6 month multi-entry tourist visa: I am looking at the paperwork for the visa and am wondering about a few questions:

* it asks for an intended date of exit. We are actually planning to re-enter in the last week of the visa validity so we get an extra 60 days from there as per the visa terms. Should I still put our exit date within the 6 months from entry so that it is granted in the first place? Or does it not matter when I put the exit date?

* It asks for a sponsor on the application form. We don't have a sponsor (we are just a family who will be staying on an extended holiday) but we do have a friend who lives in Thailand permanently, should we put him down as the sponsor?

* Also do you know how quickly the visa is granted? I know the 6 months start from when it is granted and not from when you first enter thailand so would like to maximise our time and not apply too early, if that makes sense.

Any help appreciated, thanks!