Hello, has anyone received a DTV through the cooking class avenue?

I have contacted the Bangkok culinary school and they are requesting US$500 Deposit.

Hello,

I have two questions I am requesting help with. I am about to plan a trip for this Dec 29th to process my ED paperwork for learning Thai at an embassy or consulate and apply for my visa. I have a US passport. This will be my second year of learning Thai.

1. I am considering going to Shanghai for my visa run to process my ED paperwork. I'd like to be somewhere big for the New Years. Has anyone had a difficult or challenging time at the Thai embassy in Shanghai?

2. I was told by my language school that I could not go to Vientiane, Laos to apply for my visa because I went there last year. I was told it's a fairly new rule for the consulate there. Can anyone verify this?

Thank you kindly