40k visas with agents are NOT legal, they are illegal but legit. This is an important nuance. These visas are done by IO's, with valid stamp, and you are put in the system like everyone else, but it is not legal by definition.
Dodgy visa with an agent is done by IO's and legit, I know people who have been using Thai Visa Agent for 10 years, never an issue. It's illegal, but you get the same visa as everyone else who apply legally, you are in the computer like everyone else.
Well, I'm just saying that this is totally expected if you have a decent following and try to make higher up losing face (even if it's informational and truthful). So I agree with Steven that if the goal is to stay in Thailand forever, this is not the best thing he could have done. Avoiding certain topics is key in a non-Democratic country. Personally, i'm done after September 26.