You need to apply via an embassy/consulate, which are located around the globe, but not in Thailand. There are Immigration offices in Thailand, but they can not issue this visa(however they can extend one’s stay on this visa from 180 to 360 days). You apply for the visa online via the embassy/consulate in which you are located physically . So if you are physically in Indonesia, you apply online via the Thai embassy in Jakarta. If you are in San Diego, you apply online via consulate in Los Angeles, etc.
I actually disagree with you as well. From the countless posts I have seen is they are more likely to be harsher with you if you try to enter multiple times “visa exempt”.