Planning a move to Thailand from the US

Hello All! 

Just this morning I joined Expat.com, hoping to find a forum in which I can ask expats living in Bangkok a few questions to help me make a successful application for a retirement visa and a successful move.

Posting a topic thread is new to me.  I don't know what will result.  My hope is that some Bangkok expats will read my questions and take a few minutes to share their experiences on the topics.  If I do this incorrectly, someone please let me know.  :  O

1. I have the Thai gov't's list of approved-by-the-Thai gov't insurance providers.  I ask people to share which insurance providers they think provide good or even great service at the most reasonable price point we can expect.  This morning I looked at the expat health insurance section of expat.com.  Of all of the insurance providers listed there, I see only one that is on the thai gov't-approved list.  I don't think I should bother with companies not on the approved list.
2. My other questions have to do with the O-A visa application process.  I sent an email with these questions to the consulate-general in New York, as I read I should.  The money requirement talks about money in a bank account, but it doesn't say if it must be a Thai bank or if a US bank is okay.  I live in the US and must apply for a visa in the US, so I would guess that US banks are fine for this requirement, but I'd like to be sure.

Thanks in advance everyone for shareing your experiences.