Been gone just over a year

To say he is not Australian when article refers to him presenting AUSTRALIAN passport is showing great ignorance. Anyone with any kind of name can become an Australian citizen if they go through the qualification process. How would anyone here know his life history.

Has been taking around a week in some cases on line for approval

@Brandon ***********

correct

Firstly probably impossible to say for sure when your arrival at airport would be unless staying near airport. Consider traffic at such a time ,extremely optimistic

If worried and have plenty time send small amounts rather than a lump sum ,the rates frequently defy logic

Certainly easier if you have a Thai speaker with you

Depending on which country you come from nearly all international flights land at BKK .DMK is more for domestic and budget airlines so more often than not you have no choice. If China visa office is in same location as Embassy then both airports are a similar distance .Once you establish that use a hotel site such as Agoda to see what suits you .

Maybe Hua Hin if looking for coastal

Perhaps check website of embassy or Consulate where you will make your application