Just to update you all and share what I did yesterday. Might help some of you down the road.
I moved from my Non Imm B/work permit into a retirement visa.
I hit two snags on the way which I will share.
1. They wont take the bankbook alone, though I was earlier led to believe that they would. Had to return to the bank and get a letter. Cost me 200 baht at Siam commercial.
2. Work permit has to be cancelled by the Labor Office of the district where you worked. For me it was Cha am ( Stamford) and I had to drive to Petburi and back. It also needed a form from my employer ( former) to start things off. People all around were very nice and helpful. Once I returned with the two missing documents to the Sing Khon office here, it only took about 40 minutes. He had to write a lot in my passport and enter me into the computer, then get the Captain's approval. All very smooth and easy. 1900 baht fee.
I am now good for a year, still subject to the 90 day report regulation.
I may someday want to reverse this proceedure if something good comes up here jobwise, but I dont plan to even look until the new year!!
Thanks to all for the previous posts, feedback and encouragement!!