Quite a easy process Michael, you will also have a small interview in the Thai language, but if you can speak and understand a decent bit of Thai, not a problem, nothing too in depth.
yes exactly which the Non O visa based on marriage to a Thai National is once you have extended it for 3 consecutive years, plus you also need to gather all the other documents plus application fee is 7,500 baht and once approved the fee is just over 95,000 baht but only if you are married to a Thai other reasons the approval fee is double.
yes it was explained by the official from the MFA, but unfortunately it will be how the immigration officer will interpret it, as the MFA doesn't control immigration that comes under the Ministry of the Interior, besides nobody will actually know until mid January when the first applicants 180 days will expire.
exactly right Colin, I keep multiple copies of things to make sure I have everything in order for my yearly extension, so when the time comes around again you basically only need to do a few things. That is why I said it’s easy if you are organized and prepared.