In Penang, for Non Immigrant B visa no criminal record nor outbound flight are required. Just paperworks from your accounting office.

If your work permit is in process, you can get a 90 day single entry non immigrant B visa, after that, when you got your work permit, you are able to get a 1 year multi entry visa.

Yes

no more

no agency can pick up the next morning anymore, it was possible till few months ago, new consulate chief changed the rules: pick up starts 2pm of the day after. for everybody.

Visa is about 1000-1500 baht (it depends on embassy). If you live in a city with embassy, can be better to get a tourist visa. Some people need to afford extra costs to reach the city where the embassy is based in.

And, when you enter with a tourist visa, border officers check your return ticket, your hotel booking (at least 2 weeks) and 20,000 cash

You don't need any visa:

Get a 30 day visa exempt stamp when you arrive, then you can get an extra 30 day extension at any Immigration office just paying 1,900 baht

For 600 baht you can buy a reservation for any flights, any dates. Just reservations, no flights.

But more than enough for Thai Consulates.

Pm if interested

Within 60 days is better. Some Consulates accept reservation within 90 days

Can get 7 day stamp without any problem at Samui Immigration (Maenam soi 1)

Where do you live?