APPROVED! Applied under the soft power category (6-month cooking course) at the Thai Embassy in Singapore.

I found the information on this page quite useful when preparing for my application so sharing my experience for the benefit of others (esp. anyone thinking of applying in Singapore).

25 Oct - Submitted my application

27 Oct - Embassy called to request for further information namely to remove the watermark from the school enrolment documents and to submit my proof of accommodation in Thailand (no airbnb allowed). Submitted the documents on the same day. Status changed to "pending approval".

3 Nov - Approved!

I had initially consulted with a visa agent who advised me to apply in the Philippines, Laos or Indonesia or if in Singapore then under the Muay Thai category which they seemed to think had a higher success rate. This didn't make sense to me at all so I decided to do it myself.

The process was quick, easy and stress-free.

Hope this helps someone, good luck!