What is the best visa option and advice for spending six months in Pattaya, Thailand as an expat?

Of you are only coming this year you could apply for a 6 month multi entry tourist visa or apply for the dtv

Vaccinations are not necessary but advice you get Titus updated

Your ticket will be for 4 months and exempt visa issued for 60 days.

You may have a problem boarding your flight as the airline is responsible for length of stay, they randomly check passengers.

I would advise you to buy

1) a ticket through 'onwards flight' I believe $15

2) a cheap flight to Cambodia or Malaysia which if you don't use can bin

3) an expensive ticket for neighbouring country which you cancel on arrival and get refund

So can come for 60 day exemption visa, buy 30 days more at immigration. Then take a break to neighbouring country or do border run, on return have another 60 days

You can easily stay 6 months with visa exempt and a border run. You're here to see the sights anyway.

Pattaya city proper may be a little much unless you are into partying . Otherwise I would recommend the outskirts. Pattaya is nice enough, I live here now and have been here 5 years. However, Pattaya is in Thailand, it's not really Thailand. Its a town of tourists or expats who like to party. If you want to see real Thailand, I would recommend planning 1 week here and another week there, etc. It may be more expensive but it's a once in a lifetime experience.. Unless you end up living here.

Pattaya rentals near the beach are now mostly full til Jan

If you can handle been away from beach and party area, about 3 to 5kms then can find room under 10,000 a montb

visa DTV for 6 month will work for you perfectly! less problems than visa runs and extentions at local immigration office!

Capa Cabana Condos the best near the seashore!

Check your local RTE website..