How can my friend extend her 30-day visa exemption in Thailand before applying for an education visa?

Your friend should apply for the visa extension after arriving in Thailand at a local immigration office, as extensions cannot be done prior to entry. While a Tourist Visa allows for an initial 60 days with the possibility of extending for an additional 30 days, she will need to start the process once in the country. It's noteworthy that conflicting information was provided regarding whether to apply before or after arrival; however, the official process requires her to be present in Thailand to extend her stay.