I wish to apply for the Non Immigrant O-A visa from the Consulate in NYC in order to retire in Thailand. I have the forms and have read the instructions online, however, several area are unclear to me. For instance:

1. It says:

• Three copies of bank statement showing a deposit at the amount equal to no less than 800,000 Baht, or an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly salary of no less than 65,000 Baht, or a deposit account plus a monthly income of no less than 800,000 Baht a year.
  
• Letter of guarantee from the bank (original copy).
  

Are these required from the bank in the US. I obviously do not have a Thai bank account yet. And what exactly is a "Letter of guarantee"?

• The Application form asks for Name and Address of References both in the USA and in Thailand.
  

What kind of references? Personal? What if I do not have one from Thailand?

• It asks for the Number of Entries Requested
  

I wish multiple entries once I have the actual retirement extension. Should I ask for those on this form or request "single" and change it when I fill out the extension forms in Thailand.? Should I write in "multiple" or a number?

• Duration of Stay
  

Should this be 90 days or one year?

As I understand it, I apply for this visa - "Non Immigrant O-A" and that is for 90 days and then when I get to Thailand, I must apply at the embassy there for the extension to a year? Is this correct? Or can I apply for the Retirement visa for a year here in the states? If the latter, what do I do differently from the 90 day application?

Please do not make the same post in different forums.