Mostly all small operators and you take your chance. The jet ski scam has been running for years, i first came to Thailand in 1985 working on QE2 and one of my fellow engineers got done for a lot of money. All police and ships security involved.
Me and wife check with her account in thailand and mine registered in UK. Usually the same but results can go either way benifitting Thais or Foriegners. Wife used to work for agoda she did explain it but went in one ear and out the other.
yes thats what i am planning just waiting to hear from my bosses work schdule. I do repars so no regular rotations so even more difficult, as least you probably know your dates
I am same as you (offshore angola at moment) easiest way is savanakhet, problem is now with online appointment thing you have to really plan ahead as supposedly booked up for two months in advance.
not an issue with extensions, i been red flagged and pulled over at airport before and never an issue with extensions. Its actually different immigration departments the in country ones and border control