What are the latest requirements and experiences for obtaining an Ed Visa and Tourist Visa in Thailand?

Just some info about Ed Visa run to Penang.

I emailed them to check If I needed proof of income, they sent back a check list and said no proof needed. But you do need a police check now.

One wk later, I handed in my Paperwork and they said "where is your proof of income". I said your consulate sent me a check list last week and said I didn't need one. But he wasnt interested and was quick to push my paperwork back to me. Luckily I had printed off a bank statement showing I had 20,000 in the bank, (just incase they rejected my app and I would have to get a Tourist Visa.) He was quite disappointed when i produced the proof of income.

Info about Tourist Visa.

My daughter had to get a tourist visa for the 3rd time as her school mucked up her paperwork twice.

They checked her paperwork and took her money, gave her her passport back the next day with her Visa in.

Customs at Don Muang refused her and after over an hour interrogation, they allowed her 30days after watching her book and pay for a flight back to the UK. So was Penang wrong to except her application?.

Another friend went to get her first Tourist Visa in hoi chi min. Again they accepted her app and took her money. When she went to pick up, the visa was in her passport but with void stamped all over it. She had also now got 30days left in Thailand.

Sorry for long post, but thought this info might help some people.