You may need to try to get an appointment at the embassy and get a face to face meeting and explanation of the problem and an opportunity to correct whatever it is they think the problem is.

@Richard *****

A short cheap flight to either Cambodia or Malaysia could be worth looking at..

But check which of those countries are easier for entry on your passport..

Cambodia will likely require a visa (available on arrival) but not sure on Malaysia..

Book the flight in advance as it's likely to be cheaper

@Richard *****

The simple answer is yes..

Personally I would fly out somewhere for at least overnight and come back as it's just easier than long road trips to and from the border

No

@Mike ****

Depends on your passport country as to entry rules to Vietnam...

British citizen don't need visa before travel but US and Australia and other countries do..

Some airlines won't allow you to board the flight if you have a certain passport and have not obtained a visa before traveling

I would look at a flight to Cambodia and stay a night or two in Phnom Penh..

It's an interesting city with plenty of nightlife.

Depends on your passport country if you need a visa before you travel or not..

Different entry rules for different countries

Try this Facebook page..

There are other FB pages for Nanny and baby sitting as well..

Do some searches for Facebook groups in Thailand

Koh Samet island could be an option..

Depending on your arrival time you could make it to the port in under 3 hours and it's a very short boat ride to the island..

Or if you don't mind a quiet village type atmosphere then Bang Saray is very nice and good beach and only around 2 hours or so from Bangkok.. (about 30 minutes past Pattaya) but nothing at all like Pattaya..

It's got a few hotels and accommodation options and some restaurants etc

I think they even have a there (of course) but very much a fishing village atmosphere.

No problem at all..