What are my options for transitioning from an ED visa to an OA visa while in Thailand?

I am currently on a ED visa in Bangkok with my next 90 day report due 09/17 along with expiration date of 09/26 (it is renewable until next year with appropriate steps). I'm + 50 with all the necessary requirements and will travel back to Los Angeles (USA passport) to obtain my OA in Feburary 2020 (I want the OA vs the O for now). I got the ED visa as it allows me to learn Thai as well. As with many things, plans change. I need to be more flexible with travel both inside Thailand and neighboring countries and it's just not feasable to do this while attending school full time which you need to do if you are going to learn and I don't want to abuse the system. Ive researched in the archives here and I think my best bets are to just travel back to L.A. early (expensive and still a must in feb 2020) for the O.A. Visa or, get a tourist visa 60 day + 30 and then bounce on the 30 day exempt until I leave in Feburary for the O.A.. I know there are no gurantees however I don't have extensive Visa/etc in my passport and last entry was at Nong Khai in Dec 2018 when I got my ED visa in Vientiane. Thanks in advance.