The time it takes in different countries changes weekly. What was fast last week could be the slowest this week. No matter how slow it is the best place to apply is in your passport country.
You can qualify, as most people do, by working remotely for different companies in different countries. It doesn't need to be your company in your country.
You have been identified as someone trying to stay long term in Thailand on tourist entries. That is in the computer system now. Remember that buying a tourist visa instead of using a visa exempt entry does not guarantee you will be let into the country. Chances are very good that if you try to enter again as a tourist, whether you buy a 60 day tourist visa, or not, you will be refused entry. They warned you, and their computer system is excellent.
Currently there are no requirements that you even attend the courses you signed up for. This will change in the future, as the abuse is identified, but it won't affect you for five years, unless you decide to extend the 180 day entry inside Thailand.