I flew into Thailand in January, was admitted on a 30 day visa. I stayed for 2 day on a 30 day visa, then went to Cambodia for 6 days, came back to Thailand, staying for 24 days all on the same 30 day visa and then came home to US.

Now my plan is to come back to Thailand around May 1 to study for a TESOL certificate. This will be a review course for me and to get a certificate. I taught ESL 20 years ago, have teaching experience plus a CA credential so I want to take my time to check out possible employers. With some travelling the total time for this trip is probably 40 days, then back to US. Then I want to come back to Thailand to work/start looking full time for teaching job by mid-August.

I know that you usually have to start work with a non immigrant visa but can't get that right away and usually start working (illegally) with a tourist visa...

Will I run into problems having been in Thailand 3 times in 6 months on a tourist visa already if I need to get renewal of the tourist visa before my work permit is granted?

And what type of visa should I get before I come over in May?

I was intending to get my visa at the Thai consulate in Los Angeles.

As of yet you have not had any Visas. You have stayed in Thailand for 26 days on Visa Exempt Entries.

The rule is a total of 90 days in a 6 month period using these entries.

Next time you will need some kind of proper Visa for a stay of 40 days as the airline may not let you on the flight.

Others will advise which Visa.

I suggest you apply for a Tourist visa, this will allow you to stay for 60 days

and explore the employment possibilities.

I suggest you apply for a Tourist visa, this will allow you to stay for 60 days

and explore the employment possibilities.

Sounds good to me. You can even extend this for another 30 days in Thailand.