I've had six 1 year multiple entry visas now. 3 from Los Angeles and 3 from Savanakhet. Never had a single problem getting the visas, just read what the requirements are and it's very easy. I've never had a single issue re-entering Thailand with it, and I've reentered the country 40 times in those six years. Once at Padang Basar the immigration lady had me go to her office and she questioned me, but it was nothing, and I've since read that's happens there quite a bit.
I love my wife, but my love for Thailand is long gone, so leaving the country is generally a good experience.
According to the plaque on the building it is 11:00. Pick up is also after 2:00. And just to add, all papers concerning your wife need to be signed by your wife.
I have a multiple entry Nonimmigrant-O visa, and when I crossed at Pedang Besar, I was taken into the room and the lady officer asked me a bunch of questions. Oddly, at the time I thought she was just being nice. Aside from that I got stamped in no problem.
The best, quickest, way would be to charter a taxi there and back. This was 800 baht each way a couple years ago. They can drop you off at the border, then just walk to the various immigrations for your stamps. You'll end up walking a bit over 1 km total. Catch the taxi back to Hat Yai. If traffic is ok, figure 4 hours total time.
I went through a few months back, and when the lady pulled me into the office, I was thinking 'wow, this is nice'. She asked some questions, didn't ask to see any money or anything else, and stamped me in. This was on a Non Immigrant O visa, through my wife.
, about the learning, it’s completely up to you. All the schools are basically the same in three hours a day for 20 days per session. But, they also all require you, the student, to put in some hours on your own to memorize words and sentence structure. I’ve studied at three schools, and have learned at each and sort of feel that all schools are good for learning. Duke does have the best books by far though.