I received a notice in their line account saying they have resumed international transfers as of today. Looks legit but may be better to visit in person.

I guess it would depend on which Immigration office he needs to use. Many of the Immigration offices located in rural provinces are very efficient, so additional trips are not necessarily a problem. If applying for Non-O in a country other than that of citizenship, for instance bordering countries to Thailand, it may be easier and less expensive to enter visa exempt and then change to Non-O within two to three weeks of exempt stamp expiration. It's completely up to the individual which is easier for them. They offer the visa change service inside Thailand, so it is an option. People should not be made to believe they must apply outside of Thailand.

@Graham *****

Maybe he is looking to maximize his time in Thailand. It would make sense to enter visa exempt for 60 days, apply for 30 day extension and then change to Non-O once on the 30 day extension.

Check with the Immigration office. I extended one time for 60 days (visit family) on visa exempt entry. They would not give me the initial 30 day extension, after I had asked about the 60 day family extension. Only the one time 60 day visit family extension.