What is the best visa option for an American visiting Thailand for three months, a 30-day visa waiver or a 60-day visa with extension?

An American visitor to Thailand for three months can choose between a 30-day visa exemption and applying for a 60-day tourist visa. Many commenters suggest obtaining a 60-day tourist visa through the eVisa site and then extending it by 30 days at a local immigration office. There's consensus that you cannot initiate a 60-day tourist visa extensions while in Thailand if entering on a 30-day exemption; doing so typically requires exiting the country. Thus, securing a 60-day visa prior to arrival and extending it afterward is generally viewed as the most straightforward approach.