No different. You pay unless you have medical insurance

I heard of a German man being prosecuted for painting fence on his house without work permit

I think it's crazy to require work permit for volunteering, but this is Thailand , so don't expect anything logical

immigration in Rayong told me to keep it in the bank until I get the extension stamped in the passport.

better not. Wait until you get your extension.You never know

What is the point of giving advice if you don't know?

Sorry, Tod, I did not known that you are helping with this

To apply for your visa extension based on marriage to a Thai national, you need to prepare and submit the following:

Application form T.M. 7

1 photograph (4x6cm)

Copy of passport, especially Non-Immigrant visa and TM6 arrival/departure card

Visa extension fee 1900 THB

Copy of your marriage certificate (if married in another country, a letter of evidence is required from your embassy as well)

Copy of Kor Ror 2 (marriage registration or long tabian) from amphoe office, dated not older than 6 months from issue of copy

Children’s birth certificates (if applicable)

Copy of spouse’s house registration

Copy of spouse’s identity card

Proof of combined income of 40,000THB or over for the previous 3 months (income tax records PDN1. forms, pension documentation, proof of income through investments, work permit, etc.

Outside of Bangkok, it is often require to prepare 2 COPIES of every required document and photos. Ensure that all copies are signed in ink prior to submittal. This list is what most Immigration offices ask for, however officials are able to ask for further proof of the marriage at their discretion. Therefore, the following should also be prepared in case they are requested:

Map to your home in Thailand

Picture of your house and yourself with family, both inside and outside showing the house number

Don't know what you are asking for

55 000 is plenty to live on. Lots of us live on a lot less