is 3-5 days, and everything can be done online, including payment.

Are you talking about Savannakhet specifically when you say "Laos"?

It doesn't sound like a big deal to drop in to the Embassy to make a payment, is it?

Are they both (Laos and Vietnam) equal when it comes to the level of strictness or leniency? For example, if I submit the listed requirements, what do you think are the chances, they will ask for more documentation or unexpected (and unlisted) other requirements or proofs?

Btw, can the 800k be in a US bank account when applying in Laos or Vietnam? 🤔

Thank you for your reply. 🙏

Edited June 9Jun 9 by kawipan

18 minutes ago, kawipan said:

Are you talking about Savannakhet specifically when you say "Laos"?

Both Vientiene and Savannakhet have the same payment process, and similar processing times and policies.

7 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Both Vientiene and Savannakhet have the same payment process, and similar processing times and policies.

How do you prove your bank balances while in another country applying for a Non O visa? What do the consulates accept?

8 hours ago, kawipan said:

Btw, can the 800k be in a US bank account when applying in Laos or Vietnam?

Yes.

Where are you located in Thailand

41 minutes ago, Ricohoc said:

How do you prove your bank balances while in another country applying for a Non O visa? What do the consulates accept?

Obtain a 3 month bank statement would be one option

17 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Both Vientiene and Savannakhet have the same payment process, and similar processing times and policies.

Ok but I read that Vientiane and Savannakhet are much different in their strictness and ease of approval for visas. Do you know anything about that? Or which embassy in Vietnam is known for being more lenient and not scrutinizing everything or asking for additional (not on the list) requirements?

11 minutes ago, kawipan said:

Or which embassy in Vietnam is known for being more lenient and not scrutinizing everything or asking for additional (not on the list) requirements

In each post you enquire as to which is most lenient.

The requirements are clear. Just meet them.

Some especially if living in Bangkok might opt for Vietnam as easy flight.

Others living eg CM might opt for Laos

1 hour ago, kawipan said:

Ok but I read that Vientiane and Savannakhet are much different in their strictness and ease of approval for visas. Do you know anything about that? Or which embassy in Vietnam is known for being more lenient and not scrutinizing everything or asking for additional (not on the list) requirements?

Do you meet the official requirements or are you looking for a way to get around them?

4 hours ago, Caldera said:

Do you meet the official requirements or are you looking for a way to get around them?

I meet the listed requirements and not looking to get around them. However, it seems that more and more applicants these days are being asked for additional requirements that are not listed in the offcial list of requirements including documents that could be difficult to get a hold of or gather together, especially if you are only going to be in Vietnam or Laos for a short time, and you don't have someone in the US to scan and send them to you.

A friend of mine recently went to Hanoi to get his Non O.

He told me it all went very well.

No Probllems.