[kevin]

Hi
1. How about recommend area to stay for expats: Sukhumvit, Sathorn, Ploenchit area (Wireless road), Silom. Those are the area for foreigners to live easier. There are plenty of English book shops, grocery stores with westerner foods, import wines, and etc. Easily commute by BTS (Sky Train) & MRT (underground train).
2. I know only foreigners with Business Visa can do it. But in your case, I m not so sure.
3. If you don't have work permit, then you need to come by tourist visa which allow only 3 months stay. Normally, foreigners will go to Kuala Lumpur to stamp reentry visa to come back for another 3 months in Thailand.
Hope I can help a bit.
Thanks
Kevin