Looks like some visa are just too dam complicated to try & get - especially if there is an alternative.
Thanks for sharing your personal experiences Sebastian. I certainly don't qualify but think this route would be a "port of last call" if I did....

They are very complicated, I am not an expert and the law is not even applied.
TIT. Seriously, this is not my field, I know the some police orders and some regulations but IT IS A MESS. Just look at TV and you can understand why people don't understand. Thousands of topics on a subject that should be clearly explained and applied everywhere in each Thai embassy and consulate. It is not.

In some cases, a foreigner OVER 50 y-o without the financial requirements, or under 50 y-o and not married, or under 50 y-o married and not being able to show 40K per month per couple, some creativity could be the only way!!!!!!!!
With money, you can go in Austalia, UK or USA and get a one year multiple entry easily. Without money, 50 y-o, some incomes or financial requirements, it's quite difficult. Maybe you need to try THAIWALEN.COM or become a journalist, if you don't have a medical condition!!!!! Or a perpetual tourist...

For the 12 years previous, I have got my Non O in Australia, effective 15 months. The people in Brisbane are a delight to deal with, competent, professional, friendly, approachable.
Supply a bit of back up documentation and photo, fill in the form and 15 mins later you have your nice newly minted Visa. One can only dream of the same service in Thailand or Laos.

The last time I was in Laos playing the waiting game, a pregnant Philo woman who was obviously in dire need, asked to use a toilet, she was told by the heartless uncaring staff there, there was none available.