@Nigel ********

I've never heard of anyone actually get a religious visa

In Thailand, ANY work requires both a non-immigrant visa that allows work as well as a work permit. They consider it "taking work from a Thai person" even if it's not for pay. If a Thai person can do it, then a Thai person should be doing it is how they see it.

@Keil *****

You're completely wrong. Embassies are under the MFA which is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT government agency from immigration, which is under the department of the interior. The 2 agencies do not communicate and have no idea the policies of the other. If an embassy EVER tells you anything about immigration, do no listen to them because they will tell you wrong. And if an immigration officer ever tells you anything about an embassy, do not listen to them, because they will be wrong. The two basically have nothing to do with each other.

@Eric *****

yes, they are required to have a hotel license if they rent for less than 30 days. Mostly not a concern for people that are using them because they don't need to go to immigration which would require a TM30. That's what is difficult since many AirBNB don't want to file a TM30 for customers. In the past when I used Airbnb and knew I needed a TM30 I would message the listing to ask before I booked it. But Airbnb is also very expensive.

An empty room that is rented short term is now no longer available to show to customers or to rent to a long-term customer which is what the landlord wants. So it doesn't benefit them to rent short term. Most people that want a room in Bangkok want it in less than a week. I've never waited more than 2 days from the time I viewed a room to signing the lease and moving in.

@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