Mr Grumps

The "deputy" is actually the clerk who sits behind the window - same job (as is the Consul's job), just longer hours and better paid (a lot better for the new Vice Consul). New Vice Consul is Thai, Brit husband with friends at the Embassy, and works for a Pattaya visa agency - just a teensy bit of a conflict of interest there, but I doubt if her present employers will be too upset.

Same day - apply in the morning, collect 1 PM.