If you happen to get on the target list for fraudulent visas then how do you sleep at night knowing the next knock on your door could be immigration police?
The agencies do not comply with the immigration regulations ie funds in the bank etc.
Short term fix I agree but if you want to stay in Thailand long term you will leave yourself exposed for any clampdown by Immigration Police in fraudulent stamps
And before you say using an Agent
“How are they Fraudulent”
Simple Question
Did you have proof of the funds transferred from your home country
I entered Thailand in April with a 60 day T/R visa and got 2 extensions at the immigration office without leaving Thailand but then took a flight to Vietnam for a week and returned via Suvarnabhumi and almost got refused entry
It was only when a Supervisor got involved he authorised my 30 day exempt visa 🤔
As a post already stated they are getting tougher and I have 1st hand experience
I guess you prefer to pay a corrupt agent in Pattaya only to find when the Immigration Police come knocking on your door (and they will) you will get deported and spend the next 5 years in your crappy home country