You will be fine as long as the data page (where the photo and personal details are) is in good condition.

Being deported for any reason negates access to the "Thailand Privilege" visa (formerly known as Thai Elite).

If the applicant is on or has had an ED visa then the education facility will be required to provide documentation verifying course work/results etc.

I think both of these requirements are out of your reach/control based on the description of your situation.

@Steve *******

haha I totally agree, other than a couple of over priced drink/food stands there's nothing there.

@Dimitri *******

"options" I think you got it spot on there, and probably what I was clumsily trying to convey.

@Dimitri *******

in size or price or both.

Samui is a nice place to visit, but when living there it's very small, you drive around it in a couple of hours. A good chuck on the island is for tourists and not really suitable (imo) for living.

Samui is too small, you'll outgrow it very quickly. You'll be reliant on either flights or a ferry to travel elsewhere in Thailand, another added expense especially for a family of 3. A location on the mainland would give you more options, and you can still visit Samui if you still desire. Samui is obviously much more expensive than other potential locations.

If you're working in Thailand surely you would be on a Non B visa with the associated work permit and therefore the financial problems do not apply. However if you're working in contravention of your visa conditions then I would not be advertising it on a FB group.

Look on the Thai embassy website

Yes every time and you don't get them back either. It's always a good idea to take 2 sets of clothes and 2 phones.

Absolutely nothing