Non O Vs Non O With Children

Hello everyone,

As a new member , this is my first post. Apologies if this has been asked before.

I'm asking this question on behalf of a friend who is allergic to computers. He's about to turn 65, Aussie nationality, with two children and living in Buriram province. He's under the impression that he can get a Non Immigrant "O" because he's supporting children and so therefore there's a more relaxed financial requirement, as long the children's birth certificates are submitted.

Is this correct, or does he have to show income/bank balance etc? And how will the new rules affect this?

Thanks in advance,

Mike, Bangkok.