Hi Jeffery don't get a visa at home when you're in Pattaya go to immigration and talk to them or look up visa agents and talk to some of them good luck and enjoy.
Why don't you go to immigration talk to them see if you can do it yourself .If after that you still think you need a agent ok but price around good luck š.
(Is it needed) well I would say yes but you don't have to give it to them if you don't want to but then again you properly won't get your visa up to you.
There was an article in The Pattaya News about 2 hrs ago it all so looking like it will be more difficult to transfer money into Thailand with Wise very interesting article.