While Bangkok certainly does have great malls, hotels, restaurants & Thailand has some amazing resorts & beaches ..... don't forget top 3 for road accidents.
If people want to continue wearing a mask then what's the problem? It's up to them. It doesn't affect you. I'll continue to wear on the BTS/MRT for now.
Check out 'UK passport renewal in Bangkok' by ajarn.com. Very useful info.
I got a bank statement from Bangkok Bank recently showing address in English. It's accepted by VFS.
If you are in Thailand you make the application in person at VFS in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. You have to make an appointment first. You then collect the new passport yourself when it arrives. (Someone can collect on your behalf)