@Dawn *******

Hi highly recommend the METV. I've used in several times over the past number of years and have found it the least troublesome means of staying in Thailand for an extended period. I've never desired to stay in Thailand for longer than 4-5 months but while here I do study Thai and travel around the country a bit. Two exit/re-entries (every 60 days) are the only requirements. I've not once been challenged or questioned by immigration at any air or land border. Good luck.

To the question of "TSL". I asked them specifically about the success rate of DTV applicants from the US and was told it was zero. Evidently all three consulates/embassy in the US will instruct you to apply for an Education visa to attend a language school, irrespective of TSL's effort to meet the requirements of the DTV. Possibly a US student attending TSL on a DTV will respond differently here.

@Derek ****

I use Google Wallet extensively in Thailand and elsewhere in SE Asia. Credit card, boarding passes, etc, they all work.

I'll second those who suggest porting your number to Google Voice. There are occasions when institutions won't send to VoIP numbers so be mindful and make advance arrangements. Google Voice costs nothing to maintain and can be used where wherever you have WiFi or data.

I'm curious about how the application is worded. I'm (US) currently in Thailand on an METV and was only asked to choose from a drop-down list stating my purpose of travel to Thailand, from which I chose "Tourism". Beyond that I provided proof of an outbound flight within the first 60 days of the visa.

@Tony ********

How do you propose showing proof of travel in the e-visa application?

As your planned arrival is August 28, I would suggest holding off submitting the application. I've done a number of METV via Los Angeles and their turnaround is typically 4-5 business days. The visa is in effect from the date of issuance so the closer to your date of departure the better. You can start the application, just don't submit until about 7-8 days prior to your flight and after you no longer receive messages regarding documentation.

@Michael *******

Thanks. Understood.

@Michael *******

Not likely given that there exists the METV which allows a stay of 180 days.

I'll second the METV. The application is straightforward and with unlimited exit/reentry it's a great visa for traveling the region.