Generally speaking the community is well informed. Several individuals in here have experiences that I can learn from. Several individuals can learn from my experiences.

The moderator in this group appreciates community and governs to promote community.

Also there are some ass-hats that I like to troll.

My lease is a piece of paper in English that approximately lays out the agreement, address, names monthly rate (fudged a little), photos of passport with signatures. No tax stamps. Seems to work here in the Pattaya immigration office.

My Volunteer visa is good 15 months, so definitely no 1 year rule. Its a shady sort of thing so not entirely recommended. I have been here a few years mostly on tourist visas. I think there are options for you. Ready to be a teacher?

Lot of nah sayers. Don't listen to them. I came 6 years ago and love it, no regrets. One thing I had to learn is avoid the nah sayers on this site.

Getting into Thailand right now will be tricky. I know they've begun to allow tourists in, but under very special circumstances. I think they will not all Americans in as tourist for a long time. They are allowing non-tourists Americans in, but quarantine is expensive.

The employment opportunities for you are bleak. Thailand has laws preventing non-thais from filling jobs that Thais can do. Again, and like many things in Thailand, there are exceptions. English Teacher (or Teacher of other subjects but lessons are in English), Dive shops hire Native English Speakers, or some corporations may hire you, then send you here (not likely to find those jobs here).

Tourism currently is in the dumps. There are no tourist so no Dive Shops. Teaching English is a possibility, sounds like you are qualified. There are a few agencies that you can contact and they'll make arrangements for you. That's good for 1 year or so. Your income will be sufficient to get by, but you should have some savings. Not enough money for emergencies or pleasure trips.

I would recommend finding stable online employment, anywhere. They you can go live anywhere. Currently, however, few countries are letting Americans in. Mexico I think, probably some others.

If you want to take the long way about - maybe easier to get her in your US than you come here. I think things will look before for you to come to Thailand 6 months or year. They're starting to open up to tourists, but not likely American tourists. Could try to get a job.

Just saying. WhatKayo Turner. Pretty much on the ball with that one! I'm very anti-agent because I've witnessed first hand the were these people doing when they got caught? I think if you are respectful, try not to cause hassle, avoid stupid - you probably will never get questioned.

@Stuart ********

I content with it. Perhaps I will regret it one day... But that isn't this day. I have been on dodgy visa for the past 6 years - glad of it too.

Shop around for bank managers. I had a tourist visa and was able to open a bank account.

Could set the place on fire see who complains the loudest.