it all depends on the applicant. My girlfriend had no problem getting a tourist visa for the USA. You just have to make sure you have a reason to return. They also like to see you have traveled before in your passport and have returned to Thailand.
Just did my report in Bangkok. I brought with me a copy of my TM30, passport info page, entry stamp page, my visa and passport. Fill out the TM47 form at immigration and you're good to go.
It depends on the embassy you apply at. I deposited the money from my business account to my personal account 2 days before I applied, and transferred it all back in 5 days when it was approved. That was at DC embassy in the US.