I would def use agent if I had to do it Bangkok. Chiang Mai seems the easiest. They have a drive through window that you can walk up to or cycle up to as well. Passport and TM47 all that is needed. Is there an easier one?
Anonymous participant Having said that in Jomtien I got there just after 9am and I was in 2nd batch of 120 passports to be sent through. I was surprised.
I am pretty certain a French citizen can apply from France. Go on prove it wrong. I am a Thai resident. Before that Singapore and Belgium. Not been a UK resident since 2002 but I can apply in the UK for a DTV as a British passport holder.
Each embassy can set conditions locally and it looks like UAE want a local bank account. You can transfer and wait. Go back to Frsnce and apply there or apply in a country in South East Asia. Those seem to be the choices available.