@Keil *****

you're still not making any sense. You wouldn't be applying for a visa from a Thai embassy 3 times if you're living in Thailand for 12 years. We're talking about EMBASSIES not about immigration.

@Keil *****

What are you talking about? The requirements are on the website. If you meet the requirements and submit the required materials, you get the visa. There is no lottery, there is no gambling at all.

@Eric *****

that's because agents work on commission and there's no commission to be earned on a short term rental. The standard is 1 month of rent for a 12 month lease. Short term would be a fraction of that making it not worth the time for both the agent and the landlord.

AirBNB and serviced apartments are the best options.

No, you cannot do this. Both the Thai embassy and consulate in Australia switched to e-visa a few months ago. This means ALL visa matters are now handled through the e-visa website and foreigners are no longer allowed on the property. The embassy now only serves Thai citizens in person. You must submit your visa application online ONLY.

Might be possible with foreign owners, but Thai owners would rather let it sit empty than lower the price.

Just start contacting agents and inquiring. That's one of the most popular areas for foreigners though so it might be difficult.

I was looking for a room in a specific building on Soi 19 that I lived in previously and one of the cheaper rooms I found only offered a 6 month lease because the owner wanted to raise the rent in 6 months. It's a crazy market out there that defies logic in many ways.

@Sasi ***********

not blocked. Not against the rules

I'd recommend Krabi honestly. Maybe Khao Lak but that might be too small for you.

You can get a visa on arrival at Laotian borders. I believe it's $40 in very crisp new US dollars without any marks or anything, or if you want to pay baht it will vary from 2000-2500 baht depending on the staff of the day.

Be aware that the visa takes up an entire page of your passport.

Some of the borders also have digital visa on arrival available, so if you know which border and at least 3 days ahead you can apply and pay online and then don't have to wait in line at the border, plus you'll only get a small sticker in your passport instead of a full page stamp.

@David ******

because most offices don't require a TM30 for extension. They just check the computer and see one was filed. Each office makes their own requirements and TM30 is not an official requirement for an extension. It would not be listed on any extension form.

@David ******

there's no immigration office in Thailand that requires the owner's blue book and ID for a 30 day tourist extension. You're either talking about a different visa/extension or there's more to the story.