@Crispus ********

be careful with your terminology. Getting denied entry is nowhere near the same thing as being deported. You had no visa extension as you left the country. A visa exempt entry is designed for tourism, it's not designed to allow you to live inside Thailand. If you want to live in Thailand go and get an appropriate visa that allows you to do that

@Crispus ********

the one that doesn't exist?

I suspect what they meant by a TM30 stamped by immigration was a residence certificate

When you apply you have to select the consulate that deals with your location (not your passport country). Laos is fine but be sure to select the appropriate consulate for your location. You have to attend in person to pay after submitting your application

@Beechwood *****

you must have been trying to apply via a US consulate. You must apply via the consulate that serves your location (not your passport country)

How does your company pay you if it doesn't have a bank account? If payments come directly from clients into your personal account that would suggest to me you are a freelancer and the company is not relevant to anything. Where and how do you pay tax on your income?

Just one small but important clarification. You weren't deported, you were denied entry. Good luck

Depends on which retirement visa you are talking about. If you are talking about the Wealthy Pensioner LTR visa then wife and kids under the age of 20 can easily come as your dependants. If you're talking about the Non-O visa based on being over 50 then probably not but check with the embassy you will apply at, they may allow it if you apply for the Non-OA visa so ask about that too

No you need money in an accessible bank account

If you don't work the only possibility to get the DTV is using one of the soft power options