I have applied for Thailand visas, from Australia, twice. Both times was pre-covid so I am not sure my experience is applicable. However, from what I remember Thailand has a few Embassies in Australia and they each had different rules. Hence, if you don't like what one embassy tells you, go to the next.

Since covid I have applied for a few Thailand eVisas. I too am a US citizen. They're actually pretty flexible about the rule of where you can apply. You may want to contact the Thailand Embassy in the US.

I think you can get a 7 day emergency visa or you can do a border bounce.

If I had to choose between Bangkok or Pattaya's immigration office, I would choose Bangkok.

I had a laptop shipped to me by a friend, the insured value $1000. I had to pay 60%, I think. It was significant. It may have been different if my buddy re-wrapped the box so that it wasn't obvious that it was a new laptop.

Was that a question?

Really no reason you couldn't study English.. And it's an easy A.

Is (25K + 15K = 40K) fair?

It depends how you value your money and your time. If you have the time to go to immigration a few times and hang-out for day each time AND you want to save 40K, then this is NOT a good deal. However, if you have an extra 40K and you prefer as little hassle as possible, then this IS a good deal.

Here, they are Pattaya they are asking 10-15 to renew the retirement visa, but I am not really sure what that includes.

@Ian ****

I am mostly eligible for this visa except the company I work for is not public and therefore I am doubtful I will be able to get their financial documents. Is the company you work for private or public?

I would estimate that "Public Service Animals" is a trend that hasn't caught on here. I am not saying they are not useful but for many generations Westerners got along fine without public service animals and the Thai people still get along fine without them. I live next to a school for the blind and I haven't seen blind people with service dogs. That would be problematic given all the soi dogs (street dogs).

I had a buddy bring his pet dog from Korea so I know you can bring dogs with you. Also, it's possible to find a place to stay with a pet. Like any place, your options will be more limited.

I would love to have a dog but I hate the idea of my neighbors having noisy dogs. I am a condo owner and I imagine many condo owners feel the same way.. Hence, there will be few condos available for you to rent.. Probably townhouse and free-standing homes will be more accommodating.

Have you looked at bahtsold.com ? Its a website/market place that lists many things including home/condo for sale/rent. Being on the ground and shopping for stuff in person will better than online but at least bahtsold can help you get idea of the rental situation.

I notice they do that with water bottles also.