Re: Post #12 and no proof of income required at US Embassy for income statement, that is absolutely true; all you are doing is swearing before a US Government Official in their official capacity that the information you have supplied in the affidavit is true. Keeping in mind:

18 U.S. Code § 1001 - Statements or entries generally

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive,

legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully—

(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact;

(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or

(3) makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry;

-- shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years ...

so, there is only the double entry tourist visa, with a 60 day window, two trips over a border, and two $1,900 Baht fees, plus the visa fee, which was also $1,900 baht, so $4,700 Baht and a two trips,

It isnt the most welcoming but at least is doable,

for the long term tho, it has to be the retirement visa.

its still a pain, and life is still better, here.

thailand is thailand, am now thinking, Panama

I've dated a few Thai women. Nothing worked out long term but all were great relationships. The women were kind, honest and really fun. Much more sexually open than most Western women in my experience. One didn't make a lot of money and let me pay for things, but never just took cash from me or asked me to buy her things. The others had good jobs and often insisted we split checks, bought me clothes etc. There are plenty of great Thai women out there, and if you're not finding them, you probably need to look someplace else...... or possibly look in the mirror.