He can go to savannakhet to apply for the 1 year multi entry non-o based on marriage. It costs 5000 baht (+entry into Laos), and there is no financial requirements. With that visa he can enter Thailand as many times as he wants during 1 year, and each entry gives him 90 days of stay. That means he can stay around 15 months in Thailand with that visa, without visiting immigration ever. It's not really what you asked, but it's an option that not everyone knows about

Did the embassy require the presence of your spouse ?

If you don't mind paying a bit extra, you can use fatboy in Bangkok, or TikTok services or mots in Pattaya. You can renew your license with their help in less than a week. There are probably other agencies that I don't know of as well. Definitely possible without having done a 90 days report

@Shin ********

if you choose to go to savannakhet, be aware that there were reports of people getting denied the visa if they did the trip alone without their spouse. I think it's a new requirements that both spouses show up at the consulate.

In Sadao, I believe you can pay around 1000 baht to the officer just outside of the office (the one who gives out the TM6 form), to be able to re-enter on the same day

What happened when they didn't let you re enter ? Did they stamp a refusal in your passport?

@Grant ******

that's the reason an agent is needed

@Ellie ******

say someone applies for the initial non-o in a province that doesn't require international transfer. Will it be an issue for further extensions if that person moves to a province that requires it ?

You will be studying for the full 4 years, so I'd put the date when you complete the degree

You can apply for Laos e-visa in advance. It's cheaper than visa on arrival, and you can save lots of time at the border