@Harlan ********

Almost everywhere in Thailand is friendly, so that's not the issue. Jomtien, and even more so Pattaya, have Freelancers hookers in the streets. A lot of sexpats. Ofc, you'll know where not to go, but the exposure will never be 0. I find Jomtien beach to be quite dirty overall and overcrowded. Imo, you would be better of in a city where people actually retire there with families like Hua Hin with higher quality of other foreigners. Phuket is too expensive. Chiang Mai would be even better but no beach. People go to Pattaya went they don't know any other options to start, but it's rarely their end destination. For your situation, you don't want an overcrowded area imo.

A lot of misinformation about cost.

My friend has 3 boys in school in Khon Kaen and he get by on 120k per month budget all included.

So if your wife get 166k in Pattaya, that alone is enough for all of you to live.

Pattaya is less expensive than Khon Kaen.

But Pattaya (Jomtien), I have no clue why you want to go there to raise a family.

@Michel *******

A fixer can do it at the Thai border for 9k baht. They go with you in Laos, you go to hotel, and a few days later she come back with the visa in your passport.

@Todd ********

TVC is the most expensive visa agent in Thailand. But they are the most helpful so it's like an elite service in a way. It's 60k+ because it's his first year. Next year, it will be much cheaper. They have a reduced price right now for Non-O based on marriage (55k for 15 months, done in Buriram). They were charging 80k, a few months ago (35k+45k). 55k is still the most expensive around but TVC are top notch.

@Michael *******

She does not need to show money at all, only foreign men do.

@Lindsay *********

There is no 400k requirement for foreign women, only foreign men.

I know that I can, until December 31, still fill it at the border (paper), instead of online. But I would rather save time if possible.

Please make sure that the agency is reliable, as 80%+ are simply gonna take your money and run. Most agents are fake agents, they do not exist. 6 times a year or 20 times a year doesn't matter. With your history you might get denied, up to the officer. They are especially harsh at Bangkok. My advice is to contact an agent and get Safe Entry / VIP. For 4k baht, the agent will get you into priority line for quick passage, no question asked, at the airport.

You don't need to tell them anything.

I have never filled TM30 quickly. Went I go for extension, I just do it there.

So it depend on immigration office. Khon Kaen & Udon Thani, they do not care. But to answer your question, ofc, it's not gonna be a problem to do it Monday.