Can anyone advise if it is at all possible to get a Non Immigrant 'O' visa for the purposes of applying for a one year Retirement extension in Bangkok immigration? That possibility has dried up in Phuket and I am told Kuala Lumpur Malaysia although there are stories that Penang Malaysia will comply. Many aspiring Non 'O' applicants are walking around here like stunned mullets after arriving on a Visa Exemption or a TR 60 tourist visa fully expecting to get a Non 'O'. Thanks for any advice.

It can still be done in Bangkok as long as you have 15 days left on your permission to stay, but will require two trips.

Bangkok immigration will do a conversion to a non immigrant visa based upon qualifying for an extension of stay for retirement. It requires 2 trips to get the visa/entry stamps 15 days apart. You need at least 15 days remaining on your entry to apply.

Penang an Vientiane will do a single entry non-o visa visa for being 50 or over for retirement, You need to show proof of 800k baht in the bank or an income letter proving an income of 65k baht or a combination of the the 2 to reach 800k baht.

KL will not do them.

As above !

Possible in BKK if you can demonstrate that you qualify for an extension and have a minimum of 15 days "permission to stay" remaining.

Penang will provide an non 'O" visa for the purpose of retirement if financial proof of being able to meet the requirements of securing an extension of stay.