I just arrived in Chiang Mai and have the 30 day visa you get at the boarder. US passport. I would like to stay for 1 year. I am a writer and do not plan to work in Thailand. Can prove ability to support myself without working in Thailand. Have rented a house and have documentation. I am taking Thai, but with a private instructor so I am not sure that an embassy would issue a non-immigrant ED visa. I have a letter from my teacher but since it is not a formal school would an embassy accept that? Or is there another visa option? Thanks for any help!! I plan to go to KL next week....or is there another embassy that I have a better chance at getting a visa?

Probably off topic ... but what do you write exactly about when you write 'border' as 'boarder' and are a native English speaker?

Getting a ED visa requires more than just a letter from your teacher ..... You can do (3 x 30) 90 days border runs (within the first 180 days), go to Laos and get a double entry ... then you'll covered for at least 270 days or so ...