From my limited experience of my wife and I having received a COE.
First they give you a spot on a repatriation flight. You then pay for the flight, show evidence of payment for ASQ and Medical Insurance covering Covid for not less than 100k usd.
Then they’ll issue you a COE. Have they given you a spot on a flight as yet?
The embassy in Australia required a letter of invitation written by my wife (in Thai) explaining our situation, relationship and why I should be allowed into Thailand during the current lock down.
good luck mate! If you can wait, I’m sure it will all become simpler as time goes on.
I would only book on flights approved by your embassy as everything else will most likely get cancelled and you’ll be left with more and more flight vouchers
I ran into this same issue. Booking accomodation (ASQ) is fine as they will provide free cancellation at least at Siam Mandarina where we are staying right now.
As for flights, I wasn’t sure so now I’ve ended up with a Thai Airways voucher valid until end of 2022 because I booked a flight, then turned it into a credit voucher once I got approved for ally flight.
As for the VISA. It took about 45 minutes in Melbourne to get the VISA. Organised an appointment and took everything in. They checked over it, we went and waited in the car outside until it was ready.
12 month multi entry type O spouse visa. Not sure if you can get the same from UK?