Has anyone had any experience and success in applying for a LTR visa as a 'work from Thailand professional'? I'm looking at the process time line (as shown here) and can't figure out at what point you pay for your application, is it after you have been approved after your documents have been reviewed that you are eligible or right at the start of the application?

Also, is it easy enough to apply without an agency (I'm from the UK)? I'd like to hear people's experiences.