The Thai embassy in London is known for having one of the fastest turnaround times, with a processing time of just 2-3 days. They're also quite lenient. Similarly, in Norway, it's sometimes possible to get an e-visa issued in just one day.

@Nongnuch *******

The person, of course, had to leave some time before the last extension expired, but this was to avoid a same-day border bounce, which we know some immigration officers are not particularly keen on.

There's no definitive answer, but we've seen reports of immigration officers causing issues for people who've already stayed for 180 days on a METV. It might be wise to spend a few days outside the country or hire a transport service to take you out and back. Previously, doing a third entry wasn't a problem, but practice have tightened up over time.

@Selena *******

As you are aware, there are no official guidelines on this matter, and the outcome rests entirely at the discretion of the immigration officer in front of you. Nevertheless, indications suggest that exceeding 90 days within 180, or six months within twelve, may readily result in complications. You make things much easier for yourself by getting a customized visa

In short, if you exhaust two consecutive visa exemptions or accumulate 180 days in the country without a visa within a short timeframe, you should anticipate being refused entry on your third attempt.

Legally, you're required to stay in the country of application throughout the visa process, including when the visa is issued electronically. Processing times are generally fast now. On the other hand, despite it not being fully legal, some applicants have successfully had their visas activated without issues despite traveling.

@Pete ******

It's relatively straightforward. The process is called Issuing and Changing Type of Visa. Here are the general requirements at the immigration office in Bangkok, but it's best to visit your local immigration office to get a handout of their specific requirements before applying. You'll need 15-21 days left on your stamp, depending on the location, and you'll apply on a TM.86 form if you're on a tourist visa or TM.87 if you're on a visa exemption. The fee is 2000 baht.

The Thai embassy in Madrid does not state a processing time, so I think you should contact them directly. Three weeks is generally quite a long time for a visa application to be processed.

@Max ************

I always stay at a hotel in Jomtien, and I consistently obtain a residence certificate on the basis of a TM.30 submitted by the hotel. On this basis, I have twice renewed my driver’s license and opened bank accounts, most recently in February of this year. Consequently, the example you refer to at the same immigration office cannot be regarded as indicative of general practice. If that were the case, I would not have been able to complete these procedures. I’ll put a line her anyway.