bro johnny, Will response to 2 posts. For retirement VISA, you need to show proof of THB 800,000 in a Thai Bank. Must also be at least 3 months in the bank. Alternatively, you can show proof you are receiving pension of about USD 2,000 per month. One loophole, is to use the education visa. This can be extended up to 10 years.
For accomodation, high end condos (THB 15,000 - THB 40,000/mth) are primarily for Ang Mo and rich Thai group. I used to stay in such condos under ex-company expense. Now I am staying in a 35 sqm studio apartment which is only THB 5000/mth (Consider quite good to Thais). Plus cable TV, electric/water and Internet, total is less than THB 6500/mth. Other expense include food (usually less than THB 6000 /mth) as I cooked most of the time. Petrol for motorcycle is THB 100 (100 km) per week. Stop driving car/pickup as I do not have any need and so rented them out for additional income. If I quit smoking and drinking, think I can further reduce by THB 3000. Prefer my apartment as it is qiuiet and safe place with security guard.
If you are adventurous enough, you can stay in the Thais only apartments (THB 2,000 to THB 3,000). Only difference is the location and the tenants. Most tenants are earning below THB 10,000 stay such appointments. Usually 2-3 of them share 1 apartment. Can be quite rowdy at such entry level apartments. But such places are the places you can learn most about Thai culture and people.
Now post no. 2, regarding the snipping of manhood, the last time it happened in Pattaya was about 1 year ago. Was a Belgium who flirt around (Zhou Choo) and got caught. There goes his birdy. Yes, Thai woman can be very understanding and caring but this also means they can get extremely jealous. Another thing to note is if the woman is from the country side, chances is you are part of their family. If someone bully you, the whole family, including the village with come with you. However, you are also expected to do the same when other family members got bullied. This is very Issarn (North East) style.