Apply for the non O on the Thai E-visa website, before coming to Thailand, that way you won't have any problems crossing through at immigration, you can also open a bank account on a non O, you can't on a visa exempt stamp, some immigration offices won't issue the initial in the country non O, and will advise you to visit an Thai embassy in a neighbouring country, doing as others have suggested will be a lot cheaper, than paying for fast track safe entry, and doing the whole process with an agent, buying return tickets is also not necessary.

Yes agents or immigration, can sometimes keep hold of your passport, for a few days waiting for approval and stamps, but only use an office based, reputable recommended agent.

@Jesper ******

if you are thinking about using a different immigration office, you would need to get a list of requirements, for the initial 90 Non O, and the 12 month extension, for instance chonburi immigration, you need to season the financial requirements, "before" applying for the initial 90 day Non O, with other immigration offices, you only need the money seasoned before applying for the 12 month extension, plus chonburi require a rental contract, you can't just use a TM30 from a 2 night stay in a hotel.

@Galen ******

yes you need a re-entry permit, for any visa that is not multiple entries, if that's what you are trying to say 🤔

@Jesper ******

you need to use the immigration office, which serves where you are permanently living, if you want to use another immigration office, you need to change address/residency, so would probably be too difficult, or not possible, the preferred way seems to be, to just visit a neighbouring country for a few days, and get the initial 90 day Non O, from a Thai consulate/embassy, and return to Thailand, and later do the 12 month extension, at your local immigration office.

@Jack *******

I didn't say Hua Hin doesn't issue the initial 90 day Non O, I said to check with his local immigration office, because not every immigration office in Thailand, will issue the initial 90 Non O, I'm not familiar with every immigration office in Thailand, it's probably best to mention it anyway, because not everyone is aware of the fact.

@John *********

it's probably best to add that he needs to check with his local immigration, if they will issue the initial 90 day Non O, if that's his preferred option.

@Jesper ******

assuming his local immigration office, will issue the initial Non O, some won't do it, and you are told, to apply to a consulate/embassy in a neighbouring country, that's why it's advised to apply in your home country, before travelling to Thailand.

@Galen ******

just to add to what you stated with the METV, each 60 day entry, can be extended by 30 days at your local immigration office, and if you do a border bounce, just before the expiry of the visa, you can get between 8 and 9 months out of it.

@John ******

you don't need a re-entry permit, for an METV (multiple entry tourist visa)