Last month at Krabi Immigration my friend was not even allowed to show his 65k monthly international transfers into Bangkok Bank . They said 800k cash in the bank was the only method allowed if no Embassy Affidavit / Letter.
This was only a few days after Big Joke was canned. The Krabi Immigration Chief was also replaced at the same time. Plus only a week before he had a preliminary interview to see if what documents he had would work. He was told to come back in a week and what he had would be okay. I know this story is true as I had been working with him for a month helping him source and assemble his document/application packet. I do not know if anyone else has received the same denial
Last December, I went to Penang to get a Non Imm B / M as Managing Director of my own company. I had all documents needed and had planned on going myself to the Consulate. But woke up with an awful migraine headache. I went out into the hotel lobby, sat down - tried to do some last minute checking of the documents... Then I saw an Agent discussing a Visa situation with a lady. I immediately spoke to the Agent when he finished with the lady. I briefed him for 10 minutes turned over my docs and paid him. Then went back to bed and slept for 10 hours. I had not had a migraine headache for years. Must have been the long land travel. Bottomline - the Agents can be "The Ticket" when help is needed. Got my passport with Visa back the next afternoon.